let him examine you again, you will not like the consequences. But perhaps I can save you the discomfort of the worst of it if you are truthful with me now..." He stepped closer, his imposing height casting a shadow over me. "Did you fuck Nicoli Romero?"
Ice dripped down my spine and I swallowed hard as I battled the urge to back up. I didn't want him to see my fear, but he was a cruel hunter, seeking it in my eyes with a frightening intensity. I wasn't foolish enough to give him the truth, but that meant convincing him to believe me. And I didn't know if I was a good enough actress for that.
I shook my head, my eyes on his as I tried to keep my expression neutral. He caught hold of my chin and I threw my palms into his chest to try and keep him back, but he was an immovable force, glaring down at me.
"Say it with words," he hissed and the scent of cigars tingled my nose. I caught a glimpse of the past, a moment much like the one I'd had this morning. The first time he'd laid a hand on me. I'd been shocked, terrified, the mark of his palm stinging my cheek. I'd wanted to call my mother, but he'd refused. He hadn't let me speak with her since the wedding and for half a millisecond, I caught a vision of her, her long red hair flowing around her, her cheeks dotted with freckles, tears in her eyes as she stood on the porch of a large white house. That was the last time I'd seen her, I was sure of it. But who was she?
"Speak," he snapped and my heart jolted. I needed to give him this, I could see how important it was. If I didn’t do it, I was going to fall prey to more of his rage. I had to cover up the truth about me and Nicoli. I had to ensure this dangerous bastard had no reason to turn his hatred on my mountain man.
It felt like tearing my voice through sharp nails and broken glass, but I managed to get it free. "We were just friends. He helped me," I rasped.
He surveyed me suspiciously then slowly nodded, drawing me close and wrapping his arms around me. "My sweet girl, you are such an innocent and fragile creature. I will always protect you."
I wasn't either of those things, but I bit my tongue on a retort until I tasted blood, remaining in his arms as I hoped to placate him long enough to form a plan. Because I wasn't staying here. I would find a way out even if I had to burn this house to the ground.
His hands roamed over my back, pulling me closer and pressing his mouth to my temple, seeking out more skin as he tried to find my mouth. I turned my head sharply in refusal and his fingers dug into my back. He made an angry noise in his throat and moved his mouth to my ear. “As soon as I’ve had the surgeon remove those scars, you will start sleeping in our marital bed again, Sasha. Get used to the idea.”
He released me, leaving the room and I glared after him with my breaths coming out raggedly. Seething, blinding hatred filled me to the brim. I would die before I gave my body to him. And I was never going to give up my scars.
I am savage and strong, and I will make you regret trying to cage me.
***
“I need you to come to the bank with me this morning,” Ramon said as he strolled into my room and pulled the blind up so I winced from the sunlight. “I want you washed and dressed in fifteen minutes.” He pointed to the en-suite and I got up from the floor, scowling at him before heading into the bathroom. “And sleep in your bed, you’re not a damn animal,” he called after me and I slammed the door.
I scrubbed my skin angrily as I washed and soon strode back into the room with a towel wrapped around me.
Ramon had left an ugly pair of pants and a cream button down on the bed for me. It looked like something a secretary would wear. And as I pulled it on over some simple white underwear, I felt like I was pulling on a mask – a hideous mask. One that