Page 10 of Master of My Life

Ethan continued to rock her and Jayson stroked her hair. After a few more minutes, she let out a

shiver and relaxed against Ethan.

Jayson’s hand was gentle. Ethan’s chest was hard and smooth, and he smelled good.

She closed her eyes and leaned into Ethan’s chest. Her body grew hot, and she fidgeted in his lap.

No! How can I possibly be aroused after that nightmare? What is wrong with me?

“I’m okay now,” she said in a huskier voice than intended, pushing herself away from Ethan. She

crawled back under the covers and clenched her shaking hands. They need to leave. Now.

Ethan squeezed her leg and stood. “Let me know if you need anything.”

“I will.” She hugged her pillow to her chest and trembled.

3

F RIDAY NIGHT , S ABRINA STOOD IN HER ROBE, STARING AT THE SLINKY BLACK DRESS HANGING ON HER

closet door.

She had agreed to go to the Gathering. For Chase. For their future relationship. She had to go.

What am I afraid of?

The Immortal part of her looked forward to it. The human part of her wanted to hide under the

bed.

It had been exactly one month since she’d visited the Manor with Richard. He’d become her

Master to protect her and give her time to make her choices. That was also the day Theo had told her

she needed to accept the Immortal part of her.

Accept that she wasn’t normal.

Accept her past.

Accept her nature.

But how could she accept something she detested? How could anyone accept something so

shameful, so repulsive? She wanted to be normal. Why was that too much to ask?

She sat down on her bed and stared at the wooden floor.

Trapped.

Trapped in a life—an existence—she didn’t want.

Chase was under the thumb of The Brotherhood. Why didn’t he feel trapped?

He had a career, but so did she. He hadn’t been abused for years, but he’d gotten injured and

couldn’t fulfill his dream of being a Green Beret. He’d adjusted to the unexpected life events. He was

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