Page 55

“I will,” I vow.

I was never supposed to learn how to fight, but Ello made sure I knew the basics of defense. Against Freddie, it might not be enough, but it eases his concerns.

He leads me out of the compound to the waiting car. Freddie is standing there, staring at his phone, brow furrowed. He does a double-take as he glances up, and his mouth drops. Drool appears on his chin.

“Valentina?” His eyes bug out of his head, and he fails to speak. “Uh, shit. Wow.”

Nerves attack my stomach as the reality of what I’m to do hits me. A date, an actual date, with a man who will hurt me if he gets me.

Freddie steps closer, hunger darkening his gaze as he lifts a hair from my face. “It’s going to take a hell of a lot of willpower not to fuck you tonight.”

Nausea rolls through my gut.

Carefully, I pout and swallow the urge to gag. “Remember the deal. You’ll have me soon enough on our wedding night.” Awkwardly, I pat his chest. “You can wait a little while longer.”

He groans pitifully. “This is torture.”

Being close to him is torture for me, too. Seems like a fair trade.

Ello holds my hand as I slide into the car. Freddie runs to the other side, pressing against me uncomfortably. His hand drifts to the back of the car, fingers dusting my bare shoulder.

I might have to use my knife on him.

As we drive through the streets, my phone vibrates on my lap. Keeping it close to me, I slide it out and see his name.

Stalker: Where are you going?

Out.

There are three dots, then they vanish. This happens repeatedly before his message comes in.

Stalker: You’re with him.

I glance at Freddie, who plays on his phone.

Yes.

Stalker: In that dress.

I bought it for him.

Stalker: The fuck you did.

He’s in a mood tonight, probably because he can’t spy on me. He can’t possibly be mad I’m with Freddie. The bastardo has no chance with me. But it seems like fun to antagonize him.

Jealous?

Stalker: Of him? No.

I pout. Well, that’s boring.

Stalker: I know what you taste like.

Stalker: I’ve marked you.

Stalker: He can only fucking dream of having you. You already belong to me.

Biting back a smirk, I reply.