Page 15 of Blood and Beauty (Owned by The Don)

"Emmie! Thank God you're okay!" She pulls me into a hug, but my arms stay at my side. It is awkward and unlike her and I feel out of place. Since when did she give a fuck if I was okay or not? I've been nothing but a check to her my entire life. Whether it was from the state or my school loans.

"I'm fine, Mom. Where have you been?" I try to sound like I care, but I'm growing more annoyed by the second.

"That son of a bitch has me scrubbing toilets. Toilets, Emmie! Can you fucking believe it?"

I pull back from her, my face red with anger caused both by her and our captor. I've been scrubbing our toilet since I was little. I'm so over the sense of entitlement.

"You stole all of my college money and probably several thousands of dollars from one of the top leaders of the Columbian cartel, Mother. I more than believe it. I'm surprised he doesn't have you doing it with your toothbrush."

The shock on her face is unmistakable. I've never really spoken out to her, because I didn't want her wrath after doing so. But now, all bets are off.

"You're supposed to be on my side here, Esmeralda. We're being held hostage right now by a very dangerous man-"

"You think I don't know that?" I snap. My voice is dripping with venom.

"I'm not the one who stole from him. I'm not the one who only gives a fuck about her next fix. I'm not the one who's successfully sabotaged her daughter's entire future! So yeah, scrub some fucking toilets. Matter of fact, you can tend to mine when I'm done with my shower."

I walk past her to my door, and my hand is resting on the handle when she speaks again.

"You think I'm not ashamed of my actions, Emmie? You think I don't care about a single thing I've done to hurt you? I'm a fuck-up, okay? I've only done what it takes to keep us both alive."

I bark out a harsh laugh and take one look at her before I open my door. Her small hands are knotted in front of her, and her eyes are large with fear. This woman is a class act. I'll give her that.

"No. No, I've done everything that I could to keep us alive since I was able to do so. You have done nothing but steal and continue to put my life in danger. You have done nothing but think about yourself."

I enter my room and shut the door behind me, not giving her even a second to respond. She begins to knock on my door, calling out my name and begging for me to speak with her, but I don't have the time or energy for this. The last two days have been nothing but a whirlwind for me and I'd love nothing more than to sit in a warm bath and disassociate for a while.

I head to the bathroom and peel off every bit of clothing with haste. I run the water to the large, stone tub and wait for it to fill. Once I step in, the water instantly soothes my tense muscles. I lay my head back and stare at the ceiling, my mind anything but quiet.

I should be thinking about an escape, that would be the logical thing to do. Instead, the only thing that enters my mind is the strange, mixed colors of gold and amber. I still can smell his dark and citrus scent, still feel the power that his strong body gives off. The thoughts do nothing but make that stupid flutter in my stomach come back, they do nothing but make my thighs clench.

It's impossible not to be attracted to him, even though he's a monster. He's a beautiful monster and for some stupid reason, my body can't help but react to him.

I grab a washcloth and lather it up with soap that smells of vanilla, dragging it down my arms and my chest, circling it around my small breasts, lingering on my tan nipples. I feel the wetness pooling between my legs and even though I should shut off these thoughts that are causing my arousal, I decide to indulge.

It's been a while since I've had sex, pretty much all of college, but I've always been in tune with my body and its needs. I've always felt liberated in self exploration and pleasure. It's not like I've had the time for it recently, but maybe it can take some of the edge off.

I bring my hand down to my sex, slowly massaging my clitoris in the warm water. My hips rise and fall and my heart starts to race. I can't stop thinking about his arms, the strong and thick bulk of him. The way his pants stretch tightly over his legs, as if his muscles are trying to rip free.

I work my fingers faster and I feel the peak of my orgasm near the surface, my soft moans only loud enough for me to hear. Little whispers of sick and demented longing.

His strong jaw covered with dark whiskers,moan. His hair that curls slightly at the ends,moan. The way his animal eyes linger on my body,moan. The way his hand felt gripping my wrist,moan. The way he says my name, my full and unusual name,moan.

Within seconds, I'm coming. My hand clasps over my mouth and I ride out the strange and molten waves coursing through my body. Moaning one last time, the sound foreign and exciting.

"Dante."

I open my eyes and stare back up at the ceiling, waiting for the confusion or disgust to come, but it doesn't. In its place, comes acceptance. If he really means that staying out of his way and keeping the peace will grant me my freedom, then I'll be a good girl. I'll prepare his meals and indulge in his frustrating conversations. I'll do whatever I can to escape this prison that's already changing me into a person that I don't like, into a person that I never wanted to be. An angry person with sick desires that will only destroy her.

I refuse to be like my mother. I refuse to be a junkie to something that will kill me. I'm not this person, I'm a smart and kind girl. So I will keep my distance and my peace, counting down the minutes until I can escape this once and for all.

7

Esmeralda

It tookme almost an hour to pick out a sensible outfit from the closet. All of the clothes are designer, even the jeans. I decided on a form fitting pair of dark skinny jeans and a black, Dolce & Gabbana long sleeve top with a sweetheart cut.

It made my breasts stand out a little too much for my liking, but it was better than some of these other ridiculous shirts with silk and ruffles and baffling designs. I slip on a pair of lace flats by the same designer, the crystal logo sparkling on my toes.

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