Someday soon I plan on taking Lily to get a real milkshake, thick with homemade ice cream and topped with whipped cream, from my favorite diner—

a tacky retro place near my Vermont cabin.

Removing my hand from the wall, I place it lightly on her bare shoulder. She

flinches. My blood rages with anger, both at myself and whoever brought her here. I don’t want her cowering at my touch like it’s burning her skin. I want her craving it; I want this woman begging me to touch her—to have all of her.

“Where do you normally sleep?”

The question surprises her. “What?”

“Where do they keep you at night?”

“On the floor in one of the closets, like the other maids.”

Her admission has me balling my fists in anger, but this time I manage to outwardly control my emotions.

Biting her lip, she holds my gaze. “Will you be honest with me?”

“I said we’d be honest with one another, didn’t I?”

This is why I’m so fucking angry. Our relationship may be starting out completely fucked up, but I still want us to be honest with one another. I don’t know Lily well enough to read all her non-verbal cues, except when her soaking wet cunt does the talking, and I need her to tell me how she really feels.

“What did that man want who came to the door?”

“He came to take you back and lock you in for the night,” I growl. “But I informed him that I wasn’t done with you yet and that you’d be staying here with

me.” And for the foreseeable future.

This is what had set off my anger, the horrible treatment of Lily. Beyond that of fucking kidnapping her—they’ve traumatized her. My princess.

The quick call I made to my assistant, Trevor, angered me further. There is

no new information as to how or why Lily is here. She has not been reported missing by either her parents or her university, both of which is troubling.

Calming myself, I place my hands on the wall on either side of her head, lean forward, and kiss her lightly, teasing, seducing her lips with my own. I’m triumphant. Soon Lily is placing her hands lightly on my waist and leaning into the kiss.

“Now we can have our bath.” I reluctantly pull away and turn toward the large tub. Perfect for two.

“But we just took a shower.”

“You don’t take a bath without rinsing off first. Otherwise, you’re stewing in your own filth.”

This statement gets me a small smile and snort of laughter.

“You make an excellent point.” Her tone is somewhat mocking, and I relax

knowing she’s comfortable enough with me to tease.

“I know.”

I turn the taps on full blast and the room quickly fills with the sound of rushing water and steam.

Turning around, I return to Lily and, taking hold of her arm, gently tug her

toward me. Although she doesn’t protest, she does attempt to shake off my hold.

I let go, only so I can pull off the towel she’s wrapped in.

“Hey.” Lily grabs at the towel as it falls to the ground. She then tries in vain to cover her gorgeous nakedness.

“When was the last time you had a nice hot bath?” I ask, wrapping my arm

round her waist and pulling her to me. She comes willingly, wrapping her arms around my waist.

“I don’t remember.”

“We’ll make sure this one is memorable,” I promise her, cupping the back of

her head with my free hand and kissing her lightly, teasing her lips until she’s

kissing me roughly in frustration, taking what she wants. Me.

“Make sure the water’s not too hot,” I tell her, eventually pulling out of the kiss.

I run my hand slowly down her back, taking in her unconscious shivers of pleasure. Reaching her firm buttock, I palm it—enjoying how perfectly it fits in my hand—before I push her gently toward the waiting tub, which I soon realize is a mistake.

Watching Lily bend over, seeing her breasts dangling like perfectly ripened

fruit and her bare inviting cunt, has me wanting to thrust balls deep into her while I squeeze her breasts and pluck her dark nipples.

She splashes her hand in the water before looking over her shoulder at me—

her wet hair hanging in thick graspable waves.

“It’s fine.”

“Get in.” I try not to growl as I throw off my own towel. I stalk toward her, and she scrambles into the water, ducking underneath with a small splash.

I reach across the tub and turn off the taps, and then slowly lower myself into the blissfully hot water at the other end so Lily and I are facing each other. She quickly tucks her legs up against her chest as I settle in, my knees bent slightly as my feet rest on either side of her hips.

Leaning my head back against the tub, I let my forearms rest on my knees—

melting into the heat. For the first time since I left Boston two days ago, I allow myself to truly relax.

Ever since I looked up to find Lily standing next to my chair and asking with tight, nervous politeness what I would like to drink, this insane trip Peter insisted I go on started making sense. He knew I’d recognize his cousin, knew I wouldn’t leave without her, that I’d ensure her safety, and he definitely knew he could count on my discretion. I’m sure my friend didn’t count on me taking full advantage of the situation though. It’s his own fucking fault for not coming out himself two weeks ago when we began planning the marathon of meetings for these past two days. He knew what, who, I’d find! I wonder how he discovered her location, and what stopped him from rescuing her himself.

As the hot water begins to loosen my sore and tired muscles, a new plan