CHAPTER XXXI
“ F uck!” he grunted, my body tensing as he rammed into me, his rough movements devoid of any tenderness.
I bit down hard, trying to escape the harsh reality by retreating into my mind, but the searing agony that intensified with each violent push made it impossible for me to escape. All I could do was close my eyes while wishing I was anywhere but here.
His large hands wrapped around my throat, applying pressure. Panic coursed through me. “You belong to me now, bitch,” he snarled. “No one can take you from me, not even Nico.” The threat hung in the air, his grip loosening as he finished.
The last thing I remembered was Uncle Malik going ballistic in his cell.
Gasping for air, I jolted awake, my heart racing, fingers frantically grasping at my throat. The sheets clung to me, drenched in cold sweat. I scanned the room, relieved to find I was not trapped in that cage.
I was safe.
Exhaling deeply, I raked my fingers through my hair. I turned my head, expecting to see Nico, but the other side of the bed was empty.
I wanted to tiptoe out to the guest room, the one he had set up for me.
Despite what we’d done last night, I couldn’t bear to be near him.
But I knew that the big Neanderthal would carry me back to his bed.
I didn’t want to crave his presence, the way his body cocooned me in warmth, or how his lips felt on my skin.
My chest tightened. I wasn’t sure if I felt disappointed for not finding him beside me or pissed off that we had sex.
The sex was... intense, unlike anything I’d ever experienced with anyone.
It was raw, rough, mixed with pent-up rage and betrayal that was ready to engulf us in flames.
But it was also passionate. So passionate that I lost myself completely in the overwhelming heat and passed out after we came together.
I had given in, surrendered my body and soul to the devil himself.
I was caught off guard by the gentle warmth of his touch and the softness of his kisses against my skin.
The way his lips brushed against my scars somehow brought me peace.
It settled something deep inside my heart as if it recognized that I could place my trust in him once again.
And if that wasn’t enough, I sucked the blood from his finger like a freaking vampire. It should’ve repelled me, but instead, it turned me on. What the hell was wrong with me?
The bathroom door swung open, releasing a cloud of steam that followed Nico. He strolled out of the bathroom half naked, a black towel casually draped around his hips. His tan, bare chest covered in tattoos and the bandage around his arm instantly drew my gaze.
“Good morning,” he rumbled, his deep voice sending a tingling sensation throughout my body. I could practically taste the caramel sweetness of his skin, and craved the chance to savor every inch of him.
My eyes snapped up to meet his, only to find him smirking, clearly catching me ogling. I curled my knees up to my chest, resting my chin on my hand.
He didn’t seem to mind that my eyes tracked his every move.
Nico had always been a beautiful, sexy man, and I could never get enough of him, even though I struggled with the desire when we first got together.
I wasn’t sure if it was my fear of becoming dependent on him or if I loved the way he exerted control over me.
His possessiveness was intoxicating. What did that say about me?
But I couldn’t help it. The man had a way of commanding every room he walked into.
“How did you sleep?” he asked while dropping his towel. He grabbed a pair of briefs and slid them on.
“Fine,” I lied.
A small chuckle escaped his lips. “I would hope so since I fucked you into a coma.”
I rolled my eyes.
He walked over to the closet and was inside for a few minutes. When he returned, he was dressed in a pair of dark gray slacks and a long sleeve red shirt, rolling the sleeves up to his elbows.
“Do you feel like coming down for breakfast?” he asked.
I shook my head.
“Okay. I’ll bring you something to eat.”
“No, thank you.” I didn’t know if I was angry at him for betraying me or at myself for sleeping with him. I blamed my vagina. The bitch was too needy.
His jaw twitched as he watched me. I knew it would only piss him off when I didn’t do everything he said. Well, those days of going along with his orders were over with. I just needed to convince Tabi to leave with me.
I quickly jumped off the bed and walked toward the bathroom.
“Gigi,” Nico sighed, but I walked past him and slammed the door.