Page 28 of Relentless Sinner

One moment I was enraged at him and the situation, only thinking of fighting for my freedom. The next I was so aroused Ihad to squeeze my thighs and rid my mind of the sinful things he conjured there with his crass words.

What sort of madness is that? Especially coming from me, the level-headed girl. I’ve never allowed a man to make me lose my head before.

I’m the opposite of Natasha and Cora, who were always guy hungry.

But I think even they would have better sense than me, despite how gorgeous Jaxon Bortsov is.

Then again, they’d probably be the first to point out all the things that make him gorgeous and the uncanny similarity he has to Jason Momoa when he played one of the fearsome leaders inGame of Thrones.

Yes, Universe, it hasn’t escaped me that I thought up that reference all by myself without anyone’s influence or help.

My phone buzzes with a text and the sound makes me jump. I pick it up and look at the home screen. It’s Dad.

I’m here.

The simple message with those two words sends a shiver through my soul. Instantly my throat goes dry and my body feels heavy like someone pumped lead into my veins.

I look at the clock again and yes… it’s time. Time to see my father.

Pulling in a deep, deep breath, I stand and summon the courage I know I’m going to need. I just have to remember that he can’t control me now.

This situation I’m in is because of him but at least I know Jaxon will deal with him if he gets out of line. At least I hope so.

When I head out the door and make my way down the stairs I think of the way my father used to be.

There was a time when he was actually loving. Like a real father. That was before Mom died. It was like he’d worn a mask of goodness just for her.

I know she would never have married him if she’d known he was going to turn out to be the monster he is now.

He changed after she died. Every year that passed since her death saw him getting worse and worse. Then he became abusive and violent. Vicious and reckless. Deranged and fucked up.

I spot Eve at the bottom of the stairs. She gives me a little smile.

“Your father is in the living room with Jaxon,” she says. “I’ve just taken in some cookies and a pot of tea. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Thank you. I will.”

I make my way past her and head to the living room where I find Jaxon and Dad standing by the sofa, talking.

Both of them are dressed in full black but Dad has a suit on, looking like he’s ready for one of his boardroom meetings. Jaxon is wearing a dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up his thick forearms and slacks.

I don’t miss the way his gaze fixates on me when I walk into the room but I’m more concerned with the sternness I read on my father’s face.

It’s the same look he had when he pulled his gun on me. The horrid memory and the sight of him intensify my trepidation a hundredfold.

Please, God, don’t let him hurt me today. Please. My heart can’t take it.

“Morning,” Jaxon says, drawing my focus back to him.

“Good morning.” I hold his gaze, part of me wishing he would stay.

I’ve had time to think since I’ve been here and I know that Dad is afraid of him.

“I’ll leave you two to talk.”

“Thank you,” Dad replies in that stiff tone I loathe.

“I’ll be nearby if you need me.” Jaxon looks at me and I take note of the promise in his tone.

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