Page 118 of Vows of Silence

Absolutely not.

There was no chance in hell that was what I thought it was.

“What’s in the bag?” I asked, already knowing the answer. The guard’s expression remained stubbornly blank.

“Seriously,” I said, my voice bordering on hysterical. “What the fuck is in the bag?”

His eyes shifted toward the bag. Then back to me.

“A gift. Are you disinclined to acquiesce his gift, too?”

I didn’t bother dignifying that with an answer. I pushed myself upright and crossed the room, ignoring the protests from my body. The zip slid open beneath my fingers, and several layers of white fabric spilled into view.

For several seconds I simply stared at it, feeling sick to my stomach.

“No,” I said simply. “Absolutely the fuck not.”

Silence.

“Tell him I have no need for it, and he can throw it in the fire where it belongs.”

More silence.

Apparently, this was going to be one of those conversations.

I shoved the dress back into the bag and folded my arms across my chest.

“I’m not wearing that. Silas must be out of his goddamn mind if he thinks—”

The guard took a single step forward, and my mouth clamped shut.

“You can put it on yourself.” His voice was low and rough and I immediately wished he hadn’t bothered replying. “Or I can do it for you. Something I wouldn’t be disinclined to acquiesce.”

“Jeez. Learn to let things go,” I muttered.

I didn’t doubt him for a second. Not because I thought he would enjoy the task. If anything, the man looked deeply inconvenienced by the prospect of human interaction. But there was something in his expression that made it abundantly clear he had received instructions and intended to follow them regardless of how humiliating the experience might be for everyone involved.

Silas had already violated my body enough himself. It was hardly unbelievable that he’d instruct his guards to do the same.

Fantastic. Just absolutely fantastic.

“Has anyone called for me?” I asked, suddenly remembering exactly what had happened last night.

In fact, now that I was remembering, my gaze wandered around my bedroom.

Why was I in here? This hadn’t been the room I collapsed in. And then, bit by bit, memories started resurfacing—memories that felt like a dream, but I knew had happened to me. Starting with being carried into this room, and ending with Silas kissing my cheek—aftershaving me.

Jesus fucking Christ, the man was insane!

“Are you expecting a gentleman caller?” the guard laughed at me, pulling my attention back to him. “Maybe luncheon with the ladies?”

“Go fuck yourself,” I snapped back.

Arrogant prick.

But with the resurfaced memories came a quiet confidence. Despite how horrific some of them were, there was one that gave me hope—Adrien knew where I was. He had answered the phone and heard me say Falcone Manor. He’d asked about Silas.

Heknew.Surely he would tell my father where I was, and they would both attempt to rescue me?