Page 101 of Caged

I love Elena too much to let her daddy risk his life for me.

I’m not worth saving. I have my seven minutes.

“Tell me. It’s my father, after all.” He grimaces, like it leaves a sour taste in his mouth.

When I grab my jacket, the heavy weight in the pocket stops me.

“Nikolai, do you still have the drive?” I swallow, taking a chance there might be an ounce of caring for me in there.

“Why?” he asks warily.

“I’ll give you these in exchange.” Pulling the velvet bag from my coat, I hold it out to him.

His eyes narrow. “Is that what I think it is?”

I nod, biting my lip. I’m sealing my fate by giving these to him, but at least I’ll be dying for something I love.

He growls and stalks forward, grabbing my chin. “What did I tell you about biting that damn lip?”

I knew he still cared.

“Why are you giving these to me?” With his other hand, he takes the pouch, but he holds my face tilted toward his.

“It’s…complicated.” I’ve already told him too much.

His fingers slide to my throat before he pushes me against the wall. “How close to death do I need to fuck you before you tell me the truth?” His hot breath fans over my cheeks as he digs his hard dick into my hip.

“The next time you see me,” I squeak past the pressure on my neck. “You can suffocate me with your cock until I die, and then pound my ass to bring me back from the gates of hell. Promise.” I don’t expect to live past tomorrow.

“And, what if I want to do that tonight?” His teeth find the soft skin below my ear, and he nips me, hard enough for me to feel the desire pooling in my panties.

“Then I guess I take my secrets to the grave.”

He backs up, staring at my mouth.

“Why do you make this so difficult?” he breathes. “I want you to give in. Tell me.” His grip tightens. “Let me fucking love you again,” he grits through his clenched jaw.

He holds my gaze for what feels like hours before he lets go and leaves.

Standing there, I feel…empty.

When he comes back, the bag is gone from his hand, but he hands me the USB drive.

“I don’t know why this is so important. There was a moment when I thought we could be happy.”

He leans against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. “There was a time when I thought you loved me, too.”

He doesn’t move when I close the gap to press my lips against his.

I only pull away when he reaches out to touch me.

Tears fight to gain hold. “I didn’t want to love you. I thought I couldn’t love. I’m not real, Nikolai. Forget me. I won’t be around for long anyway.”

Before he can say anything to stop me, I turn, step up onto the toilet, and jump out the window.

FORTY-FOUR

NIKOLAI

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