Page 70 of Lord of Vice

“Hear me this time, Penny, and embrace what I’m saying because you have no choice but to accept. You belong to me.”

CHAPTER 22

Penny

Time.

I knew it was supposed to heal all wounds, helping make the past disappear, but that had never occurred, the heavy burden of guilt and shame keeping them fresh in my mind. While the bruises had healed for the most part, the scars on my arms were a direct reminder that I’d allowed a single man to nearly destroy my life.

Here I was again facing a future that I hadn’t planned and wasn’t certain I wanted. Yesterday, I’d hated Kraven, so much so I was determined to get out of his clutches. Yet right now, with the feelings churning in my stomach, and the closeness I felt, I wanted to learn everything about him. Everything.

Seeing him with his brother, the conviction in his heartfelt statement had provided another more soulful look into the man’s mind. He did care. A hell of a lot. Maybe I was crazy for letting my guard down with him but it was easy to do,much easier than I would have ever thought given what I’d been through.

As he kept his hand wrapped around mine while leading me up two flights of spiral stairs, it felt natural. It felt as if we were a couple, caring about each other in every way. I wasn’t really prone to fantasies, even though lunch and the park had been so amazing. I understood reality more than most, but maybe it was time to let go of some of my armor.

At least for a little while.

He led me into a room, needing only to wave his hand across a panel and a series of warm lights turned on inside the room. I was as floored by the huge bedroom as the rest of the house.

This was spectacular, the huge bed appearing larger than a king size. The ceiling was cathedral, the dark wooden surface creating a comforting, artistic feel. There was a beautiful water feature on the opposite wall, a stream trickling over rocks that seemed to belong on the surface. The various LED lights highlighted the beautiful artwork covering another wall. And the front was completely glass, allowing for an open feeling. I could see the stars from where I stood, still twinkling.

Still providing hope.

Wasn’t that silly of me to be thinking about?

“Amazing,” I found myself saying as I walked closer to the window. I noticed in the reflection he’d closed the door. When a hint of fear as if we were being watched pulsed through my system, I backed away. He was right there, his massive hands gripping my shoulders.

“You don’t need to be frightened. The glass is tinted on the outside, not only to prevent anyone from seeing into my home but also because of the heat. It’s also bulletproof including for sniper rifles.”

“You’ve thought of everything. Haven’t you?”

“You understand now why I do. This is my home, my sanctuary. Contrary to what you might believe, I do want a location where I can relax.”

“I’m curious. How many people, women have you brought here?”

“One, a very long time ago. Since then, no one.” He turned me around to face him, slowly allowing his gaze to fall.

“Why?”

“Because I couldn’t bear the thought of bringing someone into my life.”

“Then why me?” I wanted to know. I could see such pain in his eyes as I guessed he’d seen in mine. We were two private people for a reason.

“Because you are very special.” Just the way he rubbed my face, the look in his eyes allowed me to be drawn even closer to him.

“Will you check on Misha?”

He smiled as if surprised I continued to care. “Yes, of course. He is a very strong individual, Penny. I’d authorized the best medical care available. He will pull through.”

“I hope so. He was just trying to protect you.”

“And you, as he already pledged to do for anyone in my family.”

Family. He used the term easily, as if in less than three days I should readily accept his commitment to owning me. His words were strangely evocative, no longer as oppressive.

I couldn’t stand seeing him covered in blood any longer. I peeled away his shirt, tugging it up his chest. He wasn’t blinking as he allowed me to remove it, studying me more intently than he’d done before.

He kicked off the shoes that I knew still had to be wet from me dunking him but continued to allow me to undress him from there. I found myself fumbling as I unfastened his belt, my fingers stiff as I unzipped. As I peeled the material away, I slowly dropped to my knees to make his trousers easier to remove.