Page 72 of Sinner's Perdition

My guard asks if I’m going out today, but I slide my finger down my neck, and even this scary man scratches his jaw, avoiding my eyes. Yes, I am married to a beast, but the way it felt was so sinfully good. No, not going there. I can’t believe I like the things he does to my body, his hand wrapped around my neck, the knife play.

Viviana calls, and I pick up, relieved by the abrupt end to my dangerous thoughts.

“How’s married life?”

“A dream come true.”

“Still rocking the sarcasm.”

“I’m fluent.”

My sister giggles. “I miss you.”

A pang of guilt assaults me. I have been so in my head, I don’t even have a valid excuse.

“Come by tomorrow.” There is no way makeup can cover my neck, but hey, turtlenecks in summer is a thing, right?

“Mama misses you too, and Papa . . .”

“What? Is he overjoyed he sold his product to the highest bidder?”

She sighs, and we hang up. I miss Aurora, but that madman still has her trapped on their honeymoon, most certainly brainwashing her some more into accepting this life. She’s my best friend. I love her and want what’s best for her. Not a life with no options.

I spend the rest of the day in my makeshift studio. Hours go by as I let myself be swept away by the creative flow.

The door slips open, and his heady smell then his potent presence hits me from all sides. I turn around and find Cato leaning against the wall.

“It’s six o’clock.”

I switch my attention back to my piece when his head comes between my neck and my shoulder.

“We can do this the hard way too.”

It was peaceful and then Mr. I Demand You to Bow comes back and has to ruin it.

He lifts me, and I yelp as he smacks my ass and throws me over his shoulder.

“You have thirty minutes.”

“What are you going to do if I’m not ready?”

“You’ll find out.”

It’s in the way the salacious threat rolls off his tongue that I give in.

Giving up, I try to cover my mark with makeup. I should avoid taunting him this much, so he won’t take it out on my body. A futile attempt.

I change into a summer button-up dress and put my sandals on when he walks inside.

“So, you can listen, after all?”

“Go to hell.”

“That mouth of yours will only get you fucked.”

His eyes already turn a darker shade, and the disturbed, wanton part of me craves his attention.

I storm past him, but he catches my elbow and backs me into the wall.

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