Page 49

And then I move my gaze up and I see him watching me with a smug expression on his face, so I immediately turn around, embarrassed to be caught staring.

"I didn't hear anything about your fiancé. Won't he miss you too?" he asks, and to my everlasting shame, it takes me a while to get my errant heart under control in order to answer him.

"Of course. Raf too. He's probably frantic with worry," I say absentmindedly, images of his naked flesh still playing in front of my eyes.

Damn it!

I was right the first time.I am cursed.And my curse is being saddled with him.

"Too bad you're already married, wouldn't you say so?" His breath is suddenly on my throat.

Moving my hair aside, he trails his lips over the back of my neck, settling over my scar. It's the ghost of a touch, but enough to make me shiver from head to toe.

"Vlad," I say his name, my nails digging into my palms as I force myself to remain motionless. "Drop the game."

His tongue sneaks out, and I feel him slowly move against my skin. My breath hitches, but as I realize he's getting the reaction he wanted out of me, I quickly turn around, pushing him off of me.

"Stop for one moment. Please." I'm breathing hard. From arousal or from anger, I don't know. His pupils are dilated as he gazes at me, and I don't even have to look down to know he must be hard. "And put some clothes on," I say flippantly, keeping my eyes on his face.

"Go to your room, Sisi," he rasps, threading his fingers through his hair. "Unless you want something else to happen, you'd better go to your room and lock the door."

"Vlad," I groan, exasperated. "We need to talk and sort this mess out. I really don't understand why you're doing this, but I need to get back home and you need to mind your own business," I say confidently, pleased at myself for getting so many words out and so smoothly. And with how he's looking at me, it's a wonder I'm not already hiccupping, or worse, panting.

Panting… Good Lord, but I'd be screwed. Literally.

"If you're going to stay here we can talk, yes," he starts, and a smile of satisfaction pulls at my lips. "But it's not going to be the type of talk you're thinking about." He smirks. "So unless…" he continues, the innuendo clear as he's coming closer to me.

"Go to hell, Vlad." I turn around, already out the door.His chuckle echoes behind me, almost goading me to react.

Damn him, and damn this and damn everything!

After wandering about the house for a while, I finally found my way to the room, locking myself inside.

There has to be a way to get in touch with Marcello.

I can't just stay here, waiting for Vlad to get bored with me again. Because I know how this game is going to end. With me heartbroken—again.

"Damn," I whisper to myself, my eyes damp with tears.

I take off the wedding dress, remaining only in the satin shift underneath. Tired and frustrated, I climb into the bed and wait for sleep to come to me.

Damn you, Vlad. Why do you have to keep on hurting me?

Couldn't he have disappeared from my life forever? At least then the pain would have faded over time. Now the pain is raw again, my wounds opening up and bleeding anew.

After a good night of sleep, my resolve is strengthened. I just need to find a phone, call Marcello to come get me and everything else should be solved, too.

Eventually.

Getting out of bed, I notice that Vlad hadn't lied when he'd said he'd deposited some things in the room. There are a couple of dresses like the ones I used to wear, as well as shoes, toiletries and even under things.

Damn him.

I have to begrudgingly appreciate he'd supplied me with everything I needed, but that doesn't make me any less of a prisoner.

Getting ready for the day, I open the door, intent on seeking him out for another bout of discussions. I don't get to take one step outside of my room, though, as the entire hallway is filled with toys.

There are teddy bears in all shapes, and sizes, all scattered across the hallway and blocking my path.