Page 102 of HateMates

I rest my head against his chest as his hand works me, thrusting through my slick heat. He knows exactly what I like. His cock is hard and angry, begging to replace his fingers. “I want you to really wake me up, Tate. Wake me up the way I need to be.” His thrusts become brutal as he pumps in and out of me. A sharp gasp leaves my lips as his hand disappears, and my panties are ripped. His breath skates along the shell of my ear. “Is this what you want, love?”

His pet name causes me to jerk. “What?”

“I won’t leave you. He left you. But not me.” I try to move, but he holds me in place. “He left you, Mindy. So I could have you—”

I’m jolted awake, feeling breathless, and clutching my stomach. Bile races up my throat, and I vomit. Sweat drips into my eyes. The sour stench and dream trigger another round of dry heaves. When my stomach finally calms, I scan the room, unsure if it’s night or day. My mouth burns, and I’m so thirsty. My shoulders bob, and tears wet my cheeks. Disgust fills my veins. I can still feel his hands on me. Violating me. “It was just a dream. It wasn’t real,” I cry.

But it doesn’t take away the shame. My stomach tries to revolt again, but I breathe through the nausea. Anger settles in my chest. Why did he have to turn his back on me? I made a little mistake. But he promised to protect me. Vowed no one would hurt me. Then he let his stupid macho pride get in the way.

He didn’t even give me a chance to explain.

A scream erupts up my throat. It feels good. So good, I scream until there’s nothing left in me and don’t notice when Vince walks in and sits on the bed.

“Here. Take a sip.” I gaze down at the glass of water he’s offering. I want to grab it and inhale it so bad, but it’s probably a trick. I shake my head. “It’s safe. Drink.” The condensation from the glass makes my stomach churn. I grab the glass. It sloshes, and I cry at the loss of liquid, putting it to my lips. “Easy now. Only a few sips.”

I gulp down three swallows when he pulls the glass away. “More. I need more—”

“You will earn more. It’s time to shower. You have vomit on yourself.”

“I need water.” My plea is barely above a whisper. He grips my upper arms and guides me to stand. I don’t have the energy to argue and allow him to lead me to the bathroom. To my surprise, my cuff is already off.

“A shower will make you feel better. Put things in perspective.” A shower does sound nice. Warm water to wash away this nightmare. I stand as he turns on the tap. Placing a towel on the hook, he turns to me. “Undress.”

“Now?”

“Yes, love. There isn’t anything I haven’t seen.”

“I’m not taking off my—”

His hand thrusts forward, clutching my throat. My back hits the wall as he pushes me against it. “You’ve done much worse withhim. You will undress and get in that shower.”

I don’t fight the tears. They don’t faze him. If I’m being honest, I think he enjoys them. I want to defy him, but it’s a chance for more water. And I’m in desperate need. Slowly, he releases my neck. My hands shake so badly, I struggle to lift my top. I choke on a sob as I bring it over my head and drop it to the floor. I leave my bra on and work off my yoga pants, praying he allows me to shower as is. That wish is short-lived when he stops me from entering the shower.

“All of it, love.”

Fear mixed with defeat rushes through me. I want to fight, but I’m so tired. My eyes close, and I lose myself in a memory. One that’s colorful and happy. Retreating inside myself, I block out that I’m standing in the bathroom in front of a monster and slide off my bra and underwear.

I walk into the shower and groan at the feel against my skin. My tears mix with the spray, and I allow it to hit my face, then wet my hair and body. I open my mouth, letting the water soak my tongue without swallowing. “You’re so beautiful like this.”

I gasp and jerk back as his voice cuts through the silence, shattering the imaginary world I’ve thrown myself into. “Shhh… don’t be scared. I love you like this. It reminds me of all the times I’ve watched you. Your movies. God, I’ve wanted you for so long. I can’t believe you’re finally here.”

Squeezing a dollop of body wash onto a loofah, he hands it to me. “Wash now.”

A ripple of unease races up my spine at his eyes lingering on my exposed flesh. The thought of him touching me… I turn toward the wall, slowly brushing the sponge up and down my arms. The loofah is like sandpaper over my belly. My hands shake, and I drop it.

“It’s okay. Let me get—”

“I’m ready to get out,” I whisper.

“Yes, of course.” He grabs the towel without question, and I shut my mind down and walk out, allowing him to cover me. “I have a surprise for you.”

Despair pumps through my veins. “What kind of surprise?” I ask. He stares at me, his easy-going smile in place. A facade. Because a monster is hiding underneath.

“You’ll see. Let’s get you dressed.”

I swallow my nerves and walk, ready to run or fight at any moment. He allows me to dress in sweatpants and a tank top, then walks us down the hall to another room. The closer we get, the more my fear intensifies. This doesn’t seem right. A single terrifying thought starts to play on repeat in my mind. He’s not going to kill me. He’s going to rape me.Fuck!I can’t catch my breath.Calm down, Mindy.I need to think clearly, but my heart hammers inside my chest. “Where are you taking me?” I ask, unable to conceal the panic in my voice.

“It’s a surprise.”

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