That’s what happens when you marry the wrong man.
He drains the life out of you until you’re curled up in bed everyday questioning yourself.
A tightness pulls on my chest as I stare into space, feeling like there’s no way out.
I stare out at the swimming pool across the garden. The surrounding palm trees almost make the area feel secluded. But it won’t be. Valerian will have eyes everywhere.
My core burns when I remember the way he looked at me earlier. We were standing in this exact spot.
God, I feel so small when he’s around. I can’t pinpoint why I like that so much.
I never felt excited with Igor. We used lube during sex. I could never get myself wet enough.
His father, on the other hand, could slip right in and fuck me blind.
I shake off the feeling before it consumes me.What the fuck is wrong with me?Being attractive to your ex-fiancé’s father is not normal.
I haven’t even had time to process the breakup yet.
But I stand here now and wonder if there’s even anything to process.
I’m too busy wondering about how I’ll be punished by his father.
When I was handcuffed to Valerian’s bed, he said he punishes people for breaking his trust.
Did I break his trust for not showing up?
A part of me likes to think I did… just to be back in those handcuffs again.
I turn back around, retracing my steps through the cloister to head back inside. It’s late. Almost one a.m., according to the time on my watch. I need to rest and gain some strength for the coming days.
I turn the corner and collide with a very hard chest.
“Ouch!” I massage my temple, wincing.
Looking up, I find Valerian standing over me. A shiver runs down my spine, causing all the hairs on my skin to stand on end. He’s meant to be sleeping. He shouldn’t be awake.
But he is. He’s very awake, pinning me a glare with those haunting blue eyes.
“You should be sleeping.”
“So should you.”
“No, sweetheart.”
I narrow my eyes, taking him in.Where’s he been? In the city performing a hit and run?It’s hard to know for sure. His face isunreadable. At least with his son I could break through and read him like a book.
A book that turned out to be all lies.
It’ll be interesting to see if the apple falls far from the tree. It probably doesn’t.
“Can I borrow your phone? Your friend didn’t exactly give me a chance to collect my belongings on the beach before dragging me onto his boat.” I fold my arms over my chest. He’s still not saying anything. “I need to let my friends and family know where I am. And I have a deadline in two days, which, all thanks to you, I won’t be able to make.”
Valerian narrows his eyes. Shadows play all over his face, darkening his features, making them look even more petrifying.
Yeah, he was definitely out killing someone tonight. Great way to celebrate the wedding.
“No.” Valerian’s decision sounds final. “You won’t be telling anyone you’re here.”