Chapter 4

FOUR

He let go of her heavily after the intense moment between them. He stood up and got dressed, then looked down at her.

He smirked and untied her hands.

His eyes scanned her from head to toe. She wasn't able to cover her naked body, and she saw a glint of desire in his eyes.

"No one will bring you food here. If you want to eat, go get food from the fridge." A corner of his lips curled up before he turned his back on her. She could do nothing but watch him leave the room.

However, before stepping out, he looked back at her once more.

"Don't waste your time—or your energy—trying to escape, because you won't get out of here. Save it for the next time you satisfy me," he said, leaving for good.

Addie stared up at the ceiling and checked in with her body. She felt thoroughly exhausted and bruised all over, as if she had been beaten up.

A tear escaped her eye. Was this going to be her new life? A toy for this man?

She couldn't even muster the strength to wipe her tears away.

Closing her eyes, she let sleep pull her under.

"WHAT ARE your plans for her, Zake?" Mang Kanor asked him. He was out on the terrace at the time, looking out at the sea.

"I don't know yet. But for now, it's best she stays here," he replied emotionlessly, gripping the terrace railing and closing his eyes as a gentle breeze brushed against his face.

"We're leaving now. I'll be back in a week to bring the groceries you need," Mang Kanor said.

He didn't reply, feeling too lazy to answer. He wasn't being rude; he just wasn't in the mood to talk.

Moments later, he heard footsteps receding. Shortly after, he spotted Mang Kanor walking toward the boat by the shore with a few house helpers.

Before long, the boat sped away, leaving the entire island silent. Only the crashing of waves against the shore could be heard, accompanied by a cool breeze.

He opened his eyes as he remembered the woman in the guest room. She hadn't come out to eat yet.

Did she really think he was going to bring her food? He tsked.

He walked toward his own bedroom to crash when he passed by the guest room. He shrugged and started to walk past it, but after a few steps, he froze.

He cursed under his breath because he felt a sudden urge to check on her.

Fuck!

Irritated, he walked up to the door and shoved it open.

He was ready to hurl curses, but he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her lying on the bed.

He approached her quietly. She was fast asleep. He looked up at her disheveled hair, then down at her face—specifically at her lips, which were swollen from his rough kisses earlier.

Fuck!

He lowered his gaze to her shoulders. She was still completely naked, making all the marks he left fully visible: bites and love marks trailing down her neck, shoulders, and chest. She even had bruises that were beginning to darken.

He felt a wave of anger at himself. It wasn't in his nature to hurt anyone, especially a woman—but damn it! Her father refused to honor their deal. So, instead of marrying her, he changed his mind: she would be his slave.

His eyes returned to her face, where dried tears were visible. Guilt washed over him, but he hadn't been able to control himself earlier—it was as if he hadn't slept with a woman in a decade, acting like a starved lion sighting its prey.

He studied her features closely and couldn't help but admire her beauty—it was striking, even with her hair tangled and unkempt.

As his gaze drifted back down to her bare body, he looked away as heat surged straight to his groin. But it was too late; he could already feel his shorts tightening.

"Shit!" he cursed under his breath. He pulled the blanket up to cover her body and turned to leave, but caught sight of her wrists. They were still reddened from where he had tied her up.

"Shit!" he cursed himself again before rushing out of the room.