“As you wish, firefly.” I toss her on the bed. The moment her body hits the mattress, she backs away, moving farther and farther up and out of reach.
“Since you can’t be trusted, you’re staying with me,” I explain. “That way, I can keep an eye on you.”
Her head shakes back and forth. “No. You can’t do that.”
“I just did.” I smirk.
Sasha takes that moment and the distance to jump off the bed and make a dash for the door.
She’s fast, but I’m faster.
Just as her hand reaches out to grab the door, I slam it shut.
“Did you really think I’d let you get away that easily?” I laugh.
Her hands bang against the door. The slaps echo off the walls, filling the space around us.
“Help!” she screams. “Someone let me out.”
“Enough.” I pull her away from the door, spinning her around and stepping into her until she has nowhere to go. “Nobody out there is going to save you, Sasha. They’re likely to hand you over to whoever is hunting you. This world is violent and full of traitors just waiting for their opportunity to rise in the ranks. You’d provide the perfect chance.” I search her eyes for any indication that my words are sinking in. “You’re only safe with me. You can fight against that truth, but it won’t change the fact.”
“You’re no savior,” she spits. “You’ve stolen me from my life without my permission. I can take care of myself.”
“You couldn’t even manage to keep yourself safe roaming the grounds tonight. You want me to believe that you can save yourself from men who won’t think twice about using your body before ending your life?” She gulps but remains quiet. “You’ll stay here, and that’s the end of it.”
Her chest rises and falls, and then she exhales, her shoulders slumping forward in defeat.
“Good girl. Now go lie down. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”
The thought of her in my bed is almost more than I can take.
17
SASHA
My head shakes backand forth, and that’s when the fog inside my brain clears, and I hear the words he just spoke.
They ricochet in my brain like a ball in a pinball machine.
He wants me to stay here.
In his room.
I can’t breathe.
The air in my lungs feels like shards of needles are tearing me apart.
This can’t be happening.
My hands hurt. My soul hurts. My pride is obliterated.
I couldn’t even manage to sneak out of here without being caught. I should’ve known better. If he has cameras in my room, he has them all over this property.
But that’s not the reason I’m dying inside. I’m being held here against my will, and now, I’m being forced to stay in his room.
He said I was here for my safety…
He lied.