Текст книги "CHAINED"

Автор книги: Jaimie Roberts

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Текущая страница: 18 (всего у книги 24 страниц)

The burn at feeling him at my entrance went to an all-time high. I couldn’t see straight, couldn’t think straight beyond the need to have him inside me.

I was about to beg again when Zac pushed himself inside of me with one quick thrust.

That was it. My walls clenched around him in one of the most amazing orgasms. It was not as intense as last night, but it was still more intense than I’d ever had before.

“Oh god!” I cried, scratching at his arms and yanking him to my mouth.

“Shit, Livy. I’m sorry I left you again. I thought you would be better by now.” He pushed himself deep within me and moaned. “Shit, you feel so good, baby.”

I was in another world, basking in the glow of my orgasm. The feel of him pushing inside of me just added to my spasms. Every movement he made inside me had the pleasurable burn creeping up.

Wrapping my legs around him, Zac rubbed his hand from my knee to the top of my thigh before squeezing.

I moaned again. Just that simple touch had it building back up with a vengeance.

“I know you have one more left for me, Livy. Give it to me, baby. I don’t think I can last much longer.”

All of a sudden, his movements got faster and harder. The table was making the most awful thudding sound with each thrust, but I didn’t care about anything apart from my next orgasm.

“Livy!” Zac screamed, and that was it. I fell over the edge again, screaming out so loud, the whole house must have heard.

My walls clamped down on him again as his pace quickened. “Fuck!” he yelled, his back arching with his own release. His whole body went rigid for a second as I felt him pulsating inside me.

Again, the guilt quickly surfaced, but it was a calm guilt with Zac so close to me. I hated that I needed him. He knew I had an addictive personality and used that to his advantage. Zac was my addiction now. He knew it. I knew it. There was no going back.

This was my life.

“You’re being so nice to me,” I whispered.

Zac’s heavy breathing stopped a moment before he pulled away to look at me. “Livy, I’ve always been nice to you.”

I shook my head. “Not like this.”

Zac laughed a little. “That’s because you weren’t properly mine back then. Now that you’ve given into me a hundred percent, there isn’t any going back. I will give you everything, Livy. I just ask for your loyalty in return.”

I sniggered. “And a child.”

Zac didn’t hear the level of sarcasm in my voice. If he did, he chose to ignore it. Instead, he laughed. “At this rate, I won’t have any problems getting you pregnant.”

I knew he knew more, but I’d be damned if I let him know that I did.

He pulled out of me and I winced. “Are you okay? Has it eased it a little?”

I nodded. “Yes, thank you.”

Zac pulled his trousers up and did his buttons. He picked up my panties and smelled them. “Fuck. That’s the best fragrance in the world.” He pocketed them, earning him a shocked look from me. “What?”

“You’re not going to take them, are you?”

He nodded. “Damn right.”

I sorted my bra out and pulled my shirt across my chest. Zac made a move to leave. “Where are you going?”

He sighed, but turned around with a smile. “I’m going to make some phone calls. I suggest you go upstairs to our room and wait for me. I doubt you’re done.”

I looked for any signs of annoyance. “Does that bother you?”

Zac closed the distance between us and cupped my chin with his fingers. “Baby, if you think it does, you obviously don’t know me by now.” He moved away with a smile.

“I don’t know you at all,” I whispered.

Zac stopped and I thought I had really pissed him off. A new feeling washed over me. It was like fear and desire all rolled into one. My god, won’t it ever stop?!

Without turning around, he said, “You know all you need to know about me, Livy. Now, get upstairs. I’ll be up as quickly as I can.” He walked out of the kitchen.

Once he was out of sight, an overwhelming loss came over me. What was it that made me want him so much? I hated him, yet I couldn’t stand to be without him. Surely he didn’t want me like this. Surely no man would want a clingy woman. It didn’t make any sense to me.

Deciding to think about something else, I looked around and saw the mess I had created on the floor. I bent to pick it up.

“Leave that. Someone will clean it up.”

I looked up at Ian, feeling the flames hit my cheeks. I clasped my open top closed to hide my modesty as much as possible.

“I made the mess. I should clean it.” I started to bend down again, but Ian grabbed my hand. I looked over at his smiling face.

“It’s okay, Livy. That’s why we have people working here who do this sort of thing. It’s their job to clean up. Not yours.”

I felt my anger boil up. I couldn’t even do something as simple as picking up the broken pieces of a plate scattered across the floor. The broken plate that was my fault because I couldn’t keep my hormones under control.

I felt the tears brimming again, but I was determined not to cry. This morning, I cried, mourning the loss of Kit, the loss of a real relationship. Now, I had to be strong. I had to accept this as my fate and move on. Zac was my destiny now.

Feeling the little hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention at the thought of Zac, I decided to make a move. I didn’t say anything more to Ian. Instead, I walked past him and out the door. As I moved to the staircase, I spotted Maria outside, talking to one of the men. Her hand was lovingly stroking his arm as if in comfort.

I moved up one step and she looked at me, a knowing smile on her face. Her eyes landed on my ripped blouse and her smile widened as she winked at me.

I didn’t want to stand around anymore. Being alone in my room sounded like a pretty good idea right about now. I was used to being shut off from the world and it amazed me how quickly I had entered into it again.

As I got near to the top of the stairs, I could hear whispers. “Did you hear her screaming? Fuck. I nearly came in my pants myself. She sounds like a wildcat.”

My eyes closed, knowing who they were talking about. I really didn’t want to go further. I could just turn back and wander around the house. Looking down, I knew that wasn’t possible. I needed to change.

Sighing, I climbed up to the top of the stairs. I heard another man say, “Craig said she has the most amazing tits he’s ever–”

I came into view when he said this. There were three of them, all with smiles on their faces. Smiles which were quickly wiped off once they saw me.

One of them cleared his throat and nodded. “Miss.”

I nodded back and quickly turned toward my room. I heard whispering, then laughter as I opened the door and slammed it behind me.

I didn’t want to be there. I wanted to be as far away as possible. Thinking quickly, I rummaged through the wardrobe and came across a bikini. I knew there was a pool because I remember swimming in it when I was little. I loved that day. It was one of my very few fond memories.

Deciding I needed a break, I got undressed and put the red bikini on. It left little to the imagination, but I didn’t care. I was pissed at everyone, pissed at my life and, most of all, pissed at Zac for making me crave him again.

I grabbed a towel and marched into the hallway. Those three men were still there and snapped their mouths shut when they saw me emerge. In fact, I think their eyes bulged out of their heads a little.

Ignoring them, I made my way down the stairs, a hundred sets of eyes watching my every move. I could see their hesitation. I could tell they didn’t know whether or not to stop me. They obviously hadn’t been given instructions about what to do if I did this sort of thing. I bet Zac never thought I would go against him.

I was about to go out into the sunshine when the biggest man I had ever seen blocked my path. “You’re not allowed out there, miss.”

So they had been given some instructions about me. “Why not?”

“Boss wants you in the house.”

I placed my hand on my hip. “And your boss’ name is…?” I motioned with my hand for him to continue, but I was met with silence. I started laughing. “You don’t know what it is, do you? You have no clue.” I moved to get past him, but he blocked me again. “I want to go for a swim.”

He shook his head. “I can’t let you outside.”

I huffed, wondering what the hell to do next. Suddenly, I had a stroke of genius. “If you don’t let me outside, I’ll tell your boss you were touching my breast.”

He looked down at my chest and back up again. “I haven’t touched you.”

Grabbing his hand, I placed it on my left breast and started to scream Zac’s name when his other hand went over my mouth.

“Please don’t say anything.”

I smiled, but noticed he still had his hand firmly on my breast. I looked at him, but it didn’t register…until I looked down at my breast again.

He immediately snatched his hand away and I took that as my opportunity to step around him. “Thank you,” I sang, walking towards the pool.

It was actually a beautiful day. I was wondering whether it would be hot enough to get in the water, but the thought of feeling the cold was welcome to me. I needed it after letting my hormones run wild. In fact, the colder the water, the better.

I threw my towel on the lounge chair and dived in. My breath immediately caught. As I surfaced, I took a few gasps, letting the cold sink deep within me.

I had to start swimming so my body could get used to the temperature. I started with the breast stroke, then moved onto the front crawl. I did twenty of each before I calmed a little and felt the water become warmer around me. Once satisfied, I pulled my legs up and floated on the surface. I felt the sun hit my skin, the only sound filling the air was the birds singing overhead. I found peace in times like this. Peace I knew wouldn’t last long.

“Who the fuck let her out here? Stop looking at her. Turn around, you fuckers!”

I had to bite my lip to stop the laughter. I knew laughing at Zac wasn’t a good idea, but I couldn’t help it.

“This is not funny, Livy. You were supposed to be upstairs. You disobeyed my orders.”

I looked up at my lord and master. He was mad, but instead of feeling fear, it did something quite the opposite.

I swam to the ladder and pulled myself up. I heard Zac growl as I appeared at the top. My nipples were instantly erect and waiting, just like he wanted them to be.

For a moment, he stared at them, but then clarity must have hit him because he raced to grab my towel. I looked around and saw three men with their backs turned to me. I couldn’t help but giggle.

Zac’s thunderous look wasn’t lost on me. He was angry. It was a look that used to send my skin prickling, but my skin had other ideas right now.

Without a word, Zac wrapped me with a towel and picked me up, throwing me over his shoulder. I squealed as he walked briskly back towards the house.

I watched in horror as all the men smiled when we passed them. Zac quickly took the stairs and opened the bedroom door with a thud. He gently set me down, then took a couple steps back.

“I was going to spend the whole afternoon and evening with you, Livy, but after that stunt, you can sit in here alone. I won’t be in to see you until tomorrow morning. This is your punishment, Livy. This is your fault.”

I started to object, but he was out the door and locking it behind him faster than I could utter a word.

I sank down on the bed with a sigh. I was his prisoner now. I wanted him so badly and he knew it. He was making me pay the only way he knew how.

By taking away my drug of choice.

Chapter 20

I lay on the bed, bored out of my mind. Eventually, I fell asleep. When I woke, my mouth was dry and my stomach cried out for food. I had nothing to keep me company. No TV. No paper to doodle or draw on. No books to read. The only saving grace was a small radio I found buried underneath some clothes in one of the drawers.

I had been listening to it for the last hour. Listening to song after song. The one I was listening to now was quite apt in my situation. It was called “You Ruin Me” by the Veronicas.

Zac had ruined me. As long as he was in my life, I knew he would ruin me.

So I lay there, staring at the ceiling, letting the words of the song roll around in my head. Once it had finished, I wondered what suitable song would describe mine and Kit’s relationship.

It was funny how Kit suddenly became a distant memory. I was taken only yesterday, yet it felt like it had been months.

It wasn’t normal. I knew that much. I was in love with Kit.

I am in love with Kit.

When I think it now, the overwhelming pain doesn’t drown me under its never-ending torrent. It was almost as if my head knew it as fact, but my heart didn’t bleed about it like it did yesterday. I should feel something, anything, but no emotion surfaced. It was like I had become numb again, but I hadn’t needed alcohol as my crutch this time. In fact, I wasn’t craving it at all. I had replaced one craving with another.

And there I was, as pathetic as any person could be, waiting and yearning for her master. I knew I was crazy, but I ignored the little voice inside my head. It was like I had this switch, and Zac just flicked his finger over it.

I hated it

I loved it.

I wasn’t sure how much longer I lay there before I heard the door unlock. As soon as it opened, I shot up, eager to see him, disappointed when I saw it was Ian. I liked Ian, but my body craved Zac. It only wanted Zac.

This was how desperate I had become.

“I brought you some food.” He smiled timidly at me, walking in with a tray of pasta and cheese. Also on the tray was a glass of something fizzy.

Wasting no time, I scooted over, picked up the glass and downed it. I was so thirsty.

When I looked back at Ian, he didn’t look too happy. “When was the last time you ate or drank anything?”

I stared back at him. As if he didn’t know… “Since I was in the kitchen with you. You know that.”

Ian cursed under his breath, picked up the glass, and walked towards the door. “I’m getting you another. Be back in a couple minutes.”

With Ian out of the room, I set to work on eating the pasta. It was just as nice as the eggs this morning. Whoever this chef was, he was good. He knew just the right amount of flavouring to put on the eggs, the right amount of cheese to put on the pasta.

I was already into my seventh mouthful by the time Ian came back up with the drink. He handed it to me and I nodded my thanks. I was too busy chewing to say anything.

Once I’d finished my next mouthful, I was full enough to talk. “Where is he?”

Ian looked at me strangely. “You shouldn’t care.”

I sipped on my drink. “I think you know that he’s well and truly taken care of that. You were the one who took me, Ian. Remember?”

He winced, but didn’t say anything in return. Instead, he looked conflicted again. It was almost as if something was on the tip of his tongue, but he didn’t want to let it out.

“I didn’t realise who you were until late last night.”

I shrugged. “Does that make a difference?”

Ian sighed. “I suppose not, but that doesn’t make me feel any better. I doubt your father would be happy about this if he were alive.”

I laughed sarcastically. “Yeah, my precious daddy. The one who promised me to your boss in the first place. I’m sure he’d be so mad right now.”

Ian looked pained. I’d seen that look before. It was the look of sympathy. “Don’t look at me like that. I don’t need your sympathy. I don’t need anybody’s sympathy.”

He shook his head. “I’m not looking at you like that. I feel disappointed for you. Angry for you. You shouldn’t have been born into a family like that.”

I laughed again. “I guess I got the luck of the draw the day I was picked for the Caudwell’s, ha? It was considered an honour to be a part of our family. Strange how people never see what lies beneath the surface.”

Ian shook his head and I watched him for a moment as I ate. “How about your parents, Ian? Did you come from a loveless family?”

Ian leaned on the bed a little like he was settling in. “No, I can’t say that. I think I had a pretty normal upbringing really. I can’t complain.”

“Do you mind me asking how old you are?” He looked pretty young, but I was guessing.

“I’m twenty-seven.”

I took my last bite of the pasta and set the plate down on the tray. “I’m assuming you were Special Forces?”

He nodded. “Yeah. I did a tour in Iraq. Saw some heavy shit. I think you’ll find most of the guys here have been in the Forces at some point.”

I sighed. “Yeah, all but one.”

“You met him?”

I nodded. “He tried to bomb me and my family.”

Ian’s eyes widened. “Holy shit. I think I read something about that in the newspaper. You had to go into hiding because of a rogue soldier.”

I pulled myself further up on the bed and shrugged. “It’s in the past now, Ian. I just want to leave it there.”

Ian’s face turned a little pale. “Of course it is. I don’t blame you.”

Just as he said this, Rhianna’s “Disturbia” came on the radio. I looked at Ian and he looked at me, then we both burst out laughing. I was definitely going crazy.

Once we calmed down, Ian glanced at me with a serious expression. “Are you going to be okay?”

I smiled. “No, but I’m going to get by. I’m used to getting by. I have all my life.”

Ian got up and picked up my tray. “No one should settle for that.”

I leaned my head back on the headboard and stared at the ceiling again. “What other choice do I have?”

Ian didn’t answer and I didn’t expect him to. Instead, he picked up everything and walked out the door. I didn’t hear him lock it, but I think he knew I wasn’t going anywhere. I was conditioned not to.

Hours seemed to fly by and the numbness came with it. When I got bored again, sleep seemed to find me quickly.

I was alone in the darkness, my mind in a pit of black. I liked it there. I didn’t have to think or feel anymore. Sleep was my friend. Sleep gave me a reprieve.

I wasn’t sure what time it was, but I felt a dip in my bed, then a hand trailing down my arm. He kissed my shoulder and I could feel his hot breath on my skin. “Livy, I’m so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?”

He turned me over so I was facing him. My smile grew wide and my belly danced at the sight of him hovering over me. There was never anything to forgive. He made sure of that.

“I can’t stay mad at you for long. Knowing you were up here on your own tore me apart. I snapped. You’re like a drug to me, Livy. A drug I can’t get enough of.”

He leaned down, kissing me lightly on the lips. The fires raged war inside me again, wanting to let go.

Zac felt through the fabric of my negligee and found that my nipples were rock hard. He pinched one, making me arch my back for more. I needed more.

“Do you want me to make love to you, Livy? Do you want me to make you scream?”

I nodded. Of course I did. He was pressing that button again and he knew it.

Zac hovered over me, trailing light kisses along my neck. He pulled up my negligee and cupped his hand over my pussy. “Mine,” he growled, starting a slow dance on my clit. “Tell me you love me, Livy, and I’ll give you what you want.”

I was panting now, already close. I obviously still had some of this drug running through my veins and it was nowhere near ready to let me rest.

He stopped rubbing my clit, and I groaned in displeasure. He started pulling the strings on my negligee, exposing my breasts. He took one nipple into his mouth, stroking the other with his fingers. I moaned again, wishing it was my clit. I had to have him inside me again.

“Livy, I need to hear you say the words. I want to make sweet love to my woman, but I can’t if you don’t say the words. Give me the words I want to hear.”

I gripped my eyes shut, an all-out war going on in my head. Of course, my body would win. It would always win when Zac was around.

“I love you,” I said breathlessly, but couldn’t help the tear that rolled down my cheek. I felt numb, so why was I crying? I shouldn’t have tears because I felt nothing, except the overwhelming urge to have Zac inside me.

And just like that, he kissed me. And just like that, I was rewarded for being such a good girl.

I was a good girl. I had always been a good girl.

Zac made sure of it.

Chapter 21

A few days later, I woke to Zac taking me from behind. I was starting to think he had also taken that drug as he seemed more insatiable than me. I was glad he was behind me as I felt more numb than I did the previous days. Of course I came. I came like the good girl I was, but the emotional attachment wasn’t there. I was becoming a Stepford wife, bending to his will. Letting him do whatever the hell he wanted to me.

And I loved it because he made me love it. He made me want it over and over again.

Once my second orgasm shot through me, Zac reared his back, his own release coming. After panting a few times, he pulled out of me and cradled me in his arms.

Rubbing my belly, he sighed. “I can’t wait to see your belly swollen.”

My eyes went wide and I turned to look at the clock on the bedside table. It was a little after ten, so I was okay.

“Am I keeping you from something?” I turned my head to look at him and he pointed to the clock. “You were looking at the time. Are you planning on being somewhere?”

I shook my head. “No. I was just wondering what time it was.” I sighed. “Zac, I need to get out of this bed. I’m going crazy. Can’t I go to your gym, or go swimming again? Something just to get away from these four walls. I’m sorry I disobeyed you the other day, but I’m asking today. Please.”

Zac tightened his hold on me as he laughed. “I can’t say no to you. Okay. You can go for a swim, but use the indoor pool, not the outdoor. You’ll freeze to death. If not, you can use the gym. Just let me know and I’ll let the guys know you’re going in there so they’ll leave you alone. Can’t have them leering at you whilst you’re working out.”

I rolled my eyes. “No, of course not.”

He pulled up and turned me over. “There’s something I have to do today, but when I get back, let’s talk about going away somewhere for a bit. A holiday to someplace warm. What do you think?”

I smiled sweetly. “It sounds lovely.”

He kissed my nose and threw the covers off, walking into the bathroom. “Have a think on where and let me know once I get home.”

I heard him turn on the shower and I lay under the covers, waiting for him to finish. Once he was dry, he walked out completely naked and, of course, I had to admire him. I was finely tuned to that, as well.

I watched him dress, then he kissed me on the forehead. “You be a good girl today. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” I pouted and he laughed. “You’re too much for me, Livy. I’ll tell you what. You have free reign of the house today. Maybe I can get a couple of men to take you shopping. How about that?”

My eyes lit up. I didn’t care for shopping, but the going out part? Yes, I wanted that. “Yes, please.”

He laughed again. “I can never say no to that face. Go nuts, spend what you want. Just make sure you get a few lingerie items. I think you know what I like.”

I nodded and watched as he walked out of the door. I was wondering whether I could fake an illness today whilst out. It would be the perfect opportunity. Today was my last pill. Once I finished, I had none left. I wasn’t sure how I was going to explain why, after so much sex, I was suddenly bleeding. According to Ian, I was supposed to be pregnant by now.

He had been helping me out. He knew what I was doing and he turned a blind eye to it. Today, I had no choice but to tell him I had no pills left. I needed his help, but I didn’t know whether he would go to the trouble or not. I had to find out either way, and I had to make sure he came with me when I went shopping.

Getting up, I went to the bathroom to get washed and changed. I wanted to be casual today, but the outfits Zac had for me were anything but. I was like his brand new Barbie doll, ready to dress up whenever he wanted. My subconscious knew this was sick, but I couldn’t help being drawn to him. I was definitely a puppet and Zac had a tight hold on the strings. In the end, I settled for a navy pencil skirt, cream blouse, and high heels. Zac had a fetish for them. I had to keep them on for a handful of occasions when he fucked me.

Yeah... This was my life.

Like clockwork every morning, I walked down the stairs and asked Ian if he could fetch me my bag. He did every time and left me so I could take the pill in privacy. I flushed the toilet like I did every time and came out to find Ian waiting for me.

I handed the bag back. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he smiled. “I gather the Boss wants us to take you shopping?”

I nodded with a smile. “Yes. Are you coming?” Please say you’re coming.

“If you want me to, I can.”

I moved forward a little and whispered, “I need your help.”

Ian closed his eyes and bit his lip. He looked conflicted again. “What is it you need?”

I discreetly pointed to the bag. “That thing I need in my bag every morning… Well, I don’t have any left.”

I think he got my meaning as his eyes widened a little. “Shit,” he huffed and started pacing.

“Can I just fake illness today? Pretend I’m unwell so you can take me to the doctor? No one will have to know I’m getting what I need.”

He stopped pacing for a moment and looked at me. “That might work, but someone will have to call and tell him. When it comes to you, he wants to know everything. If you even so much as pee an extra time during the day, he wants to know about it. He’s, like, fucking obsessed.”

It shouldn’t have surprised me but, for some reason, it didn’t stop the shock. I just always assumed he wanted control…of everything and everyone.

“He’s staked his claim on me ever since I was a young girl. I suppose it just comes natural to him now.”

Was I actually defending him?

Ian closed his eyes again. “Fuck.” He stared ahead for a moment before looking back at me. “I have to hide this bag. Give me a few minutes. I need to think.”

I nodded, realising I definitely had an ally in Ian. He disappeared, and I made my way to the kitchen for something to eat. This was my routine now. I had to have one to keep my master happy. He was always making sure I was fed, pampered, and kept in good shape. When I walked into the kitchen, it should hardly surprise me that one of the cooks placed a bottle of Folic Acid on the counter, along with a glass of water.

“Boss wants you to start taking these. It’ll be good for you.”

I knew exactly what they were good for, but dutifully opened the bottle and took the tablet. The whole time, the cook was watching me. He probably had orders to make sure I took it.

It made me realise just how serious he was about me having his baby. Why it was so important, I had no idea. Maybe it was just him asserting control over me again. He loved having the control over me. In fact, his best orgasm seemed to stem from when I dared to say no and he eventually bent me to his will. In the end, I could never say no to Zac. I was the good girl. Good girls did as they were told.

“What would you like to eat?” The cook stood there, staring. No emotion. No nothing.

“Can I have an omelette, please?”

He nodded curtly and walked back into the cooking area. I just sat there as I was supposed to, being watched by a couple of overgrown apes.

“Good morning,” Ian chimed, walking towards me. He smiled brightly and nodded at the man standing close to where I sat. He moved and Ian sat next to me.

As soon as the man was out of earshot, Ian’s smile faded and he turned to me. “When we’re out today, have a look around for a while, then say you want take a look in Shaney’s. It’s a lingerie shop in the high street we’re taking you. Right next door to that is a private clinic. If I can convince Zac to take you there, it would be better for you. Otherwise, he’ll want us to take you to Dr. Barry. You won’t be able to ask him for what you need.”

I nodded. “Thank you. I really appreciate all the trouble. You don’t have to do it for me, so I’m truly grateful.”

Ian shifted a little. “Well, despite working for him, I don’t necessarily agree to everything he’s doing to you.”

I smiled, wondering if I could tell him something. I struggled with trust issues. I could never trust anyone completely. In the end, they would always end up letting you down, but Ian was tempting me to tell him. I suppose I had to have a little faith.

I scooted close to him. “Ian.” I nudged at his shirt to get his attention. He looked at me. “I have a boat named ‘The Little Princess’ docked at Southampton pier.” I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. “It was a present from my father for when I turned sixteen. I didn’t know anything about it until his lawyer told me that he had left it to me. I think my dad wanted me to leave home the minute I turned sixteen and sail the high seas.” Ian frowned at me, and I just shook my head. “Anyway, I told no one about it, vowing only use it in an emergency. The guy to contact is James. He lives in the dockyard shop at the harbour.”

Ian looked confused. “Why are you telling me this?”

I sighed. “If the time ever comes where I can escape, that is where I’m heading. I want you to know this so you can throw Zac off my trail. Do you think you could do that? I’m trusting you with this, Ian. I haven’t told anyone else but you.”

Ian stared at me a moment, searching my face. In the end, he nodded. “I can do that.”

When the cook came out with the omelette, all conversation about doctors and escaping came to a halt. It was dangerous talking to Ian so openly, but I needed to know I had someone. When Zac wasn’t with me, my mind seemed to clear a little. I still longed for him, anxiously awaiting his return every day, but it was nowhere near as powerful as it was when he was physically in the room with me.

I ate everything like I was supposed to, a group of men gathering in the hall. “You’d think I was the president’s daughter the way they’re carrying on.” I rolled my eyes in Ian’s direction and he offered me a tight smile.

“It’s a necessary precaution. Power always equals danger, and the Boss has plenty of it.”

I watched as a man with a gun spoke through the radio. Pretty soon, two Range Rovers with tinted windows pulled up outside the front of the house. I was ushered forward as Ian guided me towards the car. Everything was done with professionalism. I almost did feel like the president’s daughter.