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His dark eyes narrow, a flush covering his cheeks. “He will. Soon,” he threatens. His finger nudges my chin, but I flinch. The bastardo smiles.

“Sleep tight, bimba.”

“Vaffanculo!”

The brute walks away, laughing to himself. Once he’s gone, I drop into the chair, curling my arms around my knees. With my heart in my throat, I choke on the quick breaths as I try to settle my nerves.

After a few moments, I reconnect my implant and exhale.

His. Freddie wants to own me, and once that paper is signed, I will be.

I won’t survive it.

Reality slams into me. If Freddie gets me, I’ll be dead. If not physically, then mentality. I’ll have to do the one thing Cherry said to do—lose my virtue.

Standing, I pace the living room, biting my thumb. But how⁠—

A text comes in, vibrating in my palm.

Stalker: Are you all right?

I pause. He couldn’t possibly know that, unless⁠—

He’s spying on me.

My eyes dart upward, glaring at the camera hidden by the light. Why did I expect differently? Of course, the man who somehow found my phone number is using the security cameras for his personal viewing. And during a moment I’d rather not anyone witness.

Are you using my brother’s cameras to watch me?

Stalker: If I am?

I want to be mad, but the worry about my future supersedes it. He can watch me all day if it makes him happy—I have a wedding to stop.

I’m sure it’s riveting entertainment.

Stalker: You never answered me. Are you all right?

I’m fine.

Mostly.

Stalker: Want to continue our game?

The nerve of this guy.

I was tempted to let loose, to touch myself, and earn the pleasure that’s been stripped away. To know that piece of myself, whether it was wrong or right. The only security I had was within the confines of my room; where no one could see me let go.

Nice try.

Stalker: One day, sunshine.

I should hate him—distrust him. Turn him in. Let Roman know about his little texts—harmless flirting and downright fun messages—but I don’t. After everything else in my life, this is something for me, and distracts me enough with the world crashing around me.

Stalker: What did he want?

He’s reminding me of whom I belong to.

Stalker: I assume him.