Page 46 of Ravage

A text from Paul:

The journalist has been handled. But boss, we found her source. You're not going to like this.

I ignore it for now, focusing on the girl in my arms.

Tomorrow I'll deal with whoever's been talking.

Tomorrow I'll figure out how to keep her while hiding the truth.

Tonight, she's mine, and that's all that matters.

Even if I'm the monster she should be running from.

Even if the truth might destroy us both.

Chapter 5

Selene

The bed is empty when I wake.

Not just empty—cold.

He's been gone for hours.

The afternoon sun slants through the windows, painting golden stripes across black sheets that still smell like him, like us, like everything we did last night.

My body aches in the most delicious ways, a reminder of everything.The plug he used.

The way he claimed every part of me.

The collar is still locked around my throat, diamonds catching the light when I move.

I reach up to touch it, remembering his words: "Maybe forever."

But tonight is my last night.

The thought sends panic racing through my chest.

Three nights.

That was the agreement.

Tonight is the third.

After this, I go back to my empty apartment, my mundane life, my existence without him.

The idea makes me want to claw at my own skin.

There's a note on his pillow, his harsh handwriting commanding even on paper:

Tonight. Eight p.m. Wear what I've left for you. Do not be early.

- C

I sit up, noticing a garment bag hanging on the closet door.

Inside is a dress that makes me frown.