Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
I turn my head away and stare at the fridge. “You know.”
When he leans down, I quickly shut my eyes, but that’s a bad idea because now I feel every movement he makes, and his breath skimming over my jaw and ear has my sensitive skin tingling like crazy.
His hand grips my hip. “Don’t touch you?”
I swallow hard on the intense attraction making my abdomen tighten while heat flushes between my legs.
This isn’t right.
“You smell mouthwatering, Little Rose.” His lips brush against my throat, and a strangled moan escapes me.
He said similar words to me right before they killed Uncle Ricco.
Shoving against his chest, I dart to the side and run for the stairs.
My heart is beating out of control, and overwhelming shame pours through my veins like hot lava.
Whenever I’m attracted to Viktor, I feel like I’m dishonoring my family.
This is too hard. I can’t deal with these conflicting emotions.
Hiding in my bedroom, I remind myself of everything Viktor has done and who he is.
I force whatever feelings I have for him into a box of shameful thoughts, hoping to God I’m strong enough to keep it sealed shut because I can’t fall in love with him.
Chapter 14
Viktor
Viktor; 28. Rosalie; 20 – Two years since capture.
Blyadʹ. I only have a week left.
Every fiber of my being is against letting Rosalie go, but I can’t go back on my word.
And it’s not like anything’s going to change. I had three years, and she’s fought me every step of the way.
She’ll never forgive me for the part I played in killing her family.
There were times I seemed to get through to her, but she’d shut down so fast, and it would become more difficult to bridge the gap between us.
I’m worried she’ll forget about me the moment she leaves.
I can’t blame her, though.
Letting out a sigh, I get up and leave my office. I walk to the side door, and leaning against the doorjamb, I cross my arms over my chest and watch Rosalie run the obstacle course she set up for Luna.
Jesus, I’m going to miss the dog as well.
Over the past three years, Rosalie has blossomed into a stunning woman. There’s no sign of the seventeen-year-old girl I kidnapped.
I wonder if she knows how much stronger she’s become. The girl would cower and flinch, whereas the woman doesn’t hesitate to tell me to go to hell and trash her room to make a point that she hates living here.
All of my friends married the women of their dreams, and I’m forced to say goodbye to mine.
There were so many things I wanted to share with her, but Rosalie never allowed me to cross the line. I couldn’t even take her to Luca and Mariya’s wedding.
She also doesn’t want me to share anything about my day or things happening in my life.
Rosalie has built an insurmountable wall between us.
Christ, she’s so much stronger than me.
“It’s rude to stare,” Rosalie mutters as she gathers Luna’s toys.
“I only have a week left to look at you. I’ll stare all I want.”
Her eyes dart to mine, and I see the conflict warring in them.
I know, without a doubt, Rosalie is attracted to me. I’ll even go as far as to say she’s in love with me. But as long as she’s unable to forgive me, none of that matters.
When she pushes past me, I grab hold of her arm to hold her back. Turning my head, I lock eyes with her. “Don’t hide in your room tonight. Watch a movie with me.”
There’s zero hesitation when she answers, “No.” Tugging her arm out of my grip, she walks into the house.
Not happy with her reply, I ask, “Why not?”
Rosalie places the toys in a basket, lets out a sigh, then looks at me. “Because you always give me orders, Viktor. You never ask.”
Frowning, I shake my head. “I ask.”
“No, you don’t. It’s always an instruction.”
I walk closer to her. “Will you watch a movie with me tonight?”
Rosalie lets out a dry chuckle. “Only you can make a question sound like a demand.”
I take hold of her hand and brush my thumb over her soft skin. “We only have a week left, Little Rose. Please, will you spend some time with me?”
Her eyebrows draw together, and I watch the conflicting emotions flash over her face.
When she starts to pull her hand from mine, I tighten my grip. Stepping close to her, our bodies touch. I cup her cheek with my other hand, giving her a pleading look. “In seven days, I have to let you go. Just give me a week where you don’t hate me.”
Sadness creeps into her eyes, making the golden flecks in her brown irises more prominent. “I can’t, Viktor.”
When she tries to step back to put some space between us, I let go of her hand and wrap my fingers around the back of her neck. Holding her in place, my mouth crashes against hers in absolute desperation.