Taken by Lies (Truth or Lies 1)

That’s when I take in more of my body and feel the stick of the needle in my hand, pouring the biting liquid into my body.

My eyes widen, and my body trembles. I want it out. Now.

I look around the room, searching for someone to explain what the fuck happened and why I have an IV. I don’t need an IV. I don’t need a doctor. I don’t need anyone.

“It’s good to see you awake, Miss Miller,” a man sitting in an armchair on the other side of the bed says.

I shake at the unexpected sound.

“I didn’t mean to startle you; I’m Dr. Gould.”

Fuck.

I recoil further up on the bed, inching to the farthest corner away from this stranger, covering myself with the evil covers.

The doctor’s smile drops when he sees my reaction.

“Mr. Black brought me here to help you, Miss Miller. I won’t hurt you. You can trust me.”

Liar.

I can’t trust anyone.

The doctor purses his lips when he sees my reaction.

“You’ve been passed out for three days. I inserted an IV to give you proper nutrition. And I only did the bare minimum of examination to ensure you didn’t need any further treatment while you were unconscious. I didn’t think you would appreciate anything more while you were out.”

He’s right; no one should touch me while I’m passed out.

“Where am I?” I ask, even though I already know the answer. I want confirmation.

He eyes me carefully, trying to study my reaction. “Mr. Black’s beach residence.”

He doesn’t say more, but I know I’m in Enzo’s room. I can smell and feel him everywhere. His musky cologne and ocean salt scent covers the room.

Why the fuck does Enzo live in a box of light?

He should be living in a dark cave in a hillside—not this.

I need the dark, not the light.

The doctor rounds the bed to the side I’m hiding under. I want to move to the other side, but he moves faster than I can crawl away.

His sad eyes stare down at me as he stands tall overhead.

“Miss Miller, can you tell me what you remember?”

I frown and huff steam from my nose.

He nods.

“Can you nod and tell me you remember, though? I’m worried you might have brain damage.”

I nod. I remember.

“That’s good. I know you’ve been through a lot these last few years. I need to give you a more thorough exam. I believe you have several broken bones and some have started healing while not aligned. After I examine you, we can talk about getting some x-rays and prioritize your injuries. I promise you will recover from this. I’ve helped countless women heal from similar situations. You will get through this.”

I raise my eyebrows as a chill runs through me. Enzo didn’t just get any doctor to look after me; he hired one who knows exactly how to treat women like me.