LOGINElias's POVSophie was sitting with an elderly, elegantly dressed woman and Joanna. The three of them seemed to be having a wonderful time, laughing and talking without interruption. Sophie was doing most of the entertaining, keeping her little audience fascinated with whatever amusing stories she was telling.I found myself smiling.Maybe spending a few more days in this city wouldn't be such a bad idea after all. Besides, Sophie and I still had some unfinished business, didn't we?I remembered her words from our last encounter. She had practically told me that the only way I could have her was by getting rid of a man for her, and then she'd be mine I believed her.There was no doubt in my mind that she would carry out that threat if I made her angry enough. And she was already angry with me. Apparently, I hadn't behaved the way she expected me to. I hadn't played the part she had assigned me, the same role she expected every other man she happened to meet to play.The girl was spoi
Elias's PovI booked the finest suite at the Paradise Hotel. I ordered a five-course dinner, had a bottle of French brandy sent up to my room, and spent a good amount of time soaking in a steaming bathtub. After that, I briefly considered finding myself a whore for the night, but eventually decided against it and got drunk instead.I drank until I couldn't think straight, then went to bed and slept until well into the middle of the morning.Thanks to the brandy, I finally managed to get some decent sleep. It was a welcome change from the previous two nights, when I had spent most of my time tossing and turning because of my ridiculous, unfulfilled desire for Elena Blackwood.I wasn't accustomed to getting so worked up over one woman. Not even close. And what we had was a contract but God help me I want her so badly. Nothing was going to stop me, not even the fact that I've had her best friend, Sophie, in the past. Granted, the girl had an incredible body. There was no denying that. A
Elena's POVI was done.I was tired of being treated like a child whenever I made a decision they didn't approve of. I was tired of having every mistake thrown in my face, while everyone else got to do whatever they pleased.And I was especially tired of pretending that this family had ever been the safe place I desperately wanted it to be.I had almost reached the doorway when a voice stopped me."Of course. You always have to make everything about yourself."I froze. I knew that voice.Slowly, I turned around.Adrian was standing a few feet away.He had been quiet throughout dinner, barely acknowledging my presence, but now he was looking directly at me.And he didn't look happy.His hands were tucked into the pockets of his trousers, his jaw clenched, and his eyes were fixed on me with an expression I couldn't quite understand.I stared at him. "What?"He took a step closer. "You're really going to do this?"I frowned. "Do what, Adrian?""Don't act like you don't know what I'm talk
Adrain’s pov I stared out the window into the night. I was gripping the sill, but I couldn't see much, because I had chosen the bedroom facing west—the one facing the major entrance to the mansion. Oh, I could see the darker outline of the ragged rim of the city, and if it were daylight, I would have a view to its very end. But I couldn't see her.I had heard Elena leave the house, and I knew by listening acutely that she had rounded the other side to go toward the creek. I pictured her running, her skirts billowing around her, revealing lots of long, sexy leg."babe?" Sophie slithered from the bed and came up behind me, pressing her naked breasts against my bare back.I still wore my jeans, and with her hand, she gripped me through the denim. I was full and turgid, but not because of her. I was aroused because he wanted Elena. My own stepsister. "You miss me," she said, satisfied. She kissed my shoulder, then bit it. I flinched.She rubbed the length of me expertly. "Come to bed."
Elena's POVI didn't know how I felt anymore. In fact, I had stopped trying to figure it out because every thought that crossed my mind only left me more confused and miserable. Not thinking was easier. It was the only relief I could find.With my back pressed against the wall and my eyes fixed on the bolted door, I sat there like a lifeless zombie. I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and I didn't even have the strength to move. After a while, I turned my head slightly and looked toward the open window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the sunset.But there was nothing to see.Of course. The enormous walls surrounding this miserable valley blocked almost everything from view. The little light that remained outside was fading quickly, and soon darkness would swallow everything.Miriam eventually walked in, carrying the dishes from the table. She threw a few nasty glances in my direction as she passed, but I pretended not to notice her. I simply kept eating while listening to
Elena's POVI was still staring at the headline when my phone started ringing.I blinked, dragging my eyes away from the screen long enough to see who was calling.Mom.I let out a tired sigh before answering."Hello, Mom—""What the hell is wrong with you, Elena?"I pulled the phone away from my ear, staring at it in disbelief. "Good afternoon to you too.""Don't you dare get smart with me!" she snapped. "Have you completely lost your mind? What were you thinking?"I closed my eyes. Here we go again."Mom, can you please calm down?""Calm down?" she repeated, her voice rising. "You expect me to calm down after seeing that ridiculous headline? Do you have any idea what people are saying about this family?"I glanced at my phone again.The headline was still there, staring back at me.I rubbed my forehead. "Mom, I can explain—""Explain what? That you're selfish? That you've decided to embarrass this family because you want attention? Or that you've become so stupid that you couldn't f







