Page 28 of Blood and Ruin: The Complete Series

I clear my throat, testing what commands King gave him.

“I’ll be heading back to my room. I don’t require an escort.”

He backs off immediately, informing me of how little King has told him and how new he must be. But I’m sure the other vile guards will catch him up to speed soon enough.

“Of course. Enjoy the rest of your day, Miss Valdis.”

I shudder at the guard’s form of respect.

I was no more a Valdis than I was human.

Valdis was King’s last name, not mine.

Never mine.

I eye the new guard and his niceties with suspicion as I make my way past him. He waits until I’m out of view before heading in the opposite direction.

Most supes on King’s payroll haven’t a decent bone in their body.

Once I’m inside my suite, I lock the bolts in place and redraw the protective barrier.

Making my way into my room, I strip out of my baggy clothes and head for the shower. My thoughts drift back to the guys once again. Their presence here was dragging up unwanted feelings and how much they reminded me of a better time.

One where I was happy and surrounded by people who loved and cared about me.

One where I had a family.

Mom.

Seeing Alana today reminded me of her and how happy she always made me feel.She would be so disappointed in me if she saw me now.

I had let Alana’s beatings go on too long. I stole from the supes and people who lived and came to King’s Tower and club. I lie to everyone around me.

When does it all end? When do I stop pretending and start being me?

Whoever that was.

I was tired. That deep ache in your bones telling you, you need to rest. I was so tired of everyone and everything trying to chip away at what was left of me.

Closing my eyes, I let the warm water flow down my face to join my treacherous tears. I give myself another moment to let my pity party pass before pulling myself together and focusing on what needs to be done.

Getting out of the shower, I quickly dry myself off and walk into my closet, wincing at most of the clothes in here.

Apart from the small pile to the left, everything in here was bought by King.

I was just a pretty face he liked to use to keep clients happy.

I pick up a short black dress with a wrapped front only revealing a small triangle on my stomach. I frown, turning it around. The back exposes way too much for my liking, but it’s the most modest of the bunch.

Without thinking too much about it, I throw it on and get started on my makeup and hair.

After an hour of primping, I had long, dark, wavy curls framing the sultry look I was going for. Adding a pair of black heels, I was ready to go.

Pulling at the tiny dress once more, I take a deep breath, preparing myself for tonight and letting my mind forget about everything today to focus on tonight.

I stare back at the unrecognisable girl in the mirror. Everything about her was made to tempt and tease. It wasn’t until you looked in her eyes did you get a glimpse of the sad truth.

I shake off my forlorn thoughts and place a sultry smile on my lips. I’d only have to play the part of King’s puppet for just a little while longer.

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