Page 85 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“Why would you do this? For money? I have money.”

He shook his head. “Not as much as I can fetch for you. I’ll make a fortune off you and Father will have one less competitor to worry about.”

Netherby returned to his seat. “Take her to her room, Coswell. I’ll see you tomorrow evening, Lady Caroline.”

The brute holding on to her opened the door. She jerked her arm away and walked into the hall under her own power. As he stepped out and closed the door, she took off running, knowing it might be her only chance at escape. He quickly caught up to her. Once again, the strong arms encased her, pinning her arms to her side. Pressed against him, she felt the beginning of his erection and thought she might be ill.

Into her ear, he softly said, “If I have to, I’ll tame you, my lady. Netherby doesn’t want any wild ones. I’ll tie you to a bed and have my way with you, over and over, until I break you. Unless you cooperate. Do you think you can do that?”

He licked her ear. Revulsion swept through her.

“I’ll behave,” she said quietly, knowing for now she was defeated.

He released his hold and marched past her.

Caroline had no choice but to meekly follow, not wanting to chance the punishment he threatened. They went to a door marked with a hugeXand he removed the keyring hanging from a nail pounded into the wall. Unlocking the door, he gestured for her to enter.

She walked into the small room. A bed and chamber pot were the only things she saw.

“You’ll get a meal tonight. None the day of the auction. Netherby likes you to be hungry.”

With that, Coswell closed the door. She heard him lock it again and then his steps receded.

Caroline looked at the unmade bed and saw a large bug crawling in the sheets. Bile rose in her throat. She went to the window and pulled back the curtain, seeing bars across it. She pressed her back against the wall and slowly slid down until she touched the ground. Dropping her head against her knees, she wept.

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