Page 64 of Ashes of Sin

I turn as the door opens and Maddox’s eyes immediately drop from mine and slide down my body lazily.

The hairs on my arms lift and I fail to suppress a shiver.

Not just because of the way he’s fucking me with his eyes, but I’m almost doing the same.

Tonight, he’s wearing a pair of black pants with polished black shoes, a black shirt with the top buttons open showing his mouth watering tattoos, and the sleeves rolled up. A large gold watch hangs from his wrist.

I swallow back my lust, reminding myself that this dangerous and commanding man held me in his arms last night. And that he’s taken my freedom.

It’s almost ironic that I was craving freedom before he took me, and now it’s all I want.

I had more than I realized.

Compared to now.

Tonight, I have a chance to raise an alarm, escape, or take advantage of any situation that may arise. Not that I have a choice, but I am going along willingly.

Being the woman on his arm is also not a hardship.

Although it would be nice if I wasn’t hislittle prisoner,as he annoyingly calls me.

I bite my lip, knowing that in a few hours I may be free and that I will never see this dark, handsome man again. The connection I imagined between us must’ve been just that. Imagination.

I could never love a man like him.

It’s insane to even consider it.

“Ready?” Maddox rasps, stepping back.

“Yes.” I glance around, looking for a purse and phone I don’t possess, then slide my hand down the silk of the black cocktail dress and cross the room.

Then quickly run back and grab my puffer.

As I pass Maddox, I feel his eyes and warm breath on my shoulder. Then he follows closely until we reach the elevator.

His hand lands on the small of my back.

“You look stunning.” He leans into my hair, which I styled straight and have pulled it over one shoulder. His fingers brush over it, tucking it farther over my ear.

“Thank you,” I whisper and swallow.

When the door opens, he puts his hand out to stop it closing and stills me with his body.

“You will say nothing to anybody. Just be a good girl and do what I say.”

My lips stretch into a frown. “Fine. But isn’t my family looking for me?”

Maddox moves and nods for me to step into the elevator. He follows and pushes the button, then turns to me and smiles. “Yes.”

My eyes widen.

What is he up to?

If there is a chance I might get caught up in his game and get hurt, then maybe I need to be more focused on staying alive than running away.

I don’t understand any of this.

I’m simply his pawn, powerless to do anything.

---