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She’s mine, and I’ll protect her from anything and anyone who threatens her.
“That’s ridiculous.”
“No, what’s ridiculous is that you’re hiding something from me. This is your way out. Take it, or I’ll wrench every single one of your secrets out of that pretty little head of yours.”
Her nostrils flare, and her glare sharpens, but she stays silent. Finally, with a sigh, she says, “Fine.”
I smirk, but I don’t feel any satisfaction. Not when she’s hiding something from me.
She scoops up her dresses and retreats to the closet. I can’t help but stare after her.
Sophia may think she’s off the hook, but it’s only temporary.
Soon enough, I’ll figure out what’s bothering her.
And I’ll make it fucking disappear.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
SOPHIA
THE WATER stings my skin as I step down into the hot tub.
My wrists are still sensitive from the ropes Tristan left me in last night. Thankfully, though, they didn’t bruise, and most of the redness has calmed since yesterday.
I scan the room, my gaze landing on the windows overlooking the dark lawn. Xander got a phone call just as we got down here, saying he’ll join me in a few minutes.
I don’t mind the time alone. The past twenty-four hours have been a disaster, and I need a fucking break.
First, Tristan. And then the threat that I could lose Xander.
After being with him yesterday, I just couldn’t take it anymore. I called off from work so I could stay home and cry all day.
So, of course, Xander had to show up in the middle of one of my sobbing sessions. I told him it was because of a bad dream—the bad dream, and he seemed to believe me.
Until I couldn’t shake off the fear that Xander has entered my life just to leave again. Between that and the thought that Tristan could break into my house anytime he pleases, I’ve been a mess.
Thankfully, Xander was more than happy to move me in with him. Ever since I saw him standing on my porch today, my body has been slowly relaxing. My chest doesn’t feel like there’s a hundred-pound weight on it anymore.
The sinking dread I felt last night hasn’t left me. Neither have the sharp stabs of fear any time Xander forces himself on top of me.
But I’m safe—safer, anyway.
As I sink onto the seat that wraps around the tub, I let out a loud sigh. I’ve got to figure out a plan.
First, stop acting all skittish around Xander before he takes back our deal. I’m too afraid of what Tristan will do if I don’t follow his instructions.
Second, figure out what Tristan has on Xander—without anyone finding out. I’m not terribly confident about my abilities to do that, but I have to try.
Third, find some way to stop Tristan. There’s something bigger going on here. And if Dominic’s and Alexander’s argument from the other night means anything, it’s that they’re involved.
So how do I tip them off that Tristan has the power to take Xander away? Do they already know?
I hear the door slam shut, followed by heavy footsteps.
“That was Dominic. We have some... stuff we have to take care of. He’s on his way over along with Blaze and Felix.” He takes his shirt off in a smooth motion before joining me. “I have a few minutes.”
I smile as relief floods me. Having Blaze around will probably put me more at ease. But I can’t wait—I need to get back to acting normal. Now.
