Stealing Beauty (Stolen 1)

While a third room with a twin bed was available, Adrián’s proprietary grip made it clear that I wouldn’t be allowed to stay on my own. He pulled me into the bedroom he’d selected, excusing us from Jasiel and Mateo.

“My wife is tired,” he explained on my behalf. “Our accommodations were less than ideal last night, and she didn’t sleep well.”

Jasiel nodded her understanding. “The water shouldn’t be too rough this time of year, but if you have trouble sleeping, I have some pills you can take. I’ll have lunch ready soon, but if you’d prefer to sleep, I’ll wake you before dinner.”

“We’d prefer not to be disturbed. For any reason,” Adrián added, fixing the cheery woman with a steady stare.

She let out a little giggle. “Oh yes, I heard you tell my husband that you’re on your honeymoon. I won’t bother you.” She waved a hand at Mateo. “I’ll show your friend around the upper deck while you get some rest.”

She didn’t seem to find it odd that a man was accompanying us on our supposed honeymoon. Then again, the way Mateo shadowed Adrián, he could easily be mistaken for a bodyguard. And we’d been throwing around enough money that Jasiel didn’t seem inclined to question us about our reasons for traveling together.

No one was going to help me if Adrián made me scream.

He shut the bedroom door, trapping me in the cramped quarters with him. His big body was far too close to mine, only inches separating us. I could feel his heat pulsing against me, warmer than the tropical air.

He lifted his hand, and I flinched, anticipating a slap. His lips thinned, his sharp jaw tightening. He didn’t falter, but he didn’t strike me, either. His movements were slow and determined as he touched his palm to my face, rubbing his thumb along my cheekbone.

Confusion threaded through my dread. Why was he caressing me?

Without thinking, I leaned into his touch. It seemed my body hadn’t caught up to my mind, and I was still needy for his comfort after my ordeal in the jungle.

He brought up his other hand. I didn’t cringe away this time. He hummed his approval as his fingers began to work through my hair.

The tension melted from my muscles as he petted me, like he used to do when we were young. I didn’t understand.

“Aren’t you…” My voice wavered. “I thought you were going to hurt me.”

“I am,” he replied smoothly. “I’m going to paint your ass red. You shouldn’t have run from me. Those men—” He cut himself off with an audible snap of his teeth, and his fingers tightened in my hair.

He took a breath and resumed stroking me. “I am going to punish you, Valentina. But I don’t want you to fear me. I’m not like them.”

My gaze dropped along with my heart. I couldn’t bear to look into his glowing green eyes. They reminded me too much of the boy I’d loved.

He’d protected me when Hugo tried to take my virginity when I was barely fifteen. After that, Adrián had snuck into my bedroom and held me every night to keep me safe. We’d spent our days together, too. He was my constant companion and playmate, even though the games we played became almost violent when he chased me through the jungle that bordered his father’s estate. Adrián had always loved hunting me, overpowering me. He’d liked leaving bruises on my flesh as he held me at his mercy, catching me up in passionate kisses that made my body burn for more ruthless intimacy. He marked my skin with his strong fingers and his teeth, but he also stroked my hair with gentle reverence, cuddling me close.

This man wasn’t that boy, no matter how tenderly he held me at the moment. He was going to beat me to keep me in line, just like Hugo. He wanted to break me to his will, to turn me into his compliant little doll.

His hands left my face, his fingers finding the button at the front of my jeans. I shuddered. I’d been naked with him in the shower, but that hadn’t been remotely sexual. He hadn’t been threatening me.

“I’m not going to violate you,” he murmured.

I bit my lip. Just because he wasn’t going to rape me didn’t mean this wasn’t a violation. With his tender touch and ruthless actions, he was destroying me, shredding my soul. I’d managed to exist in a numb state ever since Hugo had broken me. Adrián reminded me of a time when I used to be alive. He awakened things in me that I thought were long dead.

He brought me back to life, just so he could decimate what was left of me.

I didn’t struggle or scream. What was the point? I simply stood there, allowing him to unzip my jeans and tug them down to my knees. He left my whore-red lace panties on, but they did little to cover me.