I hated myself for being weak, even though I knew it was a physical reaction to stimuli I couldn’t control.
“Fuck, Aspen. You took forever, precious.”
“Must be the pregnancy hormones.”
He lowered my leg. “Hmm.”
Casso seemed to accept my answer, but knowing him as I did, he’d do his own research.
After our shower, he stared at me as he tied his striped red and black silk tie. “I want you back, Aspen. Completely. I want us the way we were before your friend came.”
“Cass, we haven’t been good for over a year.” I was on the edge of the bed, brushing my long blonde hair. My damaged wrist ached as I gingerly rested it against my stomach. “If you loved me, you wouldn’t hold me hostage.” I bit my tongue to keep my stupid mouth shut.
“If?” he yelled.
Why didn’t I stay silent?
“If I loved you?” His face turned red, eyes strangling me with the intensity firing out of them.
I flinched, cowering away as he grabbed my arm and tugged me to my feet. He wrapped his other hand around my throat. Applying enough pressure, I gagged, fighting hot tears.
“You’re mine, Aspen. My baby is inside of you. Stop fighting your fate.” His grip tightened, nails digging into my delicate flesh.
My vision blurred, the lack of oxygen ratcheting up my heart rate.
Please, Tony. Help me.
Tony watched me from the security room faithfully. I needed him. Would he not help me? Casso might end me once and for all, though I didn’t think he would with his baby inside me.
“I’m… sorry,” I whimpered weakly, hating myself for showing fear. For giving Casso what he wanted most: my submission.
I’d do anything to survive.
Holding me in place, he dragged his nose over my cheek. “I just want you to love me, precious. Let me back into your heart, back into your body. It doesn’t have to be like this.” He squeezed his hand tighter.
Darkness closed in.
This was it.
He’d finally had enough of me.
“We can have a beautiful life together.”
I’d rather die.
My legs gave out, head dropping back. His arm caught me around my waist, holding me up, then he relaxed his hand around my throat.
I gasped, gulping oxygen into my lungs. My body quaked violently, tears streaming down my face as I coughed. The bastard took choking me too far this time.
“My precious girl, don’t cross me. I sense your dismay. Don’t try anything. It won’t end well for you.” His lips descended on mine.
I didn’t fight it. If I refused him, I’d never get away.
Casso plunged his tongue into my mouth despite my attempts to catch my breath, seeking to dominate. His hand cupped the back of my head, fisting my hair to tilt it to his liking as he smothered me.
And I took it—every goddamn thing he unleashed on me.
“You’re mine, Aspen. Say it,” he hissed through his fierce kisses, tugging on my hair.