“Stop this car!”
“Novros is a nameless bastard. A nobody. He’s brainwashed you, turned you against me,” he said r
esentfully. “Just as he did that sister of his.”
Her mouth fell open. “Laetitia is his sister?”
Lars shrugged. “Half sister. Something like that. He kept it quiet. Promised her he wouldn’t start a scandal. Her mother was sickly. After their father’s death, Laetitia feared one more shock might kill her.” He gave a cold smile. “She was right. Except it was the shock of Laetitia’s accident that finally killed the old woman, and left the whole fortune to my bride.”
She stared at him in shock. “You’re a monster!”
“Now, is that anything to say to the man you love?”
“I don’t love you!”
“You will love me, petal,” he said, still smiling. He reached out to stroke her cheek. “I promise you that.”
When she jerked her head away, Lars looked at her resentfully. “Too good for me now, are you? It disgusts me how you let him touch you.”
Turning away, she didn’t answer. He stared at her, then stomped harder on the gas pedal. As the car went faster and faster down the highway, she gripped her seat belt in fear.
“You were such a sweet, obedient girl,” he said in a low voice. “I’ll make you that way again.”
He veered abruptly off the highway to a side road, heading toward the distant mountains. The road was rough and bumpy beneath the wide tires of the race car as they flew through the forest. As the rain soon changed to sleet, she stared out the window in a panic as the Ferrari went faster and faster, sliding on the icy, rocky road still covered with scattered snow.
Xerxes, she thought, closing her eyes. Please come for me.
Then she remembered the promise she’d forced on him and nearly wept. Perhaps he’d have immediately forgotten Rose from the instant he had his sick half sister back in his arms, desperately needing his care. But the promise Rose had forced him to give her had been the nail in the coffin. Xerxes now couldn’t come save her, even if he’d wanted to. She’d made sure of that. And now it would destroy her.
You were right, she whispered silently. The one time Rose had been hurt enough to try for revenge, it had caused her more pain than she’d ever imagined possible.
Turning to face Lars, she choked out, “Where are you taking me?”
“A private cabin where we can be alone. For days. Weeks, if necessary.” Lars gave her a sensual smile that made her shudder as he purred, “I’ll make you remember your love for me. I’ll enjoy your silky body. And when I’ve cleansed you of that Greek bastard’s memory, you will give me everything and marry me.”
Chapter Fifteen
“WE’RE still running tests, Mr. Novros, but we’re optimistic.”
Xerxes sagged in relief against the white concrete wall of the medical clinic. “Thank God.”
“We’ll keep you updated.” The doctor looked at him with concern. “But you should get some rest. Before we have to check you in here as well.”
“I’m fine.”
The doctor clapped him on the shoulder encouragingly. “Don’t worry. She’s young and strong. Her chances are excellent for a full recovery.”
After he’d left, Xerxes closed his eyes, feeling the fresh drizzle of rain on his face. His sister was safe. Laetitia was now receiving the best medical care possible. For the first time in a year, he did not have that driving fear inside him, the fear that he might fail her, the fear that she might die after he’d promised to always look out for her.
He should have been overcome with relief and joy. And yet he found himself still hunched over with grief. He looked up to see a blond woman coming out of the mist in the parking lot.
“Rose,” he whispered, his heart in his throat. Had she read the letter? Had she changed her mind?
Then he saw the blonde embrace another man, a male nurse who’d just come out of the clinic. Looking at her more closely, Xerxes realized the woman looked nothing like Rose. His vision was playing tricks on him.
She’d told him she loved him. And for his answer, he’d traded her. He’d given her into Växborg’s hands.
Had she read the letter yet? Would she keep her promise?