Page 86 of A Rift in the House of Bruin

“Well, well, well. Miss Michaela Darling Carlisle. I do believe you have aligned yourself with the wrong house.”

I stared at him blankly.

“Do you like the dress? I knew you’d look ravishing in silk. It clings to your curves in all the right ways.”

He circled around, inspecting me like prey. I remained quiet, my chin held high, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response.

“Thanks to Jase, you made it just in time for our special ceremony.”

I swallowed hard at the sound of his name, forcing my breakfast to stay down. If I was going to get any information I’d have to engage in conversation. “My Lord, forgive my silence. What’s this ceremony you speak of?”

“Tonight, after I honor Jase for his loyalty, we will partake in the Nocta Dominium.”

Honor Jase for his loyalty, was all I heard. Loyalty? To Johan? No. It couldn’t be true.

“I can tell by your dumbfounded expression you didn’t know he was working for me. He’s played a pivotal role in my plan. In fact, if it weren’t for his help, you wouldn’t be here now. He traded your life for Finn’s.”

Tears threatened to spill down my cheeks. I refused to believe everything Jase and I had shared was pure manipulation. Nothing but simple fodder to keep me on track. But even as the betrayal burned hot in my chest, I couldn’t help but wonder: what would I have done to save my sister?

“Ohhh, I do love seeing tears in your eyes,” Johan taunted. “Does it break your heart to know he used you?”

“Fuck you!” The words exploded from my mouth before I could consider the consequences—and I paid the price.

Johan slapped my face, nearly knocking me to the ground. “You will not speak to me like that. I am your Lord, and you will show me respect.”

I bowed my head in defeat. “Forgive me, my Lord.”

“I’ll be expecting more from you this evening. You’d be wise to remember that you belong to me.”

He closed the distance between us, lifting my chin to inspect the blooming handprint on my cheek. I froze, trying not to recoil at his touch.

“Seeing you so broken is getting my dick hard.”

He trailed his fingers down my neck and thrust his calloused hand under the silk gown, squeezing my breast until I cried out in pain.

“Such a pretty cry. Holding out for tonight will be a challenge worth the prize.”

He leaned in closer gripping my face, and dragged his tongue along my cheek, tasting my tears.

“I can’t wait to taste the rest of you.”

I refused to meet his gaze, forcing my mind to drift anywhere but here. Silently, I prayed for the moment to end.

“Your lady’s maid will be back later to prepare you for the Nocta Dominium.”

I’d heard that term before. The males who tried to rape me had said Johan wanted me for it—but I still had no idea what it meant.

“I’ll be expecting your full participation.” And just like that, he turned and left the room. Leaving me frozen, holding my breath until I heard the lock slide into place.

I collapsed to the floor with a heavy exhale, finally allowing myself to fall apart.

I cried for my lack of intuition.

I cried for the betrayal I endured at the hands of Jase.

I cried for the violation of my body—no longer my own.

I cried for my heartache.

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