Zade chuckled deeply, basking in his amusement as he finished up with massaging my asscheeks.

I felt my body move, and when I opened my eyes again, everything spun so quickly I had to close them again, but the feeling of a massive frame over me was too overwhelming to ignore.

I found Zade hovering above me like a giant, a wall of chest in my line of vision.

His voice came so deep, I could feel his chest vibrate. "Don’t make me gag you, kitten."

I released a soft breath, my eyes still glued to his chest. I could easily give more details to his tattoo if my head didn’t feel like splitting in two.

Zade picked me up like I weighed nothing and sat me down, a sting shooting from my ass, prompting me to hiss.

I felt his grip on my jaw, prying my mouth open. "Swallow."

I groaned when something chalky touched my tongue, bitter when water followed next.

My hands shot out to fight him, but he didn’t let up until I was forced to swallow.

"That’s better. Good girl."

I forced my face away, coughing as I collapsed back on the bed, the covers draping over me.

When the weight on the bed was gone, I opened my eyes just a little bit to see Zade walking, his broad back on full display, sweatpants hanging low on his waist.

He set the glass cup down before pushing his glasses to the bridge of his nose.

What is he doing?

Was this some move to torment me again? It had to be because I see no other reason why he should be here in the middle of the night.

My locks... they were changed. So how did he...!

I pressed my clenched fists into the mattress as I tried to push myself to sit with all my might. I need to stay awake. I couldn’t afford to be vulnerable right now, not while that snake is lurking.

I was heaving as I looked back in his direction. Boba was on the table, looking up to Zade, and to my widest surprise, he held a packet of creamy treats, letting Boba lick the tube.

What...

I grew dizzy, losing my last strength as the heaviness forced me to sleep.

The next time I opened my eyes, it felt like I had just survived falling off a cliff; the heaviness was gone, but the lingering cold sensation was still there, but not as intense.

It was almost as if I could finally take note of my environment like a newborn.

What’s that weird taste in my mouth?

I smacked my lips together, face twisting in disgust as I swung my legs off the bed.

A relief washed over me when I saw a glass of water on my nightstand. I grabbed it and chugged everything down in one go.

I groaned, setting the cup down and rose to my feet, freezing midway when I saw an ashtray with used cigars on the coffee table.

It took a moment before I could process this. It wasn’t a dream. I really thought I was having the weirdest dream ever, that Zade somehow came into my room, forced me to take medication, and also gave Boba treats.

Judging from the ashes... Did he stay here all through the night? The stale smell of smoke told me it couldn’t be too long since he left.

Why would he do something as weird as that? One minute he was a ruthless piece of shit and next he was I don’t know... strange?

I got distracted by the knock on the door. I moved my eyes to the clock. It’s noon. I slept that long?

"It’s me, Ana."

Elliot?

"Can I help you?" I asked, not hiding the irritation in my tone.

"A lovely afternoon to you too..."

I rolled my eyes, took my robe, and slipped in before walking to the door to open it.

He opened his mouth to say something, but paused, taking a good look at me.

I crossed my arms, clearing my throat to avert his eyes.

"Are you alright?" he asked out of the blue.

I knew I didn’t look my best right now after that fever last night. "Never better."

Elliot nodded, but his expression told me he wasn’t convinced, but chose not to question me further.

"What do you want?" I got straight to the point.

He sank his hands into his pockets. "I was concerned. You’ve been in your room half the day already."

"Wouldn’t be the first time..." I replied.

"You can’t stay locked up in there, you know."

I sighed. "Did Don Salvero send you? Does he summon me to dress up and sit like a piece of furniture in his office while he works?"

It was usually that bitch Lisa who came to deliver that message. That was one of her exciting moments. I swear to God, next time I see that plastic, I’m gonna be throwing hands for real.

"My brother is currently unavailable. He’s on a business trip and won’t be back for a few days..."

His words caught me by surprise. Business trip?

"I see..." There was a heaviness to my tone. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

I’m sure Lisa, as his secretary, was part of this trip. Figures.

I had no idea why I conjured an unwelcoming image that blended with the porn show I walked in on yesterday. My head is probably still woozy after a feverish night.

"Why don’t you take a shower? I want to show you something."

"Show me what?"

"Nothing important. You’re welcome to decline and spend the rest of the day... Relaxing."

I scoffed. That’s an underwhelming way of spiking my interest.

"Meet me in the dining room if you feel up to it." He checked his Rolex before he walked away.

I watch him go, wondering where that came from. I closed the door, stopping in my tracks when I caught something. I did a double check before closing in on the mirror.

I pulled my hair and horror filled my lungs. Was this what got Elliot staring?

My cheeks burned.

There were hickeys on the side of my neck, below my ear, and collarbone. I pushed my robe and found another on my shoulder.

That psycho!