I chuckle, and while Rosalie disposes of the wipe and puts the first aid kit away, I carry the plates out onto the patio.

When she comes to the patio, she doesn’t take a seat at the wrought iron table but picks up her plate and heads back into the house.

With a broad smile on my face, my teeth sink into the sandwich.

There’s hope for you yet, Little Rose.

Chapter 9

Rosalie

It’s my birthday, and my nerves are shot to hell. I have no idea what will happen today and whether Viktor meant what he said about not forcing himself on me.

Besides the altercation in the kitchen the other day, when he asked me if I wanted to be spanked, nothing like that has happened again.

Just thinking of his lips brushing over my cheek makes my heart beat violently in my chest. My emotions are all over the place. I’m terrified of the man and hate it whenever my stomach flutters, which seems to be happening more and more often.

Every day has been the same. I’m left alone in my bedroom and only see Viktor when it’s time to eat.

On my second night in this hell hole, his mother came to see me, but I refused to talk to her.

Standing by the window, I stare at the garden situated in the middle of the three mansions. There’s a huge fountain that’s bigger than any pool I’ve seen before, with a statue of a black horse and water splashing around his hoofs.

Day by day, it’s getting harder staying cooped up in the room. I miss interacting with people.

I miss my grandfather and Uncle Ricco.

God, I even miss school. How sad is that?

Being alone is starting to wear me down much sooner than I thought it would. I’m even contemplating wandering out into the garden in the hopes of seeing one of the women.

My pride and grief keep me from leaving the room, though.

The wounds are still too raw, and it feels like I’ll betray my family by interacting with any of the people on this property.

Movement draws my attention away from the water feature, and when I see Viktor, my heartbeat instantly speeds up, and my mouth dries out. He always wears black cargo pants and a shirt for work, so seeing him in a gray suit has my stomach doing cartwheels. The way he walks makes him look hot and powerful.

Even the devil is beautiful, Rosalie. The man is a monster and rotten on the inside. He killed your grandfather and uncle. Don’t forget your grief for one second.

I turn away from the window and glance around the room that doesn’t offer any entertainment. I’m so bored I wash my hair on a daily basis and even stick to a skincare routine, which I never used to do. I pack and unpack my closet and move the furniture around just to stay busy.

I wish I had my kindle so I could lose myself in my books.

Letting out a sigh, I take a seat on the chair by the vanity table and scowl at my reflection.

Don’t give in.

These people are your enemies.

You’re a prisoner, not a guest.

A knock at the door has my head snapping up.

Viktor only calls me for lunch and dinner, so the unscheduled visit at this early hour has my heart going crazy in my chest.

God, please don’t let this turn into the worst day of my life. Don’t let him rape me.

The door opens, and I’m instantly dizzy with fear. Standing up, my legs tremble and threaten to give way beneath me.


Tags: Michelle Heard Sinners Dark