A Debt Owed (The Debt Duet 1)

Easton’s nostrils flare, and he takes a deep breath. “Leave. Just go.”

I suck on my bottom lip and shake my head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to be such an asshole, but my father gave me no choice.”

He smacks the glass from my hand, and it drops to the floor, shattering into a million pieces.

“GO!” His sudden outburst has me fleeing from the balcony, rushing all the way down the stairs and out of the club.

I don’t know what made him turn on me like that. Why, one minute, it’s as if he wants to rekindle whatever it is we had, and then the next, he wants to put me to shame.

But it’s too late to apologize. I’m not coming back here ever again.

Easton

A few days later

I’d purposely opened my business in several cities around the world and specifically here because I knew this was where her parents lived. I’d looked that up a long time ago. Never did I imagine I’d run into her at one of my clubs, but it made for a good surprise.

Though, I’m not sure I was truly happy to see her. After all, she broke my heart in several ways, and her father is a heartless monster. Those dollar bills that pompous idiot is sniffing right now are dipped in blood.

My blood.

And I will make him pay for what he did.

One way or another, he will beg me for mercy. And I know just the way.

Her disclosure that his company is in trouble and needs financial investors is the perfect entry for me. It’s as if she knew I was in my darkest hour and offered her sweet, ripe cherry in return.

I could give her father a loan and make him pay by taking her.

Charlotte Davis. My wife. My pet.

A wicked grin spreads across my lips. It’s almost too good to be true, but it’s the best idea I’ve ever had. The best idea she’s ever given me.

It was so easy to get into her apartment.

Once she ran off, I had her followed, and when I knew where she lived, all I had to do was look under the potted plant for a spare key. Stupid girl … doesn’t she realize that’s how dirty men like me get inside her home?

Hearing her breathe softly into her pillow as she sleeps the night away entices me. Her chest rises and falls with each breath she takes, and her eyes flutter in her REM sleep. Is she dreaming of me and our chance encounter? Or is she dreaming of a way to escape the nightmare that encompasses her entire life?

I inch closer, lured in by her magnificent scent. I want to raise the sheets, grab her, and take her away right now.

But I have to hold myself back. It would definitely ruin the plan I have in mind.

So I step back again, each time a little farther, savoring every inch of her as a snapshot that I’ll keep in my mind for my own pleasure.

Oh, filthy little bird, with your strawberry lips and fairy-like pink hair … you will be mine.

Soon.

Chapter 7

Easton

Present

My excitement intensified the moment we landed. Not just because we’re back in the country where I live, where I know the people better, and where I feel at home, but also because I couldn’t wait to see her face once she realized there was no fucking way she’d ever be able to talk to anyone—not the cops, not any other flyers, and not any personnel. Too bad for her, she still had hopes that’d be the case.

Those hopes got crushed the second my limo met us on the airstrip to pick us up right when we walked off the jet. The look in her eyes was magnificent. The despair grew with time and turned her into a dark, shivering mess. Like a ghost floating through the air, she settled into her seat. I didn’t even have to force her. She went inside my mansion without a fight, which was a nice surprise.

It’s always incredibly fascinating to watch people disintegrate in front of me. I can’t ever get enough. Maybe that makes me a sadistic asshole, but I don’t give a damn. I love it. It gets me going, making me want to put my hands all over her and show her who’s boss.

She hasn’t ever been around an actual man, and that’s about to change. I know she can feel it. The air in this car is thick with unspoken words and desire. I can almost taste her submission. It won’t be long until she fully commits … I’m sure of it.

And then I’ll make her my wife.

She might think I’m only in it for the short term, but I want her for the long run. I want her body and soul. And I want her by her own choice. I want her to submit out of her own free will.