Page 22 of Steal Me

Chapter Six

SO WHERE WAS THAT AGAIN?

Erin had kindly offered to escort me earlier, but I just as kindly said no. I'd like to see how well I've memorized the ins and outs of this place, andmm...right or left?

The hallways stretch before me like carpeted arteries through the heart of the mansion, all of them identical in every way save for the paintings adorning the walls. This hall is all about the impressionists, another hall is dedicated entirely to Kaws, and so forth.

My mind starts to drift while I consider which path will take me to the breakfast room. Because, you know, my husband is so rich, a dining room for all the major meals of the day is—what was that word he used again?

Oh, right.

Pedestrian.

I decide to take a right where the hallway branches, following the scent of fresh bread and coffee as more memories breach the surface of my thoughts. They have a will of their own, and they want to be remembered.

My mind says,forget, forget, forget.

My memories say,recall, recall, recall.

I told you, didn't I?

The man I married is driving me insane.

Waking up alone in my bed this morning was both a blessing and a curse. On the upside? I'm glad my husband wasn't there to hear me let out a blood-curdling shriek...as I realized that he's made me pass out in pleasure for the second time.

I'm younger between us, for goodness' sake.

So why am I the one lacking in stamina?

But on the other hand...

My hand clutches my heart as my steps slow to an uneven stop. The memory of last night floods back: my knees kissing the cold hard tiles, the taste of him on my tongue, and...

Sylvain.

His name is the most precious memory of all, and the fact that I know it just seems to change everything. I only used to see him as my king and captor, but with his name now etched in my soul...

He's become so much more, and it terrifies me to the point that I can't even make myself put it into words.

"Oh, there you are."

Erin comes out from the end of the hallway, her crisp black uniform perfectly pressed, not a silver hair out of place. She actually retrieves an honest-to-goodness pocket watch from somewhere within her jacket.

"Sixteen minutes and ten seconds."

What an ugly record, and so just like with all things ugly in my life, I let it sail past my head and focus on something else.

"Good morning, Erin."

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