Sovereign (20 page)

“Yes, them too.”

Lightning crackled through the sky, and the boom of thunder shook the house.

Rebecca leaned back, her eyes beginning to dim. “So many to choose from. So many. I’m afraid I’ll be no help. But Cal is the worst of them all. He will make it hurt. He will try to turn you into something you’re not.” She held her hand out to me.

I took it, the skin thin, and the bones frail.

“Don’t let it happen to him. Please. Don’t let him turn into this.” She looked down at her withered body beneath the covers. “I couldn’t bear it if I’d doomed him to live this way. He’s a good boy. They’re all good boys. Please help them.”

“I’ll try. I promise. I don’t want anyone else to suffer ever again in the Acquisition. We have plans. We—”

She snatched her hand away. “What are you doing in here?”

Sin’s face fell, and Lucius stood.

“You two just let anyone in my room?” Her voice cut through the air, shrill and poisonous. “Servants and riffraff from the street?”

“Mother, please.”

“Get out!” She turned her face away, staring out the window as the rain hammered against the glass.

Sin sighed and rose. We trudged back down the stairs, silence enveloping us like a too-warm blanket.

“After that exciting interlude, I’m calling it a night.” Lucius gave us a two-finger salute and strode toward his side of the house.

I stroked Sin’s cheek, but his gaze was far away, likely in the past. “Hey. It’s going to be okay.”

He blinked and kissed my palm. “I know. As long as I have you, it will be.” Striking off toward his room, he pulled me behind him.

When we got there, he shut the door and locked it. Pushing me down onto the bed, he went for my neck, his teeth sliding over my pulse.

I stared up at the canvas I’d done of the first trial, the dark vines swallowing me whole. “You never told me what you did with the North Star. My painting.”

“I know what the North Star is, and I sold it. Why do you insist on wearing so many clothes?” He yanked my top over my head.

I laughed as he kissed my chest. “I’m wearing a t-shirt and jeans.”

“That’s the problem. Nothing is preferable.”

“You want me to walk around the house naked for Teddy and Lucius to see?”

He bit my breast, and I yelped. “No. But in my room, or your room, or any room with just the two of us, is nude really too much to ask?” His tongue grazed my nipple.

“Stop trying to distract me. What about the North Star? Why did you sell it?”

He sucked my nipple into his mouth and swirled his tongue around the hard tip. I raked my fingers across his scalp as he kneaded my other breast.

He switched to the other nipple, licking and sucking until I was panting.

Kissing to my lips, he continued, “I sold it to a very high end collector. It’s on prominent display in his Manhattan home. I hated to part with it, but I had to sell it to launch your career. Last I checked…” He nipped at my lower lip. “You were still the talk of the art scene, your mystery only enhancing your reputation.”

“You did that for me?” I stroked my fingers through his hair, wondering at the softness that lived at the very heart of him.

He kissed me, hard and possessive, before gazing down at me with an intensity that belonged only to him. “I would do anything for you.”

I laced my fingers behind his neck. “Do you think we can do it?” Doubt flittered around my mind, worry as well. “All of it, like we planned?”

“Of course. Lucius has already moved our money.” He got to his knees and yanked my pants down before tossing them to the floor. He stripped his shirt and pants off, his muscles rippling. “We’ve stockpiled everything we need for the coronation ceremony. Teddy will be safely stashed at our compound in Brazil. All we have to do—”

“Is win the final trial.” I finished for him, the words far easier than the deed.

“And we will.” He sank back on top of me, his weight keeping me grounded.

“What if we don’t? What if—”

“Shh.” He stroked my hair. “Everything will fall into place. If anyone so much as talks to Dmitri, or Teddy, or Alex, or anyone you love, we’ll know.”

“Knowing won’t stop me from having to hurt them.” The whispered truth roared in my ears.

“I could win it. I could give myself to Cal—”

“No.” He gritted his teeth. “We’ll win without it. I won’t give you away. Not to anyone, but especially not to him. There’s no point discussing it.”

“I’d do it. To save Teddy, I would.”

“I know you would. I can’t let you. I couldn’t stand it. He would do horrible things, and I would know. Every night, I would know you were being tormented because I wasn’t strong enough to save you.”

“Even so, I’d do it.”

He peered down at me, disbelief in his eyes. “How did I ever manage to catch you?”

“If I remember correctly, you didn’t play fair.”

He smirked.

“Just tell me we’ll be okay, that Teddy will be okay.” I pulled him closer and rubbed my cheek against his stubble.

“We’ll get through it. Together. The same way we’ve done each trial.” He kissed to my mouth.

“I’m scared.”

“I know.” He kissed my forehead. “But they’re the ones who should be afraid.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

S
TELLA

“
S
TELLA!”
S
IN’S VOICE HISSED
in my ear, and I shot up from his bed. “They’ve sent a car. The trial’s today. Fucking Cal surprised us.” He dropped a kiss on my lips. “This changes nothing.”

“They’re coming.” Lucius stood in the doorway, peering down the hall.

“Hurry to your room. Get ready. I’ll meet you downstairs.” He kissed me again quickly and pulled his sheet free, wrapping it around me.

I rose, clutched the sheet closed at my chest, and hurried away with Lucius.

“What’s going on?”

“Just more fucking dickishness by Cal.” Lucius’ back was tight, his pace hellish as we turned the corners toward my room.

“Get in your bed, quick. Cal wants to surprise you himself. I held him off with coffee. Go.” Lucius pushed my bedroom door open. I slipped through and jumped into my bed as he closed the door. The sheet slipped off and I kicked it down beneath my blankets.

My heart raced, and I glanced to the dresser. I hated the thought of Cal catching me naked. The hall was quiet, so I slipped out of bed and pulled my drawer open. Then I heard footsteps.

Fuck.
I crept back to my bed empty-handed and slid under the sheets. Feigning sleep with my eyes barely open, I turned my head toward the door and lay on my back.

I breathed long and steadily, completely at odds with the frantic beat of my heart. When the door handle turned, I clutched my pillow. It opened farther and Cal peeked in, a large grin spreading across his face as he “caught” me sleeping.

Lucius peered at me over Cal’s shoulder, his face pinched. Cal opened the door the rest of the way and eased toward my bed. Chill bumps broke out across my skin, and I wanted to curl up into a defensive ball. Instead, I closed my eyes so he wouldn’t realize I was awake.

The bed shifted, and his hand brushed the hair from my face.

“Stella.” His voice was soft, with a hint of merriment.

I opened my eyes and tried to shrink away from him, but he closed his fist in my hair.

“That’s no way to greet the day.” He tsked and let his gaze slither down my neck to my bare shoulders. “Sleeping nude?”

I pulled the blanket to my chin. “Why are you here?”

“Today’s your big day. The final trial. Excited?” He rested his hand at my throat.

I didn’t answer, silently willing him away.

It didn’t work. He leaned closer. “I thought you’d at least try and convince Sin to let me have you.” He wrapped his fingers around the blanket and pulled it down.

I resisted, trying to keep myself covered. When he pulled my hair so hard I thought it might rip out, I let go. He shoved the blanket away and surveyed my body. I crossed my arms over my breasts. He pulled them away and pinned my hands to my sides. I was helpless, the same way I’d been so many times at the hands of these people. I wouldn’t let my fear win. Hatred burned brighter.

“It doesn’t matter now. It’s too late. The last trial is here.” His malicious eyes took in all of me. “Still, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.” He let one hand go, and I moved to cover myself.

He slapped me, my cheek stinging as the crack shocked the still air. “Don’t fucking move.”

I lowered my hand back to my side, humiliation burning and rising to the surface, painting my skin red.

“Better.” He trailed his hands around my breasts and down to my waist and then lower. He smirked and ran his fingers across my pussy as I clenched my legs shut. “Red like I thought.” He met me eyes again. “As I was saying, I have a trick or two left. Your stepbrother has been kind enough to let me have you for a week before he takes delivery.”

I fought the instinct to hit him as he took my nipple in his mouth. He groaned and bit down on it as I tried to keep breathing.

“Lucius?” Sophia’s voice carried down the hallway.

Cal popped his head up and winked at me. “I’ll taste the rest soon enough.”

He stood, and I wrenched the blankets back in place.

Sophia and Lucius air kissed in the hallway as Cal strode out. “Get ready, we’re leaving in ten minutes,” he called over his shoulder.

I rolled into the fetal position, holding onto myself because there was nothing else. I wanted to scrub every square inch where Cal had touched me with steel wool. Instead, I gathered my wits and got out of bed. Considering the hot weather, I would have dressed light in a tank top and shorts. Given the twists of the trials, I dressed in layers—tank top, light jacket, jeans, and boots.

Once I’d tucked my knife into my boot, I whipped my hair up into a ponytail. My stark refection in the mirror barely resembled me. What little curves I possessed had turned to muscle, my eyes had grown colder, and my cheeks were almost gaunt. But it was the woman inside who’d changed most of all, to the point where I felt I was looking at a stranger. Would I ever get myself back?

“Stella.” Sin stood in the hall, his medium gray suit hitting in all the right places. He didn’t even throw me a glance. “Let’s go.”

I followed him down the stairs and into the breakfast room. Cal held sway over the table, ordering Laura around and discussing the sugar business with Teddy. Sophia met Sin’s eyes as we entered and gave him a chilly smile.

I sat, trying to keep calm despite my growing sense of dread. Laura poured me an orange juice and set down a plate of my favorite breakfast—bacon, two eggs over-easy, and fresh fruit. My hand shook so badly I almost knocked my glass over.

Cal smiled. “Calm down, Stella. My goodness. Would you like to sit on my lap? See if that makes you feel any better?”

“Oh Daddy, you’re the worst sometimes.” Sophia tittered what I assumed was a laugh.

“I was just trying to be nice. Comfort her a bit.” He watched me over his coffee cup as I sipped my orange juice.

“What’s the plan?” Lucius leaned back in his chair, giving off an air of relaxation.

“We’ll be taking the lovely Ms. Rousseau and Sin to an undisclosed location for a little fun. They may be back by nightfall. They may not.” Cal shrugged. “So, what wedding plans have we settled on?”

My stomach turned. I forced myself to eat. I couldn’t be certain what was in store, but keeping my energy up was key.

Sophia sighed as if shouldering a heavy burden. “We’ll have the wedding at our chateau of course. I haven’t decided on much else.”

“You’ll need to get to work as soon as the Acquisition is over. I want some grandsons sooner rather than later.”

“Daddy, there will be plenty of time for that.” She turned to me. “I hear you’ll belong to your stepbrother after the coronation.” She simpered. “I hope he treats you as you deserve.”

“I hope you choke on your coffee.”

“Stella!” Sin slammed his hand on the table. “Apologize.”

“And there it is. The fire that’s never been snuffed out. Will today be the day?” Cal laughed before turning icy again. “Apologize to my daughter.”

I clutched my napkin in my fist and stared at her, hoping she’d fall over dead as I’d said.

Lucius squeezed my knee, and I knew I had to do it.

“I apologize.”

“More punishment is needed, to be honest, but we simply don’t have the time. I think it’s best we be on our way. The guests will be waiting for us.” Cal rose, as did the rest at the table.

Lucius waited for me to walk past and fell into step behind me. “You can do this,” he whispered as we entered the foyer. I glanced over my shoulder. His light eyes weren’t fearful, but they weren’t colored with his usual mischief, either.

I gave him a small nod as Sin strode past, Sophia on his arm, and walked onto the front porch.

“Go on, now.” Cal shooed me out to the waiting limos. “Stella, honey, ride with me.”

“Actually, I apologize, Cal.” Sin helped Sophia into the car, her lemon yellow sheath dress perfectly accentuated with narrow floral pumps. “But I did have some business I’d like to discuss. The Cuba conflict brought up some information you’d likely find of interest.”

Cal wrinkled his nose and stared at me, as if trying to decide if hurting me was more important than Cuban business deals.

“Fine, fine. Business before pleasure. Besides, I’m sure Sophia would enjoy Stella’s company just as much as me.” He laughed and slid into the back seat.

Sin shot me a look, his face hard but his eyes warm.
Together
. We would get through this together.

I walked around and sank into the backseat next to Sophia. She was speaking fluent French into her phone and paused, craning her head to watch as Sin got into her father’s car.

“
Merde
!” She swiped her phone off as the car started moving. “Why?”

“I guess Sin got tired of your sparkling personality.” I grinned as she balled up her fists. “Daddy’s not here to make me behave, so do me a favor and shut the fuck up for the ride. Sound good? Good.” I leaned back and turned my head, watching the oaks recede and the woods encroach.