Page 78 of While He Breathes

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

EMBER

Ihold the white sheet around myself with a vise grip as Lucas smirks to himself.

When he demanded I strip, I almost threw up at the thought of being naked in front of him, but to my surprise, he threw the sheet at me and walked out, returning a few minutes later with a chair for him to sit on.

I press my back against the cold concrete wall, trying—and failing—to force comforting breaths into my lungs.

If he wanted to hurt me, he would have done it by now.

If he wanted to rape me, he had the chance while I was passed out, or even when he demanded me to strip.

He chuckles to himself as he types away on his phone, the photos he took likely already being delivered to Orion.

He’ll be losing his mind. I don’t need to be there to know that, because his feelings for me are anything but rational at the best of times.

The way that man loves me scares me as much as it excites me.

“The property developer from Vegas is rolling in cash, yeah?” he asks, looking up at me with amused eyes, and I swallow around the retort that tries to break free.

I nod. “Max has money.”

“Fuck yeah.” He chuckles to himself as he continues typing, barely paying me any mind.

“Lucas?” I say softly.

“Yes, Ember?”

“Would it be possible for me to use the restroom? And maybe have something to eat? I’m not feeling very well.” Not a lie. I actually feel like death warmed up right now, and I don’t think I can put it down to the drugs anymore.

My entire body feels like it’s shutting down, which honestly, I don’t blame it considering the position we’ve found ourselves in.

He frowns. “Are you going to try to escape?”

“No,” I reply. “I’m too weak to even attempt it right now.”

He considers me for another second before nodding once. He stands, slipping his phone into his pocket and holding his hand out to me. “Come on, then.”

I look down at the sheet wrapped around me. “Can I have some clothes?”

“No.”

Without warning, he tugs me toward the door and quickly unlocks it.

He drags me down a long hallway, the cool concrete making my feet ache with each step I take, but I swallow down the whimper that tries to break free.

I will not show this man my weakness.

He doesn’t deserve it.

Sure, I’ll play my part. Play the victim, act scared and weak and broken. But he’ll never truly see the parts of me that he wants.

My true submission is reserved for Orion, and I don’t plan on ever giving it to anyone else.

I’m dragged past a table of men playing poker, their eyes roaming over my almost naked body hungrily, but I quickly snap my eyes forward.

They could definitely be a problem, but I have to hope that Lucas is possessive enough that they won’t touch me.