It’s on the tip of my tongue to start begging when Viktor’s eyes narrow on my face. “What’s wrong?”
I suck in desperate breaths.
Realization flashes over his features. “Jesus, Rosalie. Calm down. I’m a man of my word. I’ll never force myself on you.”
His promises mean nothing to me.
To my utter surprise, he places a gift on the bed and says, “Get ready. We’re going out.”
What?
I gape at him, which makes him chuckle. “I’m taking you out for the day.”
“I get to leave the property?” I ask, wondering if this is some kind of trick.
He nods toward the black box that’s tied with a silver ribbon. “Put on the dress, birthday girl. I’ll wait downstairs.”
I watch as he leaves, still not sure what’s going on, but the promise of getting out of the house is too much to ignore. I quickly walk to the bed, and with trembling fingers, I pull the ribbon loose. Lifting the lid off, I move the silver paper out of the way and stare at the pale blue fabric.
When I take it out, I gasp at how pretty the summer dress is. It’s my favorite color, and half my clothes are in the same shade.
Unable to stop myself, a smile slowly curves my lips. The gift shouldn’t mean anything to me.
I shake my head and quickly step out of my jeans and t-shirt so I can slip on the dress. I grab a pair of pumps for my feet and take a couple of seconds to look at my reflection in the mirror.
The dress fits perfectly.
I turn my gaze to the doorway, and with the overwhelming temptation of being among other people, I leave the bedroom.
When I come down the stairs, Viktor tucks his phone into the breast pocket of his suit jacket and glances up at me. He looks so striking in the formal wear I lose my ability to breathe for a moment.
Lifting his arm, he holds his hand out to me.
Not wanting to be difficult and risk my chance at freedom, I place my palm in his. My cheeks flush when his strong fingers wrap around mine, and I’m pulled to stand in front of him.
His eyes drift over my face, and his voice is low and deep as he says, “You look breathtaking, Little Rose.”
Before I can stop the words, my manners push them over my lips. “Thank you.”
A pleased smile transforms his face from brutal to so damn attractive, I have to look away.
When he weaves his fingers with mine, I feel uncomfortable being so close to him, and at the same time, attraction. The latter emotion makes guilt rear up in my chest.
Viktor leads me to the front door, and when we step out of the house, I’m met with a large paved driveway and a yellow Lamborgini.
There’s also a black SUV with five armed guards.
“Try to keep up,” Viktor jokes with his men. He opens the passenger door and helps me climb inside. Suddenly he leans over me, and I freeze as he clips my safety belt into place.
Before he pulls back, he looks at me with a playful grin. “Got to make sure you’re safe.”
My stomach somersaults like crazy, and I glance at the expensive leather of my seat just in case the unwanted attraction shows on my face.
Viktor slides behind the steering wheel and unbuttons his jacket before he puts on his safety belt.
We’re really leaving the property.
The powerful engine roars to life, and it rumbles as he drives toward two giant iron gates. They swing open, and once he’s steered us onto the road, my body is pushed back into the seat as he rockets down the street.