Page 26 of These Deadly Vows

“You don’t sound fine.”

Like he really cares. I know my husband sure as hell doesn’t.

“I said I’m good.”

“If you need anything, I’ll be downstairs.”

“I won’t.” I wait for the sound of his boots moving away before I return to the bathroom.

I’m too tired for another shower, but I force myself to urinate and brush my teeth. Luckily, there’s a spare brush in one of the drawers that hasn’t been opened.

I’m too exhausted to care if the sheets are clean as I flop down on the bed and yank the covers up my naked torso. I curl up in the fetal position and beg sleep to claim me as I close my eyes. I toss and turn, trying to escape the thoughts of my father.

Unable to get comfortable, I find my focus shifting to Ghost and wondering where he is.

Is he with that skank? Sleeping in her bed?

Part of me wishes he is while the rest of me stings with jealousy at the idea. He rejected me as soon as he got what he wanted. Cast me back to the tower only there’s no white knight scaling the walls to save me.

My husband will likely kill me when he learns the truth.

I’m not able to perform the one duty, the one thing he needs to gain control of my father’s assets.

The soreness from his taking my virginity sets in. The ache between my legs is nearly unbearable. I throw the blanket back and trudge to the bathroom, hoping to find pain relievers, but a quick search of the drawers leaves me empty-handed. There’s no choice except to go downstairs if I want any relief.

Although I hate doing so, I put on one of Ghost’s tees. The stupid thing hangs to my knees like a freaking tent. A reminder that I can’t escape him. He’s all around me.

Downstairs it’s dark. I don’t see Axe, but that doesn’t mean I’m alone. Ghost won’t leave me unguarded. At least not until he gets what he wants. Which in my case will be never.

I find my way to the kitchen and check the cabinet by the sink for pain relievers, finding none. Since I’m here, I grab a glass and fill it with water, although liquor would be more fitting. I’m not sure that would be the best idea.

There’s some fruit cut up, so I help myself to some slices of melon and strawberries. Even though eating is the last thing I want to do right now, I need to put something back on my stomach.

Taking a seat at the breakfast bar, relishing in the silence. In my aloneness. I pop a strawberry into my mouth, not caring that the juice dribbles down my chin and onto the counter.

“Can’t sleep?” I jerk at the sound of Axe’s voice as he steps into the light of the kitchen.

“How long have you been standing there? Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s rude to sneak up on someone?”

He flashes me a smile and goes to the other side of the counter. An unwanted intrusion.

“That wasn’t an invitation,” I snap.

His response is to smile wider and steal a strawberry from my plate.

“Get your own.”

“Just wanted a taste.”

I ignore his innuendo laced response.

“Rough night,” he hedges.

I snort. “What would you know about it?”

He lifts a shoulder. “A little or a lot, depending on how you look at it.”

“And?”

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