Page 108 of Dare To Break

Lacy glances up from where she’s perched on the end of her bed, texting. “Shout if you feel faint or sick.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine.” I walk into the bathroom, close the door and lock it.

I start the bath running and add plenty of bubble bath. While the tub fills with water, I turn on the phone and click on the link that takes me to the cloud. The photos of me are there, just as he promised. My relief is sharp when I see he’s left my face out of focus.

Is that really me?

There’s a feminine form spread out on top of the coffin. My naked body is on display for him to see, and the thought sends a dart of something dark and forbidden right through me. I can see the glistening moisture of arousal between my spread legs and the taut peaks of my nipples.

He did that to me. Got my body excited. Got me excited.

I remember the way his mouth had felt. His lapping tongue sent darts of pleasure through me. I bite my lip, staring at the image, the insidious needy thrum reawakening inside me.

For one brief moment, I hadn’t played by the rules. I wasn’t the girl who kept her head down and worked hard. I did something different. Something daring. I deviated from the path of study and hard work. I chose the thrill of doing something I wasn’t supposed to.

I took a risk.

I liked it.

Do I really have the courage to face him again?

Chapter 70

Eli

“So, you’re going to paint the mural?” Lacy’s fingers cling to the notebook she’s holding.

“That was the deal.” I hold out my hand. “Is that it?”

“Why do you want it?”

“None of your business. Do you want the mural or not?” The question hangs between us, and I wonder, for a second, whether she’s developing a conscience. But then she shrugs and slaps the book onto my palm.

“I do. I know who she is to you, you know.”

I go still, and slowly lift my gaze to meet hers.

“What is there to know?”

Has she seen me going out after curfew? Has Arabella told her what she’s been doing, and Lacy figured it out?

“She’s your sister.”

The tension in my spine relaxes. “Stepsister.”

“Same thing.”

“No, not really.” If I had a real sister, there is no fucking way I’d even think about the things I want to do to Arabella.

“Is that why you hate her? Has daddy put her in his will, halving your inheritance?”

I snort. “I hate everyone, Lacy. Haven’t you noticed that?”

“You don’t hate me.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Really?”

“No way. Your dick doesn’t lie, Eli.”

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