Page 19 of Revenge

“And I’m just supposed to believe you?” I snort and wave a hand in his direction. The slight movement causes the blanket to slip off my shoulder, exposing my bra. Every muscle in his body goes rigid, but his eyes remain the same stormy shade of blue. Other than the clenching of his jaw, there’s no indication that this man is affected by me or that he feels anything at all for that matter.

After a beat of tense silence, he shakes his head and enters the room the rest of the way, reaching the bed in a few large strides. I grip the itchy material of the thin blanket tighter in my fists the closer he gets. My body’s moving into flight or fight mode. I stay focused on his every move, waiting for an opportunity. I’m like a cat with my claws out, ready to spring up and attack at the first chance at freedom.

He sets the tray down on the nightstand next to the bed and steps back. I do a quick glance, inspecting its contents, and disappointment hits. He hasn’t given me anything I can use as a weapon. There are no utensils of any kind, the water is in a plastic cup, and even the food is on a paper plate.

“You really think I’d make it that easy for you?” His dark voice taunts me.

My eyebrows pinch together as I glare up at him. I was hoping he would.

“Eat,” he barks out like I’m a damn dog, expected to follow his command.

I jump at the sharp edge in his tone but make no effort to answer him otherwise. If he wants me to cooperate, he’ll have to ask me nicely.

“I won’t tell you again.” There’s no missing the warning in his voice, but too bad for him, I’ve never been a good listener.

“I’m not hungry.” My voice comes out in a low rasp.

We have another brief stand-off, but this time he gives in first.

“Fine. Suit yourself.” He turns to walk away, dismissing me, and my blood boils. All common sense leaves me. It’s the only explanation for what happens. The tray is out of my hands before I’ve even realized it, and it nails him dead center in the middle of his back. I don’t even remember jumping to my feet or grabbing the tray.

Scrambled egg and toast fall onto the wooden floor in a limp heap. Water from my cup splashes against his back, soaking his gray shirt.

He stops mid-step and spins on his heel, stalking toward me. Judging by his clenched jaw, I’ve just royally screwed up. I move, running past him in the direction of the open doorway, but trip over my own feet. The hardness of the floor hits my ass, knocking the wind out of me. I flip over and continue crawling to the door, not caring that the material of my thong is digging into my ass crack and giving him one hell of a view.

The sound of his boots stomping against the floor behind me has my pulse racing. I’m not sure what he’s going to do if he catches me and I have no intention of finding out.

I’m just past the doorway when I’m grabbed from behind and shoved against a rock hard chest. A hand fists my hair while the other wraps around my chest. My head is jerked back so far that the muscles of my sore neck strain.

“That wasn’t very nice,” he grunts against my ear, the heat of his body causing shivers to race through mine.

“Let me go.” I thrash against him like a wild animal.

“Not until you learn.” His deep voice vibrates against my back.

“Fuck you!” My fingers dig into the flesh of his hands, catching bits of skin underneath my nails. I keep fighting until I feel the wetness of his blood dripping down his hands.

“Keep going.” He laughs and walks us back into the room. “I like the pain. It reminds me that I’m still alive.”

Things happen so fast. One minute I’m pressed against his chest and the next I’m being thrust forward and forced down onto all fours like I’m the damn dog he thinks me to be.

“Eat.” His demand causes fire to churn in the pit of my stomach.

I brace my arms on the floor and dig my hands into the wood. My body pushes back against his force with everything I have, but it’s useless. He’s too strong.

“Lesson number one, Charlee. You act like an animal and I’ll treat you like one.” He shoves my head down until the wetness of the scrambled egg is pushed up against my nose and mouth, smothering me. “Now open up and eat your breakfast like a good little girl.”

I hold my breath and keep my mouth tightly closed as long as I can. One small breath and I’ll inhale nothing but egg. Seconds tick by and soon my vision begins to blacken. I have no other choice. Either I do as he asks or I’m going to suffocate. On a whimper, my lips part and allow the yellow pile of mush inside my mouth. I let it sit on my tongue, but make no motion to swallow it. I’ll spit in the trash when this asshole leaves.

“Swallow.” His grip tightens, the pressure causing pain to radiate over my scalp. I do as he commands and choke back my anger. “Now say ‘thank you.’”

“Go to hell!” I spit back and struggle against his hold. The hardwood floor digs into my kneecaps, but I suck it up and ignore the bite of pain.

He lets out another laugh that sounds forced. “You have no idea what Hell is, but you’re about to, Princess.” With that, he releases me and stomps off. My fingers curl into fists as I sit on my butt and watch him walk away. At the doorway, he pauses and looks over his shoulder at me. “Your father did you no favors by sheltering you.”

I flinch at the sound of the door slamming and then the dam of emotions I’ve been holding in breaks. I grab the tray off the floor and throw it at the door.

“I fucking hate you!” Tears brim, soaking my bottom lashes, and I let them fall. He may have won this battle, but I’ll win the war. This isn’t over by a long shot. I’m not done fighting. Even if it takes my last breath, I will get out of this fucking prison.

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