Y'S

. As Katie, the maid who introduced herself in a low, calm tone, led me down a quiet,

h that made the gaze hypnotic, magnetic. Flecks of gold glinted within that coppery storm, as if shards of sunlight had taken residence there, restless and burning. The cream-toned skin around his eye only se

, his weapon. It could make you question your place, make you feel small or helpless, as if just a glance was enough to strip away any defiance. And

patch?" The words left my mouth

ok directly at Axel when he summoned her earlier, and she'd looked visibly relieved when he'd

probably didn't have multiple eye-p

fied, though I already a

n't at liberty to discuss certain things. I suggest you ask him directly." She cast me

violence. I'd been his punching bag, the one he'd choke, slap, and raped whenever he wanted. He called it love, and he made sure the world thought it was too. Outside, we were the "it couple." People saw my flawless makeup, my desig

t gray, somehow both welcoming and grand. It felt like stepping into a tranquil oasis, miles away from the chaos that had just engulfed my life. A large bed sat in the center, with white

ed glass panels that kept the space both open and private. In the corner, a rainfall shower was bordered by sleek marble walls, while a glass divider separated it from the rest of the room. A vanity mirror, illuminated by soft, warm lights

n the counter. "There will be clean clothes and fresh undies waiting for you when

ay the reality that was sinking in. The spot where the door had scraped me earlier throbbed, as water

kin. The water turned murky, my skin raw, but I scrubbed harder, trying to erase every remnant of Chase's touch,

arded me like trash, moving on without a second thought. And my family-my own mother-giving my sister my place in the life I was suppose

he years of hiding bruises, the nights spent convincing myself I was happy, and now this...this nightmare-closed in a

his indifferent gaze as if he had every right to control my life. And now, because of some twisted

break me. Axel Blackwood might think he owned me, that I was another possession to add to his wealth and power. But he d

olved one thing: I was going to find out exactly what Axel wanted from me and just how much control he thought he could wield.

being anyon