Page 27 of Seen Knot Heard

When the door clicks shut, the worry slips from Louie’s face. “What am I to do with you, darling? What did you hope to accomplish with that little stunt of yours?”

I clench my fists beneath the thin hospital blanket, my fingernails digging crescents into my palms. Anger and fear war within me, my Omega instincts screaming to submit, to placate the Alpha before me. But I’d rather die.

“You really do test my patience.” Louie reaches out, his fingers brushing my hair from my forehead in a mockery of tenderness. “But I have to admit, it’s part of your charm.”

My skin crawls at his touch, and I flinch away.

His chuckle holds a dark edge. “Still so feisty, even now. Don’t worry, darling. I forgive you for trying to escape. Again.”

I swallow hard, the cloying poison of his pheromones on my tongue.

“The doctors say you’ll be all better soon,” Louie continues, his tone deceptively light. “Then I’ll take you home, where you belong. No more escaping, Chloe. I’ve made sure of that. The maids are moving your belongings into my bedroom, so I can keep a closer eye on you.”

My mind races with the sick possibilities of what he might do to force my submission.

A whimper rises in my throat, but I choke it down. Every fiber of my being screams at me to obey, to appease this Alpha. My Omega curls into herself, desperate to avoid the punishment that will come from this latest attempt.

But beneath that primal fear is a spark of refusal to give in. No matter how small, I cling to it even as my body trembles.

Louie leans in closer, his breath hot against my ear. “You’re mine, Chloe. My sweet little Omega, and I’ll never let you go.”

His words slither over my skin, insidious and inescapable. I turn my face toward the blank white wall. Trapped in this sterileroom, weak from starvation and overdose, I’ve never felt so powerless.

A knock at the door startles me, and Louie straightens with an annoyed growl.

“Mr. Santaro?” the nurse says, her voice polite but firm. “Afternoon visiting hours are over.”

Louie’s jaw clenches, irritation flashing across his chiseled features.

For a moment, I think he might refuse, might insist on staying. But he stands, adjusting his gold chain with a sharp tug. “Of course. I have some business to attend to, anyway.”

He leans down, his lips brushing my forehead in a show of affection. I flinch at the contact, the scent of almonds and anise overwhelming me.

“Don’t worry, darling, someone will be right outside the whole time,” Louie murmurs, his breath hot against my skin. “You won’t be going anywhere.”

The warning in his tone comes through loud and clear.

As he strides toward the door, I catch the nurse’s eye, silently pleading. This might be my only chance. The machines beep faster again, signaling my rising panic.

Louie pauses, his hand on the doorknob. He turns back, his eyes boring into mine. I will myself not to look away, not to show the desperation clawing at me.

The nurse clears her throat. “Mr. Santaro, I must insist. Ms. Richardson needs her rest if she’s to recover.”

Louie hesitates, suspicion etched into every line of his face, but finally he nods, a tight smile stretching across his lips. “Take good care of her.”

The door closes behind him with a soft click, and I sag against the pillows, a shaky breath escaping.

The nurse moves to my bedside, concern creasing her brow as she adjusts the IV. “Are you all right, sweetie?”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I blink them back. I can’t fall apart, not now. This might be my only chance. “Please, I need to make a phone call. It’s an emergency.”

She hesitates, glancing toward the door. Conflict plays across her face, the desire to help warring with the fear of repercussions.

“I…” She shakes her head. “I’m sorry, I can’t. It’s against hospital policy.”

“Please, he’s holding me hostage.” My fingers twist in the thin blanket. “If he takes me away, I won’t get another opportunity to escape.”

The nurse bites her lip, her brow furrowed.

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