Total pages in book: 767
Estimated words: 732023 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3660(@200wpm)___ 2928(@250wpm)___ 2440(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 732023 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3660(@200wpm)___ 2928(@250wpm)___ 2440(@300wpm)
It occurred to me that I’d have to go out in public naked, but I couldn’t risk taking time to rummage through Andrés’ drawers for something to cover myself. That would also make noise, and I couldn’t afford that, either.
Naked, it is, I told myself, reasoning that I’d attract help faster this way, once I got out into the street.
If I didn’t get killed on the way out.
Summoning up my courage, I carefully eased out of the bed, wincing when the mattress shifted ever so slightly beneath me. I paused, barely breathing.
Andrés continued to snore.
I exhaled and began to tiptoe across the plush carpet, making my way toward the door that led out into the rest of the suite. I squeezed my fist open and closed a few times to stop my fingers from trembling, then carefully turned the knob. The softest snick sounded as the latch disengaged.
Andrés didn’t stir.
I slipped out the door and cracked it behind me, not daring to shut it all the way in case it thudded closed.
City lights flooded the adjoining room, shining through another wall of windows. As I’d suspected, it was set up like a lavish sitting room. Finally, I spotted a clock. Of course, it was an ornate grandfather clock rather than something modern. Analog. Ugh.
Still, at least I now knew it was three thirty-five AM. Hopefully everyone really was asleep at this hour.
My gaze swept over the room, looking for the exit. Another closed door was set into the opposite wall from the windows. I started to make my way toward it when the shifting lights caught on something silver: an elevator. My way out.
I raced toward it on tiptoe, trying to move silently even as I rushed to freedom. I pushed the call button, which was illuminated in blue.
I nearly jumped out of my skin when a loud buzzer sounded.
Fuck!
I hadn’t heard that sound when anyone else had come and gone from the suite. Why now?
Desperate, I punched the button again, knowing I had precious seconds before Andrés’ strong arms closed around me. The angry buzz echoed through the suite.
“It won’t work for you,” he drawled.
I yelped and spun, backing up until my butt hit the cold silver doors behind me. Andrés stood in the doorway to the bedroom, the city lights reflecting stars across his black eyes. He didn’t move toward me.
The doors didn’t open behind me. Desperate, I hit the call button again.
Buzz.
His teeth flashed white through the darkness. “That elevator is accessed through thumbprint recognition. The only people who can come and go from this suite are those who have my permission. You don’t have permission, my curious gatita.” He finally began prowling toward me. “Did you want to explore my home?” he asked, the innocuous question made terrifying by the silky smooth tone of his voice. “Were you so eager to see the rest of it? I’m more than happy to show you.”
I shook my head wildly. “I didn’t… I don’t… I just want to go home,” I forced out past the lump in my throat. Whatever he was about to show me, I was certain it was terrible. I could read it in the hungry glint of his eyes, the sharpness of his smile. Dark anticipation pulsed around him like a palpable thing. It pressed against me, making me shudder.
“This is your home now,” he said when he finally reached me. There was nowhere for me to run, nowhere to hide. All I could do was press my body back against the cold metal doors and tremble.
His hand closed around the back of my neck, his fingers tangling in my hair at my nape as he pulled me against him. He was naked, and his huge cock pressed into my belly.
“You weren’t really asleep,” I accused, knowing the truth. He was toying with me, testing me.
His grin sharpened. “Clever and curious,” he remarked with satisfaction. “No, I wasn’t asleep.” He leaned in, his cheek whispering against mine as he spoke low in my ear. “You can’t escape me, Samantha. There’s only one way out of this penthouse, and it’s barred to you. I don’t have to keep you collared and chained to trap you here. I just like it. I like knowing you’re naked in my bed, waiting for me.”
“You’re sick,” I said shakily.
He laughed softly. “You’ve called me worse already. Do you really think your little insults wound me? I’m going to tame your barbed tongue because I enjoy training you, not because it’s capable of hurting me. If you continue to defy me in this, the only time you’ll be allowed to use your tongue is when you’re worshipping my cock.”
My stomach churned, fear clogging my throat. I didn’t have any words, anyway. What was there to say in response to such a horrible declaration?