Page 90 of Relentless Sinner

At the same time I wanted to test the water and see what mood he was in.

The one good thing is the door was unlocked. I haven't ventured downstairs because I don't want to see Eve or anyone else yet. I'm sure they must know what happened and Jaxon has given his orders on how he wants me to be treated.

To avoid unnecessary embarrassment I want to stay away from people today. Or at least keep contact to a minimum.

The problem with that is the possibility of going insane from worrying. With all the worries pulling me under, I can’t even say I’m bored.

My phone is also gone. So is the laptop. That means no contact with Cora or anyone else.

In answer to the question of: Am I a prisoner here? I definitely got my answer.

I’m the prisoner again.

The door might be open, and I can walk through it, but I know I can't leave the premises. That wipes out any potential of going back to the hospital.

Jaxon now has leverage over me. Before, all I had was myself to worry about. Now I have Natasha.

And now I have to trust Jaxon to keep his silence. Trust is a big issue for me.

There are so few people I trust anyway.Heis not one of them.

The small tap on the door makes me jump. I swallow past the trepidation clogging my throat and glance behind me.

“Come in,” I call out and make my way back inside. Eve opens the door and comes in at the same time.

I’m surprised she appears to be her usual self. After yesterday I expected to see some sort of chastisement in her eyes. Not the warmth she usually shows me.

“Morning,” she says with a little smile.

“Morning to you, too.”

“I wanted you to know Cora is here to see you.”

Shock slams into my chest and my eyes snap wide. “Cora, my cousin?”

There’s no way Jaxon would have allowed Cora to see me. He knows she planned everything.

“Yes, your cousin Cora,” Eve confirms, shocking me further.

“I… didn't think I'd be allowed to see anyone.”Least of all Cora.

“Jaxon didn't say youcouldn't.” Her answer confirms she must know what happened but the look of understanding in her eyes suggests she doesn’t think as badly of me as I thought. I take comfort in it. It’s comforting to receive some compassion from someone in the house.

“I'll just get some proper clothes on and I’ll be down in a minute.” I tug on the hem of my nightshirt.

“I’ll let her know. As you weren’t at breakfast I prepared a hearty lunch.” Her face brightens again.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.” I’m hungry now that we’re talking about food.

“You’re welcome. I'll leave you to get ready. Cora is out on the terrace. I'll bring the food out in a little while.”

“Thank you.”

Eve gives me one last smile before she leaves. As soon as the door closes I drag on a pair of yoga pants and a T-shirt. Then I rush downstairs and outside to see Cora.

She’s sitting on the terrace. As soon as she sees me she rushes over and throws her arms around me. Just like she did at our first meeting here.

It’s like déjà vu but the main difference is, back then, when I begged her to help me, things wereonlybad. Today they are colossally worse.

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