Page 83 of Sardonic Burn

“Or I’ll have to resort to a sight that will humiliate you. You have two seconds to decide.”

“But—”

“Your time is up.”

In one second, Hudson releases the grip on me, dropping his hands entirely. A momentary sigh of relief slips my lips, but that’s only brief. Then, he grabs my wrist, spins me around, picks me up, and throws me over his shoulder.

He’s carrying me like a sack of flour, thrown over his shoulder with one of his hands covering my ass that is now nearly visible to the entire club.

I’m trashing and kicking his back, though it’s futile.

I look at Cecilia, who just shrugs, grins, and winks at me before turning to her companion for the night.

Once we’re outside in the parking lot, Hudson puts me down, unlocks his car, and opens the back door.

“Get in the fucking car, Noelle.”

I fold my arms in front of my chest. “No.”

“I’m losing my patience here.”

“Ask me nicely.”

His brow twitches.

“Your Highness, would you do the honor of listening to your humble servant and getting inside of this lowly carriage? I shall get down on my knees and beg for your cooperation.”

A loud laugh slips my lips, and I stumble into the car, not sure why the hell I’m listening to him in the first place. The moment we’re both inside, he locks the door and speeds off.

He’s talking to me, but everything is spinning around me. My eyelids are heavy, and, for some reason, I feel safe enough to close my eyes.

So I do, and I allow the slumber to swallow me whole.

TWENTY-TWO

Iwake up with a jolt.

My heart is racing, beating furiously against my ribcage. It takes me a couple of deep breaths to finally be able to realize what is happening. Crisp, chilly air hits me, and goosebumps tug on my skin as I notice that the window is open.

My eyes narrow as I stare around.

This isn’t my room.

It’s not even my apartment.

Instead, I’m inside of a pretty, plain room with a king-sized bed, two bedside tables, and a wardrobe that is spread throughout the entire length of the wall across from me.

I glance down and push the duvet off me.

My skirt and corset has been replaced by a male shirt.

And that’s when all the memories slowly start coming back to me.

I wince at the humiliation and embarrassment, my cheeks getting flushed. Of course, I had to be humiliated by that motherfucker. Anger slowly builds inside of me, but a splitting headache makes me halt.

Slowly, I look at the bedside table and snort. There’s a bottle of water and some medicine waiting for me. It could very well be drugs. But once my head starts throbbing again, I don’t question it and take it at once.

The pill slides down my throat with ease, leaving a bitter aftertaste. I wipe the corner of my mouth with the back of my palm and see that next to me are all of my belongings.

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