Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 345(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 345(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Come to think of it, that doesn’t sound like a bad plan at all.
A blinding flash goes off as I approach the restroom, and I blink against it, annoyed. The paparazzi have no business photographing me. It’s Risha and the other stars of her award-winning independent film they should be interested in. I lengthen my stride, mentally thanking my dress’s designer for including the thigh-high slit in the tight, floor-length skirt, and before long, I’ve escaped the young reporter and her camera. Once I’m safely inside the luxurious bathroom, I lock myself in a stall, pull out the joint I just bummed off Giles, and take a few puffs.
There. Much better. I can already feel the tension in my temples easing.
I smoke the rest of the joint and flush the butt down the toilet. Then I wash my hands, touch up my makeup, and return to the party before Risha can accuse me of disappearing on her.
The screening is about to begin, so I head into the theater. Everybody is already seated, but two places in the center of the middle row are empty. One of them must be mine. Sure enough, it has a discreet label with my name on it attached to the back. The label on the other empty seat states, “Lion Holdings.” Probably one of the companies involved in the production.
The theater lights dim, a spotlight falls onto the stage, and the movie’s director emerges. He gives a speech, thanking everyone for attending the premiere and being involved in the movie. I only half-listen to his words, the pot making me feel pleasantly hazy. The actors are next, starting with Risha, who has the main role. I clap enthusiastically for her, and then I zone out again as the other actors give their speeches, thanking the director, the executive producer, all the other producers, the special effects crew, the costume design team, and so on.
Finally, it’s time for the movie itself. The theater goes completely dark for a moment, and as the massive screen on the stage lights up with the opening credits, a tall, broad-shouldered man enters my row and takes the empty seat next to me. I glance at him, more out of courtesy than any real curiosity—only to stiffen in shock and disbelief.
Sitting next to me, staring at me impassively, is none other than Alexei Leonov, my former intended and current stalker.
The monster who I thought—hoped—no longer wanted me.
Chapter 17
Present Day, Location Unknown
“Lunch is ready,” Larson’s voice announces from behind Alexei, and I breathe a sigh of relief as my captor steps back, freeing me once more.
The floor pitches underneath us as we head to the table, which is now set with all manner of delicacies. The wind is blowing hard in my face and the waves are intensifying, the sky rapidly darkening. I almost stumble as the yacht tips sharply, but Alexei steadies me by gripping my shoulders, his hands strong and warm. Keeping his hold on me, he leads me to the table, where he pulls out a chair for me before taking a seat himself. As he drapes a cloth napkin over his lap, he glances up at the sky and says, “We’d better eat fast. It looks like the storm is going to reach us soon.”
Larson nods, uncorking a bottle of champagne. “It’ll pass quickly but could get rough for a bit. Might be best to head inside after you’re done here.”
Great. Rough seas. Just what I need. On the plus side, despite the growing waves, my seasickness is abating. Whatever drug Alexei used to knock me out must be clearing out of my system—that or I’m finding my sea legs.
Larson moves to pour the champagne into the crystal flute in front of me, but I stop him by covering the glass with my hand. “None for me, thanks.” I meet Alexei’s gaze across the table. “I have nothing to celebrate.”
Alexei doesn’t reply, but the corners of his mouth pinch in. Sensing the rising tension, Larson quickly fills Alexei’s glass, places the bottle into a bucket of ice on the far edge of the table, and tactfully disappears.
I take a calming breath and reach for the plate of caviar sandwiches, one of the many traditional Russian dishes on the table. Antagonizing Alexei probably isn’t the best idea, but I can’t help it. Each minute we spend together winds me tighter, reminding me of things I’ve been trying to forget… like the way he shadowed my life for years upon years before finally making his move.
The way he controlled me, mind and body, long before I was his actual captive.
Chapter 18
3 Years and 4 Months Earlier, New York City
For a few heartbeats, I simply stare at him, at the hard features of his face illuminated by the flickering light of the screen. The movie has started, the haunting music from the opening scene enveloping me with its unnerving beauty. Finally, I force my lips to move. “What are you doing here?”