Page 26 of Brutal King

Winter and I look at each other.

“Go away!” I yell.

“Breakfast will be served at eight, sharp. I expect you in the dining room.”

“Thanks, but you can just shove it up your ass.”

“Starving yourself isn’t going to do you any favors. Come down and eat, then you can lock yourself up again.”

“No.”

“Suit yourself.”

I press my ear against the door and listen for any indication he might still be lingering. Nothing.

“He’s gone,” I say to Winter who could probably care less.

My stomach growls. Damn my bodily needs. I’m hungry, but I’ve just begun to protest.

To keep myself distracted, I decide it’s a good time to get acquainted with my suite. It doesn’t take long. By ten in the morning I’ve already searched the room top to bottom for hidden cameras or speakers. I’ve checked every corner and piece of molding I can reach. I’ve inspected every knickknack and suspicious looking knob. I’ve even flipped paintings, carefully run my fingers around the edges in case something was planted there.

When I come up with nothing, I relax, but only slightly.

I toss a fresh log into the fire before it dies out fully, then move on to dig through the chest of drawers. It’s stocked with silk panties and lacy bras. All new and my size.

“Lingerie. How convenient, eh, Winter?”

Next, I rummage through the wide closet. It’s full of clothes too. Fancy stuff, fashionable and beautiful. Outfits, silk blousesand skirts and trousers with the price tags still on them. The kind you’d find in a trendy boutique. Hell, this couldbea boutique for all I know.

“Look at this. He even thought to put some gowns in here.” I tug one out of curiosity and gasp at the cost. Two thousand dollars.

“He really is insane.”

It’s a good thing I’m more of a T-shirt and jeans kind of girl, or I’d be tempted to try some of these on. Actually, I still would be if it wasn’t because I’m a captive here. I feel absolutely disgusting, my clothes are dirty with sweat and dirt from my escape attempt yesterday. But I can’t bring myself to give in.

Done with my search, I go to the balcony and scan the area. It’s a new day, but things look as bad as they did yesterday.

Acres and acres of wooded land stretches before me in every direction visible. I have no doubt that things aren’t much different on the other side of the house.

Winter, apparently done with his nap, joins me. He jumps onto the thick rail and bumps his head against my shoulder. His wintery eyes peek up at me expectantly. I bend down to kiss his velvety nose.

“Did you meet Scarlet?” I trace my fingers along a crack on the concrete balustrade near his front paws. “Did you keep her company?”

There’s another knock on my door. Winter bolts into the room as I nearly jump over the ledge. I hold my hand to my chest, my heart racing, and call out in annoyance. “Go away!”

“Lunch will be served at noon in the dining room. Come down and eat.”

“I’d rather starve!”

“Suit yourself.”

My stomach growls in protest of my refusal, but I will not eat anything that man has to offer. Especially if he’ll be there.Although the idea of stabbing him with my fork is definitely appealing.

Gideon announces dinnertime at seven. I send him off as before, only this time it’s with much less enthusiasm. Fuck, I’m starving. In fact, I’m so hungry, the acid in my stomach is threatening to make me vomit.

I press the palm of my hand into my belly and grimace.

Just a little longer. Hold on a little bit more.

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