Pennies (Dollar 1)

Did you read them?

Did you laugh at them?

Is that why you returned—because you felt sorry for me?

I shuddered, liking and loathing him. Grateful and confused. Shocked and shivering.

His smile was rough. “You have every right to look at me like that. I took something you treasured but I won’t apologise.” His legs bunched beneath me. “I won’t apologise because I’ve just taken you and that is not a good thing.”

I sucked in a breath, choking on blood.

Why?

Why is it not good?

He’d rescued me. I was alive because of him. If he wanted me dead, he didn’t have to return.

His voice hushed to a whisper as he cupped my cheek. “I will say I’m sorry for one thing.”

I trembled as his thumb stroked me sweetly.

“I’m sorry for what I’m about to do. I’m sorry for what I am. You’re worth pennies, but I’ll make you worth fucking millions. However, what I expect in return will be unpayable.”

His face softened just a little, unable hide the ferocity he wielded. The sleekness he harnessed. The threats he promised. “We’re leaving this place and you’ll never be found. You belong to me.”

His lips touched mine, smearing my blood between us. “Oh, and seeing as you’re mine now, you might as well call me Elder.”