Page 17 of Sacrifice

He’s one lucky bastard and I’m here pining for just an ounce of Aribella’s attention. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to let her have the damn moment. She has to understand this is a privilege, and her cat isn’t free.

Yup, this is definitely the green monster coming out. I watch as she twirls around, gasping as she reads the spines of the books in front of her.

“Aribella, you aren’t getting Espresso, so he won’t be enjoying this room with you.”

The light in her eyes dies, and the smile on her face dims instantly. I have to be a bastard, don’t I? It could have been easyto get her pet to let him be with her. Fuck me, I’m a jealous prick and I’m determined to show her who’s in charge.

As she walks to the door, I see the tears pooling in her eyes and the hurt I’ve caused. Damn it, why do I care? I’ve always been a cold-hearted son of a bitch, but I can’t stand how Aribella is looking at me.

“Where the fuck do you think you are going?”

Her pretty, sad eyes look over my face and I see the tears dripping over her lower lashes. “I think it would be wise if I went to bed. That way I—”

As much as I don’t like her being hurt, my jealousy shows its ugly head.

“—I don’t recall approving you to go to bed,” I cut her off. Aribella tempts me, especially when she’s being disobedient.

Before she can react, I plunge my hands into her newly short hair and kiss those pouty lips. We mesh well, and when she’s not fighting me, it’s a gorgeous ballet we dance. Our tongues fight with one another as I try to conquermi reina. She fights me, trying to pull away, but I hold on to her.

Relaxing my mouth on hers, I give her a peck and I feel the switch in her body. Aribella goes soft and gives me a tiny moan. Her hands run up my stomach and I deepen the kiss. My tongue coaxes hers to play. It must be too much, because she pushes me away and bolts toward the door.

The laughter bubbles up inside of me, taking over. Damn, she’s driving me insane. “You’ll break soon enough,mi reina.” I call out to her while I watch that curvy ass of hers climb the stairs.

Deciding to let her have this small victory, I retire to my office. There’s much to do. Sure, I could follow and eat that sweet pussy into submission, but I’ve pushed her enough for one day.

She’ll soon enough realize that I may be a bastard, but I’m a beast for her. Fuck, the emotions tossing around inside of mewant her to like me. To love me once we get past everything in front of us. It’s clear I won’t be settling for lust.

Chapter Eight

Vincent confuses me so much. One minute, I think he’s nice and doing something sweet, the next, I’m hurt and baffled by his behavior. Why does he have to be such a jerk?

Sitting in bed, I watch as the clock slowly ticks by and I ponder the feelings inside of me. Even when I am following his rules, he refuses to give me the one thing I need. It doesn’t matter what I do. He’s still going to beThe Beastand I can’t stay caught in his trap.

Midnight comes and I dress myself in a warm sweater, yoga pants, and thermal socks. Vincent bought me shoes, but they are in his room. He told me he would let me know when I need them.

This isn’t ideal for running away, but I’ll figure it out. Escaping this beast is the only important thing at the moment. Tiptoeing down the stairs, I make my way to the basement door. My heart is racing, and my palms are sweaty. It doesn’t matter; I tell myself.

It’s normal to be nervous. I’m… My thoughts swarm with images of the last few hours I had with Vincent. They were good. Confusion makes me blink. I can’t. Possiblywantto stay, can I?

No. I scold myself. It’s time to go. Vincent isn't the nice guy I’m trying to make him out to be. Making my way down to the basement, I see all the toys and different cat beds. What? Before I can process what I’m seeing, Mossimo comes out of the shadows holding my Espresso.

“You’re not supposed to be here.” His deep voice vibrates and I gasp, taking a step back.

“Please, let me have my baby.”

Mossimo keeps advancing on me, so I reach out for Espresso. A hand grabs my shoulder, and I whip around. Vincent stands there like an angry god waiting to smite me from where I stand.

“This was an extremely poor decision on your part,mi reina.” He looks down at me with disapproval. “Mossimo, take the cat out back and make sure to dispose of it properly.”

Oh God. He wouldn’t? “No! Please.” I wrench myself loose from Vincent’s grip and run after Mossimo. “Please don’t hurt him. He’s an innocent little baby.”

Vincent grabs me and tries to pull me away from Mossimo as I reach out and try to take Espresso from him. “Enough, Aribella.”

“No.” I shake loose of Vincent again and realize that Mossimo is further away.Dang, he walks fast. “Please, he’s all I have left,” I call out to his disappearing figure.

Vincent gets in front of me and all I can do is lash out at him. He’s not the least bit phased by my begging, or the scratches I’mleaving on him. He grabs me around the waist and hauls me back up the steps.

“Mi reina, calm down. You’ll eventually learn that it’s best just to do as I say.”

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