Page 17 of Ashes of Sin

This man can do anything to me if he so chooses.

Atleast he’s gorgeous. If I am going to die, at least he’s not some creep. Crazy and dangerous, but not creepy.

What is wrong with me?

He lets out a dry, quick laugh. “I don’t want your body, sweetheart, so you have nothing to worry about there.”

I blink.

Well. That’s good then.

Although I’m slightly offended. But I blink away my reaction, hoping he doesn’t notice. I’ve never attracted many men—that I’ve been kept at home most of my life probably doesn’t help—but a man like him? No, he wouldn’t look twice at me.

I’d barely reach his chin if I were standing up.

“All you need to do is stay in here, be quiet, and do what I say,” he tells me.

What the hell?

Does he think I’m going to accept that? Like, oh yeah, no problem, do you have Netflix or books?

Is he insane?

Clearly, that’s a yes.

“I need to go home. I can’t stay here!” I reply, panic finally starting to rise within me.

He draws in what appears to be an impatient breath, his chest expanding, and my eyes shoot to the rolled-up sleeves and his forearms, and I swallow hungrily.

Damn, why couldn’t the man I’m being forced to marry look like my kidnapper? And why the hell am I even thinking these crazy thoughts?

“You can make this easy or difficult. I know you’re a good girl, Kyra, so do as you're told.”

My core tightens at his words, and I feel my face heat.

“I’m not...good.” I stutter.

His brows lower and eyes roam over my robe-clad body, then dart back up to me. Then he pulls his hand out of his pocket and rubs his jaw. He blows out another breath, as if this conversation didn’t go as planned.

“I will provide you meals. You have a bathroom through there,” He nods toward the closed door. “And clothes, toiletries, and everything you need are in the closet.”

I gasp.

“You planned this?”

“Of course I did.” He frowns like the question is ridiculous and we stare at one another for a long moment.

“Are you going to hurt me?”

He glares at me this time, and I know the answer is yes. My eyes fill and my body begins to shudder despite every effort to stop it.

I’ve been kidnapped.

I know I begged to get out of my marriage to Pierce, but this wasn’t what I was thinking, universe.

“If you try to escape, yes, I will. The door is locked, the windows can’t be opened and you’re thirty stories high, so I wouldn’t recommend trying to smash them.”

I’m trapped.

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