Page 20 of Scarlet Mark

Intelligent.

And so the Rose family had kept me, grooming me with homeschooling before sending me to one of the finest academic institutions for college, therefore ensuring I would have the appropriate background for a high-society client. A perfect lady in public, a deviant in the bedroom. Trained to seduce men for information while maintaining a charade as a submissive housewife.

Hell.

That was how I described it.

I started plotting my escape the night I met Malcom. The night he acquired me. The night he fucked me and then gave me to his associates for fun. To watch. To see how much I could endure until I cried.

But I knew too much for a man like Malcom to just let me disappear. It wasn’t about pride or money. It was about the conversations I’d overheard. The details he’d tasked me with learning.

I knew everything.

His plans.

His intended future.

His business associates—several of which were illegal.

And most importantly, I knew about his ties to Amir.

Just thinking of the name sent a chill down my spine. That man oozed evil intent. I feared him more than I feared Malcom.

Was that who he would give me to? The vile male had always wanted a piece of me, but Malcom never allowed it, too covetous of his prize. Amir’s proclivities ran much darker than Malcom’s. I wouldn’t survive his brand of pleasure.

Swallowing the bile rising in my throat, I focused on our surroundings, on the powerful car rumbling beneath me.

There’s still time,I promised myself.You got away once. You can do it again.

But I was so tired. I hadn’t slept in over twenty-four hours. Not necessarily a new habit for me, but the lack of adrenaline fueling my movements caused the exhaustion to seduce me like a long-lost mistress.

Perhaps a nap was a good idea. It wasn’t like I could escape Killian while he drove, especially not at these speeds. The odd cuff held me captive as well. Resting seemed appropriate. Maybe I could catch him off guard when we stopped, after I’d recouped some much-needed energy.

A solid plan.

For now.

* * *

Ugh,too hot.

I kicked the blankets from my legs, thankful for the cool air that touched my bare skin, and sighed. So much better. Now I could sleep.

Something about that nagged at my mind, my dream-induced state foggy.

I shook it off, needing more rest. Every part of me felt weighed down, exhausted, as if I hadn’t slept in years. Or was waking from a serious hangover.

Did I drink last night?

No.

Wait…

My eyes flew open, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings of the too-dark room. Curtains had been drawn over the windows, hiding the time of day. But the clock on the nightstand showed it was nearing the evening hours.

And the man on the bed beside me brought everything back in a whirl.

Killian Bedivere.