Page 26 of Fierce Vows

Chapter Ten

Not This Again

Willow

Before I am even ableto claw my way back to the waking world, I feel the pain.My back aches and burns and I know that damage wrought will leave a new layer of marks to bear witness to the crimes committed against me.

I honestly thought I was past this bullshit after my uncle died but it seems like I am caught in a cycle that continues to repeat itself.Men in our world would rather beat a woman into submission than try to enjoy her backbone.Not that Kirrill gives a shit either way.

As long as he can sell me for a fortune he couldn’t care less what state I am in, as long as I’m still breathing.

Slowly, I shimmy my way over to the edge of the bed while remaining on my stomach, before allowing my feet to touch the floor.I gingerly stand, breathing through the stinging pain as my skin moves with every small action.

Looking around the room, I see a bathroom which I will not be using unless the world is on fire.I can only imagine the amount of surveillance equipment set up in this space.I don’t give a shit about nudity but I sure as shit will not be giving these sexist pigs a show.

The handle rattles before the door pushes open.Kirrill enters dragging a small dark haired woman behind him.

“Clean her and make sure she is ready for tonight,” he orders, before leaving, the lock clicking into place once more.

I stare at the waif before me.She is so skinny that I can see her ribs through the navy blue dress she is wearing.Although she looks like she could fall over in a light breeze, her hair is clean and combed and she is dressed neatly.

“What does he expect you to do?”I ask, keeping hold of my temper by a thread.

“I need to make sure you are clean and presentable.”

“And if I fight you?Because we both know I would win.”

A set of the palest blue eyes I have ever seen lock with mine piercing me down to my soul.

“I will receive the same treatment you did upon arrival.”

Fuck!If they hit her as hard as they did me they will break her.Literally.

“Fine.But I won’t undress.”

Not that it matters.I am basically naked.Dressed only in the pair of panties I was wearing and a torn shirt, I could just as well not be wearing anything.

“I will help you change so the cameras don’t catch anything,” she says softly.

Called it.Fucking criminals and all their goddamned cameras.

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