Page 145 of Stains of Desire

I try to move and can't from the restraints. My mouth is dry, and I barely whisper, "Please untie me."

She says nothing and changes an IV bag.

"Please," I say louder.

She ignores me, and before she leaves, I get woozy again. When the door shuts, I hear the click of the lock and fall back asleep.

I only dream the same things—Millie in the snow or on the beach. Axel holding me and telling me the same thing, over and over.

Time becomes nonexistent. It could be days or weeks that pass. One day, I wake up, and within minutes, the light comes on.

I blink, trying to adjust to it. I smell sage before I see him. When I can focus, William towers over me with a scowl on his face.

My pulse increases and chills run down my spine.

He holds his phone and the video of Millie. It's playing on a loop but with no sound.

Did he come to torture me?

"Millie needs you to be strong," Axel says in my head.

"You've had enough time. I've decided to allow you to earn Millie back."

My breath hitches. "How?" I whisper, my eyes never leaving the video.

"You start acting like the lady you should be and remember who your master is."

My gut twists and insides quiver.

Millie needs me.

William's eyes turn to smaller slits. "You have two days to attend an embassy function with me. If you can't, I'll have Millie killed."

"Don't! Please!"

"Then pull it together. Your restraints are coming off today." He points to the corner of the ceiling. "If you can't show me you can behave on your own, then I won't hesitate. One chance." He spins and leaves.

"William," I call out, but he turns off the light and slams the door.

For several hours, I lie in the dark, telling myself not to cry. He's watching me. I shouldn't be surprised. I try not to stare at the camera but become fixated on it.

When the door opens, the maid turns on the light. She takes the IV needle out of my hand and removes the restraints.

"Mr. Davies said you're to take a shower, fix yourself up, and put on appropriate clothes. Your things are in the closet. When you are dressed, I will bring lunch in. You may sit in the chair but not the bed unless you are sleeping."

I search her eyes, wondering if there is any sympathy for me or my situation, but she is emotionless.

Millie needs me, I remind myself.

"Okay." I slowly move my stiff limbs and rise. I walk to the bathroom and shower, spending a long time under the hot water, letting my tears flow and telling myself to be strong and not to be the cause of Millie's death.

When I step out, I dry myself off, choose a designer pair of pants and shirt, and fix my hair and makeup.

At least he put me in Millie's room, and I don't have to sleep with him.

Yet.

I shudder and try to push the thought out of my mind.