Page 12 of Snowed in with the Billionaires

Everyone stops talking. Their eyes are glued to me as I stand there shivering, barefoot in a short floral summer dress. But in my mind’s eyes,theyare the only ones who exist.

My gaze flips up to them. Gods amongst mortals. I swear I don’t know how to be anymore. How on earth did I function before this? I miss a breath, which starts an entire chain of torment of me catching up to my next breath and my next.

Their gazes slid down my body, incinerating the flimsy fabric keeping me from being naked, only to come to rest on my face with such intensity a new quiver sails down my spine. My nipples are so hard they’re aching now. And the need to press my thighs together becomes so overwhelming, tears prick at my eyes.

I’m the first to look away, and when I do, I’m reminded of the rest of their family, who must all think I’m certifiable. Everyone else is dressed reasonably warm, in slacks, sweaters, socks, and boots, as they should be because it’s freaking winter and it’s snowing like crazy. And then there’s me.

How much longer are they going to torture me?

Chapter Eight

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Madisyn

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My bones threaten toseize up not only from the cold but also from the sheer duress I’m under right now. A sweater would have made a vast difference to keep me warm. Even wearing a pair of panties would help.

“Holy hell, woman, your body is insane,” Melody says, then snaps her fingers.

“You look like a ray of sunshine,” Tina adds, then frowns. “But aren’t you cold?”

“Klaus, would you get my cardigan from the bedroom, please?” Aunt Essie says. “I don’t want the girl to catch a cold.”

“No need, Aunt Essie,” Tristan says, his gaze so penetrating it leaves a mark on my soul.

“We told her to wear this dress. For us,” Ren says quietly, his attention on me as unnerving as Tristan’s.

My knees wobble when Kaiser comes toward me. “Only so we could be the ones to keep her warm.” He slips his arm around my waist; his minty fresh breath tickles the skin at the side of my neck. “Isn’t that right, kitten?” His teeth nip my flesh, prompting an answer.

“Yes,” I say, my voice soft and hoarse. I add a smile to my face, so I don’t appear completely unhinged. How am I going to get through this?

“Oh, you love sick puppies, you,” Tina teases. “Can’t get enough of your girl, can you?” Everyone laughs. I laugh last and only when I’m issued a warning look from Tristan.

They’re systematically breaking me down.

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