Page 23 of The Hermit

He shrugs as he slowly begins to move around the bed. “Don’t we all have to be a little crazy to survive this world?”

My hand flies up as I order, “Stay right there. Come any closer, and I’ll do more than just bite you.”

My threat doesn’t seem to affect Dominik in any way, and when he gets too close, I lunge for my dressing table so I can grab the chair.

Once again, his arm comes around me, but this time, he yanks me against his chest, which feels like a solid brick wall behind me. With my back to him, all I can do is grab hold of his arm while glancing over my shoulder.

I’m met with amused eyes before they drop to my exposed shoulder and it’s only then I become aware of the fact that my dress is hanging half off my torso, exposing part of my bra.

Shit.

“Let go!” I shriek as I pull and struggle against his hold on me.

His free hand clamps around my throat, and he forces my head backward until it's pressed against his chest.

I start to hit and claw at both his arms and even try to kick the bastard, but none of my efforts to free myself are of any use. He’s way too strong for me.

Knowing I’m in deep shit and unable to fight Dominik off, panic pours like ice through my veins, and my vision starts to darken around the edges.

His voice rumbles like thunder by my ear. “You or your sister?”

Without hesitation, I gasp, “Me.”

“Hmmm,” he murmurs as if he’s tasting something delicious. “So brave.”

Breathing becomes near impossible, and my vision grows spotty as panic flays me raw.

No!

Unable to stop the anxiety attack, one memory after the other flashes through my mind, rendering me absolutely helpless.

Chapter 7

DOMINIK

When Grace stills in my hold, and I hear her breaths burst over her lips in quick puffs, my predatory side retreats and I spin her around.

Seeing the glazed-over look in her gaze, I realize she’s having another panic attack, and before I can try to do anything about it, her eyes flutter closed, and she slumps against me.

“Jebat,” I mutter as I catch her before lifting her into my arms, bridal style.

She was all fire and fight until she…wasn’t.

I just wanted to test how much fight she has, but now that she’s passed out, regret pours into my chest.

Glancing down at the unconscious woman in my arms, I can’t help but notice her exposed bra and the top swells of her breasts.

Once again, unwelcome attraction stirs in me, and I quickly set her down on the bed before covering her with a blanket.

Staring at Grace Devlin, that’s been a hell of a surprise, I realize I’m too impressed by the woman. The way she amuses me instead of pissing me off should be alarming as fuck.

But it’s not.

It’s becoming addictive.

But then there’s the panic attacks.

A frown forms on my forehead as I continue to stare at her.

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