Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 60904 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60904 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
“You’re mine. You said it yourself. Why are you denying us now?”
She scoots away from me. “There is no us. This isn’t a romantic connection, Bones. I thought we were on the same page.”
No, it’s not romantic. It’s so much more than that. Karolina is my entire world, my only reason for existence.
But I’m nothing more to her than idle amusement and carnal release.
My fingers flex, and she eyes my clenched fists warily.
“I would never hurt you,” I grind out.
She swallows hard. “I’m going to leave.”
She’s truly afraid of me now.
I can’t bear it.
But what can I say to make her understand? I can’t confess to years of stalking and obsession. I can’t tell her that I covet everything about her.
I can’t allay her budding fear by explaining that I’ve killed every man who’s ever come close to touching what’s mine.
She’s safe because of me.
She needs me, and she doesn’t even know it.
“Karolina…” I reach for her.
“Blue!” she shouts.
My body turns to granite. I don’t dare move a muscle.
She used her safe word.
Her fucking safe word.
To get away from me. Like I’m some sort of threat.
“Why are you doing this?” I demand through gritted teeth.
“I’m not doing anything,” she insists hotly.
As though she isn’t shredding what’s left of my black heart.
“You’re the one violating the terms of our relationship,” she accuses.
“What terms?” I shoot back. “When did we ever agree to terms? You’re mine, and that’s it. That’s all that matters.”
Her jaw drops. “Are you serious? This was always roleplay. I thought you understood.”
The horrific declaration is a brutal punch to my gut.
How did I fuck this up so badly?
She’s supposed to be wrapped around me, kissing me like she needs me more than her next breath.
I’ve worked so hard to position myself in her life. There’s an undeniable power imbalance at the university, but it was the best way to ensure I met her.
All those years mirroring her studies. All the crimes I committed to earn the money I needed for this new identity. The bribes and threats I made to secure my position as Professor Rand Hirst.
I never intended to tell her what I’ve done to have her, but she’s supposed to be thrilled that her masked online confidante could be with her. She’s supposed to realize that I’m the perfect man for her in every way.
But I was never worthy.
I’ve always known that.
I reached for my pure, perfect Karolina with bloody hands anyway.
I drop my arms to my sides.
“Fine,” I grind out. “Leave, then. There’s a change of clothes for you at the manor. The limo will take you back to York.”
She stiffens at the dismissal. “And what about you?”
“What about me?” I bark.
As though she actually cares.
She flinches. “I guess you’ll find another ride home. Or maybe someone else to amuse you for the night.”
“Go,” I snarl. “Before I make you regret saying that to me.”
She turns on her heel and sprints away. The dark woods swallow her slim form after a few long strides.
I roar out my frustration and pain.
No matter how much she protests, Karolina is mine. She’s always belonged to me.
I need her firmly under my control, unable to escape me.
Unwilling to ever leave me again.
Nothing will tear us apart, not even her.
7
KAROLINA
The day that passes after the hunt is long and painful. All I’ve been able to think about is Bones’ anguished roar after I rejected him in the woods. I can still hardly believe that he actually thought there could be something real between us.
I never agreed to anything like that.
Or did I?
You belong to me. All of you. Relax for me, Karolina. Let me claim you.
Yes, I want you. Make me yours.
I try to shake the breathy, lust drunk words from my head.
I’m doing my best to outrun the memory before Monday classes start in a few hours.
The beauty of my new surroundings soothes me, and I put in an extra mile so I can enjoy the peace and quiet of the riverside path at dawn.
The dark water of the River Ouse churns to my left, and I duck under the draping, verdant branches of ancient willows as I slow my pace to gasp in fresh oxygen. I’m only fifteen minutes from York city center, but it’s as though I’ve stepped into a different world: a secret woodland haven that’s a balm to my soul.
I shake off budding memories of a different woodland scene—the one I raced through in the darkness on that night when I was still living in the hell that was my foster home.
I glance up and soak in the early sunlight that filters through the bright green leaves.
Safe, I remind myself.
I left that scared girl behind as soon as I turned eighteen and claimed the inheritance my parents left me. It was enough to buy my new identity and pay for my education. Funds are running low now, but I’m determined to get by so that I can finish my MA.