The Ritual

I smile down at her, my knuckles brushing through her tears. “I told you … you can’t run from me.” Leaning down, I kiss her cheek, tasting them. Fuck, I’ve missed her so much. I haven’t slept much since she left, thinking about what I’d do to her once I saw her again. Now that I have her, I want to tie her down to my bed and remind her just how much she loves being owned. “I’ll always find you.”

When she closes her heavy eyes this time, they don’t open. Her body relaxes, and her breathing evens out. She’s got marks on her neck from the bastard trying to kill her. What little clothes she wears are wet with his blood splatter. I’m going to rip them off and burn them.

I place my arms underneath her, picking her limp body up off the table just as Prickett and Gunner come out from the back. “Let’s go,” I order.

BLAKELY

I SIT UP, gasping for breath. My hand goes to my chest, realizing I’m no longer in my uniform, but now an oversized T-shirt. My eyes dart around aimlessly, seeing I’m in a bed. One that I know all too well. The scent of his cologne lingering in the room is like a cloud of smoke choking me.

He brought me back! The thought is crippling. I failed. Even though I did everything right, I still managed to get caught.

“Good morning, Mrs. Archer.”

My head snaps to the left, and I see Ryat standing in the doorway to his adjoining bathroom inside his room at house of Lords. I shove the covers off and scramble out of the bed. My shaky legs have me falling into his dresser, making it rattle. “Stay away from me,” I warn, my voice scratchy from the mystery man choking me and whatever Ryat forced me to swallow. My mind is still a little hazy, but I understand I’m in danger.

He chuckles, placing his hands in the front pockets of his jeans, looking every bit of cool and collected as he leans against the doorframe. “That’ll be hard since we’re married, Blake.”

“I told you I want a divorce,” I growl.

He pushes off the doorframe, and I run for the bedroom door, but he’s faster, my body still weak, giving him the advantage to step in front of me. His hand comes up, and I bow my head, whimpering, hands shaking.

“Shh,” he says, gently touching my face, forcing me to look up at him. “I’m not going to hurt you, Blake.”

“Yes, you will.” I suck in a ragged breath. He promised me in the beginning that he would. Turns out, he was right, and I liked it.

“Is that what you want?” he asks, his eyes searching mine and I swallow nervously. I forgot how intense they can be. “You want me to punish you?”

“No,” I whisper, but my heart races at the thought. My body knows what he’s capable of, and it’s missed him so fucking much.

“Are you sure?” His hand leaves my cheek, traveling down the center of my chest over the shirt. “My cock has missed you, little one.” He leans in, tenderly kissing my forehead, and I hold in a breath. “Has my cunt missed me?”

“No,” I lie, my thighs clenching at the thought of him between my legs. Even when I was terrified he’d find me, I still dreamed about him. I’d see his face, hear his voice, and feel his body on top of mine. I imagined him finding me, kidnapping me, and fucking me—just like we did with my forced-sex fantasy—but I’ll never tell him that.

He frowns. “That’s a shame.” His fingertips circle my nipple, making it harden at his touch through the shirt, and I realize he’s removed my bra. Once satisfied with my body’s response, he brings his hand up into my hair and slowly pulls my head back. “But just so you know …” He leans in with his lips to my ear, and whispers, “You will get on your knees and open your mouth. You will spread those soft and sexy legs for me. And I will take that ass.” He pulls away, and his green eyes darken while drilling into mine, making my pulse accelerate. “I will fuck my wife. Whenever and however I want.”

I swallow the lump in my throat at his threat while my pussy pulses. I’m so fucked!

He pulls away. “And as much as I want to remind you of that right now, we’re late. We have a meeting.” Grabbing my hand, he yanks me out of the room and down the hall. We enter an elevator, and he presses B for basement. I yank my hand from his once the doors shut. I’m surprised he stays silent. I figured he’d corner me in here, but maybe he’s said all he wants to say.