Anastasia's Pov"I think I have to go," I steadied up on my feet, feeling uncomfortable spending a minute longer with Liam.He walked over and wrapped an arm around my shoulder making me further uncomfortable. "Why? Is it because of me?""No," I shook my head stiffly, "It's just… My husband is probably waiting at home for me. He can be cranky sometimes."Liam nodded, his shoulders relaxing. "Then let me walk you out—""—You know what Liam, it's okay." I interrupted. I gave a final look at Liam and sighed, "See ya."Then I turned around and started heading to the door. As soon as I was out, it was like I could finally breathe again.I headed home and I was stunned by the sight of Jace in tennis shorts, a sports vest, and palm slippers. But what really got me was that he was waiting outside right by the gate and his face carried a frantic stare."Where were you?" He asked accusingly, immediately causing me to be on the defensive."W-what are you saying- W-why are you a-asking me that?"

Anastasia's Pov"Here!" Jace removed the towel slung around his neck and I hurriedly stood up from the icy bathtub shivering in pain. Jace leaned in and engulfed my back with the towel. I felt a bit of warmth at that moment coupled with my need for him.Jace pulled me closer causing me to get out of the bathtub with my leg making contact with the tiled floor. As my hand made contact with his chest, my breathing started to become itchy.Jace placed his mouth on my neck and placed slow kisses down it while sliding his fingers down to my core. He brushed against the wetness causing me to cry out his name and press further against him with need. However, my heightened feelings were caught short when he suddenly pulled away.I wrapped the towel around my namp body wondering why he stopped.However, Jace without another word started to walk out the door leaving me alone. That was my cue to also get out of the punishment room and change into some warm clothes.Stacy's POVI sat on the sofa

Anastasia's PovWith the kind of countenance that Jace currently had, I decided that I would stick with my story."I-I don't know what you're talking about, Jace, and if you care enough you'd let me be. I've barely recovered from the ice dumped on me." I let out a long strangled cough."I beg you, Jace, let me be.""You seriously think playing dumb at this moment is going to help. You're far too naive if you think it's the solution."He leaned forward and grabbed me by the right hand, increasing his muscle power to his hold on my hand which caused me to flinch and attempt to push him away. But my attempts were too weak and fragile."I wasn't even started asking my question," Jace replied with a quick smirk. "And you trying to dodge it is not doing any good."I forcefully pulled my eyes away from Jace. "Sorry, I don't know what you're talking about and you're hurting me so let go! Because it is not the answer."He slammed me against the wall in an instant, sending me into a state of sh

Anastasia's PovI had just taken a warm shower and my body was still damp from all of it. I looked at my reflection in the mirror situated in front of the dressing table and it reminded me of Jace's and I fight the previous day. I shook my head as though that would cleanse the memory from my brain.I grabbed a bottle and applied cream on my entire body. Then I looked at the mirror and saw a bruise on my forehead which was caused by Jace slamming my head into the dressing table. There were also multiple bruises on the sides of my face which made me feel hideous. My hands also had their share of bruises which made me feel weak and useless because it was a symbol of my inability to protect myself in front of Jace. I grabbed onto the dressing table and cried and when I got tired of it, I, myself went to wash my face and apply makeup to cover up the bruises but unfortunately, I couldn't get rid of the bruise on my forehead so I intensified it with the art of my makeup. Then I added a littl

Anastasia's PovAfter her sentence, my heart shook a tiny bit but I took the trouble to lean into her more, like I was not afraid and her words meant nothing to me.I flipped my hair back and tucked my hair behind my ear. "I thought we already got through that, love." I leaned forward and placed a hand on Lucy's shoulders. "In case you didn't get that earlier I'm not going to push through with it. But I'm just going to have you know that I'm not going to waste my time arguing with a stranger about insignificant things." With that I turned about, "I'm not going to see you out," I said as I headed back to the house.I felt Lucy's burning glare as I walked but I paid it no mind. Stacy's PovI halted in my steps and watched as Scarlet had a conversation with a girl I'd never seen before. Who was she? I wondered.It seemed Scarlet didn't take a liking to her from her which made me wonder who exactly she was. I kept watching and I noticed Scarlet place a hand on the girl's shoulder a