Page 29 of Beautiful Cruelty

But he's too strong, too heavy.

I feel something silky press into my mouth. It takes me a moment to realize that it's his pocket square.

There's a weird metallic taste to it.

And despite my best efforts to spit it out, I can't. Terror grips me as he presses the full weight of his powerful body against me. He grabs my hands and pin them against my back, sending an unholy mixture of panic and excitement shooting through me.

The combination of his weight, the scent of his cologne, and both the heat and proximity of his body awaken something primal inside me.

Something that makes mewanthim to do more.

Something that Idefinitelyshould not be feeling.

Shame floods my mind at my body's response. An unexpected shiver rushes through my core, and wetness starts pooling between my legs.

I squeeze my eyes shut, mortified by the way my own body is betraying me. Even as terror still pumps through my veins, there's an undeniable pull. A magnetic draw that makes me want to arch into him rather than away.

And just then, a new dark thought claws at my mind and nearly makes its way to my lips were it not for the gag in my mouth.

Please don't stop!

I hear the sound of fabric tearing and squeeze my eyes shut in anticipation of his rough touch against my skin.

But to my disappointment, the touch never comes.

Instead, he ties my hands with what I can only guess is a strip of the bedsheet that he's torn. The movements are precise and practiced. He grabs my hair and yanks my head up just enough to tie a piece of fabric in front of my face, keeping the gag firmly secured in my mouth.

Then, his weight disappears.

And I almostbegfor him to come back.

He pulls me back up to standing, his breath hot against my ear. "You're coming with me."

I struggle against him but it's useless. He's too strong. Too in control. With no other choice, I walk where Vadim guides me, toward the front door.

My thoughts turn to Dad. I left before he woke up this morning. Who's going to make sure he eats? Takes his medication? What if he wanders off looking for Mom again? What if Freddy comes back to steal again? The guilt and worry crush my chest even as Vadim marches me forward.

The wet morning air hits my face as we exit the building and down the block towards a red Ferrari that looks completely out of place in this neighborhood. He opens the passenger door and helps me inside with surprising gentleness that doesn't match the insanity of the situation.

The engine roars to life. As we speed away from the curb, I glance at Vadim's profile in the dull morning light, wondering what the fuck just happened.

My heart's still racing by the time we get on the highway, my wrists burning against the makeshift restraints.

Vadim reaches over, undoes the fabric holding the gag in place, and pulls the pocket square out of my mouth.

I gulp in fresh air, working my jaw to ease the ache.

"What the hell were you doing in my apartment?" The words burst out before I can stop them.

"Don't you mean your ex-fiancé's apartment," Vadim corrects, his eyes never leaving the road.

My mouth drops open. "How did you?—"

"You told me yourself,zvyozdochka, remember? What did you say? The ring seems more committed to the relationship than he was. And seeing as how you had a key to this place…"

Heat rushes to my face as I recall our first meeting. "That doesn't explain whyyouwere here.”

"And what bringsyouback?" He ignores my question as he glances at me briefly, storm-gray eyes glinting.

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