Page 31 of Gilded Locks

“Trust?”

She met his stare. “Am I allowed to say no?”

He chuckled. “Of course. But your resistance to trust will only make your part that much more challenging.”

Oddly, it was hints of his indifference that aggravated her most. “No, I don’t feel trust.”

“You will.” He held out a hand. “Come.”

He led her into one of the most opulent bathrooms she’d ever seen. White marble from floor to ceiling, and an enormous bathing pool in the center with a three-foot lip around the edge. It was something designed for gods.

Steam rose from the water as Ash set out towels, a robe, bath oils, and soaps, then poured bubble bath into the water. He swirled his fingers inside, and the scent of roses filled the air. “You can undress.”

She searched the walls. Sure enough, a small brass bear head was mounted to the center of the vanity mirror, in clear view of the bath. She stared into the bear’s eyes, hoping whoever was on the other end could see her disapproval.

She hadn’t felt ashamed until she learned they had an audience. Now, she was humiliated. How could she willingly let him do those things to her?

Removing her sweater, she held it against her chest, protectively covering her front, turning her back to the tub so the cameras couldn’t see her ass.

“Hell.” Ash was on his feet and touching her in half a second. “What have you done to yourself?”

“What?” She turned and gasped when she caught her reflection in the mirror. An angry, black bruise covered her shoulder.

“I think you’re past the point of ice, but I’ll get some anyway. Let me help you into the tub.”

He held her hand and helped her as if he were a complete gentleman, not a blackmailing pervert who just did unthinkable things to her.

She hadn’t realized how sore her body was until she sank into the warm water. Her muscles sagged with relief as the heat wrapped around her.

“I’ll be back in a moment with your ice. If you need anything…” He pointed to the brass bear.

He left her unsupervised, which should have been a relief. However, knowing she was never truly alone, she felt safer with him nearby.

A shadow passed by the frosted glass of the door—too tall to be Ash returning already. Her pulse quickened as the shadow paused, lingered, then moved on without entering.

* * *

Marigold sank lower in the water, sheltering her body beneath the foamy bubbles. She groaned into her hands. How had this become her reality?

“Hiding?”

Startled by the deep voice, she jolted with a splash. Not Ash, but Stone. “Where did you…?”

He held out a large, fabric ice pack. “For your shoulder.”

She hesitantly took the ice and draped it over the lip of the sunken tub so she could press her sore shoulder into it, her eyes never leaving Stone’s emerald stare.

“Are you hurt?”

She shook her head, unsure if he was asking about her back, her temple, or other regions. Where was Ash? Did he know Stone was here?

Stone settled onto the lip of the tub and watched her. “You agreed.”

She nodded, but hoped he didn’t plan to take her from the warm bath to prove his authority the way Ash had.

“I watched you last night.”

She gave him her full attention as she guided bubbles over the surface to better block his view of her nudity underneath.