Toxic - Zoe Blake Page 0,70
rather bitter traditional drink made from a pepper plant. Richard entertained me with stories of kava’s taboo history and how it was rumored to have hallucinogenic properties and certain aphrodisiac qualities.
After our meal, he took my hand and led me down to the beach. Everything felt quiet and still except for the occasional call from a kingfisher.
The full moon looked impossibly large as it loomed over the horizon, sending a shaft of light across the mirror-like waters onto the beach.
Richard raised our clasped hands to his lips and kissed the back of my hand. “Are you happy, my love?”
Inhaling the sweet, warm floral scent of the air, I smiled. “Supremely so. Thank you for bringing me here. I think I could stay here forever.”
Richard returned my smile.
“Careful what you wish for, my little bird.”
Laughing, I pushed my bare feet into the soft sand as we watched the hypnotic flow of the waves gently reaching the shore, then receding.
Thinking about all the happy years that laid before us, all the birthdays and holidays and anniversaries, I couldn’t help saying to Richard, “You have all this wealth,” turning, I gestured to the villa behind us, “all these gorgeous houses and everything you could ever want. What could I possibly ever get you as a gift?”
Richard pulled me into his arms. Placing a hand under my chin, he tilted my gaze up to his own. Looking deeply into my eyes, he answered, “A boy.”
My heart swelled with love and yearning at the idea of having this amazing man’s children. Ruthlessly, I tamped down any dark misgivings I might have had over him having that much power and control over me.
Placing my palm over his heart, I said, “I think that could be arranged.”
Richard brought his lips to mine, taking possession of my mouth and all my senses in an overwhelming kiss that left me breathless, before picking me up and carrying me to our bed.
Richard loved me, and in the end… that was all that mattered.
***
If you want a happily-ever-after for Richard and Elizabeth, then stop reading here.
***
Trust me, you know Richard… leave things well enough alone.
***
This is your last warning… don’t read the Secret Epilogue. Follow Elizabeth’s lead and just trust in Richard and his love for her. He has your best interests in mind.
***
Don’t say you weren’t warned.
SECRET EPILOGUE
Richard
I watched as Elizabeth ran down the beach. Turning back to give me a wave, she then walked up to the crystal blue water to dip her toes in.
Without turning around, I asked, “Is everything settled to my satisfaction?”
Harris stepped forward out of the shadows. “Yes, Your Grace. Everyone involved understands a guilty verdict is the only option.”
“Excellent.”
While I was initially annoyed Nicole would actually dare to take me on by threatening Elizabeth, the poor delusional girl had proven to be quite useful to my plans.
Harris nodded toward Elizabeth, who was now happily collecting seashells. “Think she suspects anything?”
I smiled. “Not a thing.”
Time for a new game.
The End
About Zoe Blake
USA TODAY Bestselling Author in Dark Romance
Zoe delights in writing Dark Romance books filled with overly-possessive Billionaires, Taboo scenes and Unexpected twists. She usually spends her ill-gotten gains on martinis, travel and red lipstick. Since she can barely boil water, she’s lucky enough to be married to a sexy Chef.
Check out Zoe's website here!
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Join other readers in Zoe's Spoiler Room and learn more about the hidden twists to the story, see photos of all the fashions, jewelry and locations.
Also by Zoe Blake
DARK OBSESSION TRILOGY
Ward, Book One
It should have been a fairytale...
A Billionaire Duke sweeps a poor American actress off her feet to a romantic, isolated English estate.
A grand love affair... except this wasn't love.
It was obsession.
He had it all planned from the beginning, before I even knew he existed. He chose me.
I'm his unwilling captive, forced to play his sadistic game.
He is playing with my mind as well as my body.
Trying to convince me it is 1895, and I'm his obedient ward, subject to his rules and discipline.
Everywhere I look it is the Victorian era.
He says that my memories of a modern life are delusions
which need to be driven from my mind through punishment.
If I don't submit, he will send me back to the asylum.
I know it's not true... any of it... at least I think it's not.
The lines between reality and this nightmare are starting to blur.
If I don't escape now, I will be lost in his world forever.
It should have been a fairytale...
Available in Kindle Unlimited
***
Gilded Cage, Book Two
He's controlling, manipulative, dangerous... and I'm in love with him.
Rich and powerful, Richard is used to getting whatever he wants... and he wants me.
This isn't a romance. It's a dark and twisted obsession.
A game of ever-increasingly depraved acts.
Every time I fight it, he just pulls me deeper into his deception.
The slightest disobedience to his rules brings swift punishment.
My life as I knew it is gone. He now controls everything.
I'm caught in his web, the harder I struggle, the more entangled I become.
I no longer know my own mind.
He owns my body, making me crave his painful touch.
But the worst deception of all? He's made me love him.
If I don't break free soon, there will be no escape for me.
Available in Kindle Unlimited
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