“What would you prefer I call you? You are my most precious bird, after all…”
“I’m not your bird, Alister. I’m your wife, and as such, you will treat me that way. I have ideas and dreams for us and our future children. Tonight, when you discussed our…legacy, I realized I wanted to make sure that they reap the benefits of all the hard work their father…and now, their mother, has invested. I want them to have an even bigger empire. I am Demi, your wife. I will not be one of your?—”
His hands wrapped around my throat, and he tightened them. “Demi,” he rasped as he dragged me off my feet.
Gagging, I fought back the fear I felt in my lungs as my breath grew erratic.
Throwing me onto the bed aggressively, he pushed my legs apart and pushed inside me.
“Ah!” I cried out. I never quite healed from the surgery the demented doctor had done to me.
Clenching my eyes together, he continued as my nails dug into his skin.
“Please, st—” I cut myself off as he tugged a knife out and began carving it into the flesh right under my collarbone.
I began bleeding. He leaned in and began licking up the blood seeping out of my skin.
“Your blood will keep me alive longer,” he groaned as he dug into my skin even deeper.
“Alister,” I cried. The pain was too much, but I forced myself to moan.
“We will rule the world together, my queen.” He began choking me until I lost my breath.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE
“As my wife,you are free to roam the grounds of La Gabbia.” I sat in the lace robe and sipped the piping hot cappuccino. The skin around my neck was raw and light bruises were already appearing.
I stared at the ocean in front of us. “Does everyone get an ocean-front balcony?” I asked, realizing that I was choked to near death as I consummated my marriage, and now, I was wondering about the varied views from the balconies of the resort.
Alister looked at me. “Every room has an ocean-front or ocean view; however, some come and request our…” he paused and smiled, “VIP floor.” I kept my eyes on the waves. “You should drink some peony tea today.”
“What is that?” I looked over and saw a woman with a small white steaming cup that I had seen before.
“This is Sarah; she will be your right-hand woman from this day forward. She’s here to help you navigate anything and everything you need.” Sarah was blonde with green eyes; she was wearing a short white dress with nude lipstick. Her icy, emotionless stare sent chills up my spine.
“Here you are, Mrs. Ivory.” Sarah handed me the cup of tea as I looked at Alister.
“It aids with fertility.” He smiled, and his eyes dropped to my abdomen as I took the tea.
“Are fresh peonies used to make the tea?” I asked calmly.
Alister nodded. “From our own garden here with top-quality soil. Sarah can take you there whenever you’d like. I find it very tranquil, and sometimes you can hear…well, the cries.”
“The cries?” I took a sip of the tea, closing my eyes, knowing the soil these peonies grew on came from pain and grew from death.
“Demi, I have business to handle today, so please feel free to enjoy a massage, pampering, and more. If you find yourself lonely, Sarah is here to fill in your day. I don’t want you to have to work right now, my love, but soon, I’ll need you to come with me to…help restock inventory.”
“Restock inventory?” I questioned as Alister stood and Sarah immediately bowed her head and dropped to her knees.
“It’s easier when a beautiful woman is there. They are more trusting.” He winked before leaning down and kissing my forehead. “Bye, darling, I’ll see you tonight.”
He turned away and I stared at Sarah, who remained on her knees. “You can stand up…” I whispered as soon as I saw him leave.
She nodded and slowly stood. “Would you like me to reserve your private session for the spa, Mrs. Ivory?”
I put the tea down and stood. “Actually, I’d like you to go back to your room and stay there. I’m going to lay down and nap a bit. I’ll call when I want to do something.” I forced a smile and yawn while stretching my arms over my head.
Sarah looked nervous but quickly picked up my teacup. “Mrs. Ivory, I just thought I could create the perfect day for you, and Mr. Ivory was very intent on me staying with you for the entirety of the day.” She backed away as I pushed past her and walked to the bedroom. My palms began to sweat when I saw the bed we shared last night and how I went unconscious after Alister choked me. He knew exactly how much pressure could leave me unconscious versus how much would kill me.
