Page 65 of Cruel Knots

The blanket of warmth is no longer around me, causing me to jerk awake. Lying on a cot, I look around wildly, unable to recognize my surroundings. A moment later, I realize I’m back in my room.

Sitting up slowly, I look toward the closed door. The slightest movement makes me ache all over. My body feels so exhausted, that I can barely move. A familiar scent wafts into my nostrils, making me notice the overlarge shirt I’m wearing.

I can’t believe I fell asleep in Damien’s arms like a child. How could I feel safe enough to doze off like that?

The door to the bathroom opens. Looking that way, I spot Damien walking out with a basin in his hands.

Coming over to the bed, he places the basin on the edge of the bed. Steam wafts from the water’s surface. The scent of lavender spreads in the air, calming me immediately.

He dips a towel into the hot, steaming water, wrings it out, and slides the warm cloth over my knees. Next, he wipes over both the soles of my feet, cleaning up the matted dirt and blood there.

Closing my eyes, I revel in his gentleness. Damien’s gesture soothes my nerves, relaxing me completely.

Dipping the cloth back into the water, he rinses it before wringing it out again. He parts my thighs and wipes between them, effectively cleaning up the mess sticking there.

My cheeks heat up at the gesture.

Damien’s gentleness is a stark contrast to the way he invaded me in the woods. He’d been a beast then, uncaring about my protests and struggles.

He’s still bare-chested, allowing me a glimpse of his well-defined pecs and the tattoos that adorn his torso. The room is cold but he lets me keep his shirt.

I stare at his heavily scarred face. Someone gentle and kind lurks behind that cursed mask. The young man I once fell in love with is there too.

Pressing on my shoulders, he makes me lie back on the pillow. The warm towel now slides between my pussy lips.

My cheeks burn. A moan escapes me as I struggle not to respond to him. I’m sure he notices my reaction but stays silent.

When he’s done, he gets to his feet and picks up the basin of water. Glancing down at me, he adds, “Stay here.”

“Wait,” I say at once, clutching his trousers.

He raises his brows.

“There’s so much I want to ask about,” I say. “Don’t you think I deserve some answers after everything you’ve made me go through?”

“Your questions can wait,” he says in a deep, gruff voice. “Stay where you are. I’ll be right back.” He walks away despite me trying to hold him back.

Lying on the pillow, I let my tears flow. Lilja’s betrayal stings. There’s no way he’d have caught me so easily without her telling him.

Helplessness seeps into me. No one can help me escape Damien and his brothers. I’m sure Callum won’t give up trying to get me back but I’d rather be dead than be handed over to him.

My mind strays to the moments Damien held me down forcibly and thrust into me. My body had never felt so alive. The mix of pain, pleasure, and humiliation was like a drug that erased every thought from my head.

I hate the man but love the way he uses and abuses my body for his pleasure. My feelings and emotions are starting to scare me. I can’t let them get me chained to these men who have nothing but hate for me.

A click sounds at the door and next moment, Damien walks inside with a tray in his hands. Sitting up straighter, I wait as he moves toward me.

When he comes closer, I see he’s brought me food. The warm aromas wafting into my nostrils make my stomach groan loudly.

“Eat,” he says, setting the tray before me.

I eye the big bowl of stew, slabs of bread, and a plate of salad topped with chunks of salmon and boiled eggs. My mouth waters at the sight.

I glance at Damien, wondering if this is another cruel prank he’s devised to torture me. Will he allow me to eat more than a bite of this delicious-looking meal? Will he snatch the tray away, leaving me hungrier than I already felt? Is the food even safe to consume?

“I haven’t poisoned it,” he says.

My head whips up. His gaze pierces through me, easily discerning the thoughts in my mind.

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