2

Freya

I knew it—using Tracy as a distraction wouldn't deflect his anger. Eventually, I'd still have to face this question.

Kelan's brow furrowed. Suppressing his rage, he pressed the cotton swab against my wound and demanded, "What, trying to figure out how to lie to me?"

The stinging pain in my palm jolted me awake. I drew in a sharp breath and put on my usual helpless expression. "Kelan, I didn't..."

Tears fell involuntarily from the pain. Sobbing, I explained, "I stayed past curfew last night. I didn't dare come back, so I stayed at Beth's!"

Kelan stopped his cruel ministrations and stood up to make a call. Whatever was said on the other end softened the violence in his expression slightly.

Thank God I'd gotten my story straight with Beth beforehand. He couldn't catch me in a lie.

He slowly crouched down and reapplied the medicine. "There won't be a next time. Even if you're past curfew, you must come home. Understand?"

I nodded gently. "Yes."

He stroked my head again, his voice tender. "I've personally selected a gown for you. You're coming with me to the banquet tonight."

I immediately stood and returned to my bedroom, rushing into the bathroom.

As I showered, residual semen leaked from my body. My inner thighs were covered in purplish bite marks. I cursed under my breath—last night's man was a complete lunatic, a bastard!

More memories surged up.

After he'd had his way with me against the floor-to-ceiling window, we'd finally made it to the bed. He grabbed his tie and bound my hands behind my back. His cock withdrew, then he slapped it twice against my ass, smearing precum across my skin.

The drug was still in my system. He deliberately withheld satisfaction—a thoroughly vicious man. His cock teased my labia but refused to enter.

Tormented by the lingering effects of the drug, my mind grew hazy. I rubbed desperately against the sheets. Then came a rain of slaps that quickly turned my ass the color of a ripe peach. Some of those slaps landed directly on my labia.

He leaned down and hissed in my ear: "Slut."

I bit my lip in shame, about to retort, when he suddenly thrust deep inside.

The penetration struck me voiceless. Gripping my waist, he pounded into me without mercy.

At some point he'd untied the tie. With his cock still buried inside me, he flipped me over. In the dim amber light, I saw his sculpted chest and couldn't help reaching up to squeeze it twice—soft yet firm.

He seemed annoyed. He slapped my hand away, gripped my chin, and kissed me.

He kneaded my breasts roughly, pinching my nipples until they were fully hard. When I cried out in pain, he finally relented.

Remembering last night's frenzy made my face burn. My body stirred with unwelcome heat.

I quickly pulled myself together, finished my shower, and changed into the gown.

Knock, knock. Kelan's voice came from outside. "Not ready yet?"

I cursed "control freak" under my breath and went to open the door.

When he saw me, his eyes brightened momentarily. His gaze slithered over me like something viscous, making my skin crawl.

"Beautiful." Smiling, he took my hand. I tried to pull away, but he held fast.

I sat before the mirror. His hand caressed my face, his eyes distant with memory. "You look more and more like your mother."

He placed a jeweled necklace around my throat, appraised me with satisfaction, and nodded. "Perfect."

I pretended not to notice his twisted intentions and flashed a shy, obedient smile. "Thank you, Kelan."

"Good girl." His fingers brushed the nape of my neck, sending a tingling sensation through me.

I lowered my eyes, using docility to mask the revulsion buried deep within.

Dusk settled. Neon lights climbed the city's towers one by one.

At an estate in the hills, luxury cars arrived in succession. Aristocrats from various families descended in formal attire.

I pinched the hem of my dress. The gemstones scraped my hand.

Tracy had finally been allowed out. Kelan wanted her mingling with the elite—especially since her fiancé would be attending tonight.

"Tracy, I'm warning you one last time. Freya remains under the Fergus family name. You will not ruin her over petty jealousies." Kelan's authoritative voice filled the car. He shot Tracy a look. "Understood?"

Tracy gritted her teeth and nodded reluctantly. "Yes, Father."

The car stopped. A doorman opened the door. Doreen and Kelan stepped out, arm in arm, wearing matching fake smiles as they entered the banquet.

What a picture of marital discord.

Tracy and I exited together. Before stepping out, she viciously pinched my arm. "I'm warning you—stay away from Field tonight. He's my man!"

I rolled my eyes discreetly. Who would be interested in a man who gets aroused by any reasonably attractive woman? Only Tracy treasured him.

We entered the ballroom together. The hall was bright as daylight—the gilded dome studded with crystal chandeliers pouring cascades of fractured light over the glittering scene below.

Tracy perked up immediately. She loved such opulence. Her gaze swept the room and locked onto Field with precision.

Field was currently flirting with some lady. Tracy cursed under her breath, stamped her foot, and charged over.

I had no choice but to follow. Better to stick with someone familiar than strangers.

As soon as Tracy approached, Field dropped his playboy act. He took her hand, performed a gentleman's bow, gave her a cheek kiss, and sweet-talked her until she glowed.

"Oh, Freya, it's been twenty-six days since I last saw you."

He bounded over and forcibly took my hand, performing a gentleman's bow and kissing my knuckles.

His gaze raked over me from head to toe. He smirked lasciviously. "You're as beautiful as ever."

Tracy's eyes went red. She shoved me aside. "I warned you not to seduce my fiancé!"

I stumbled backward, about to fall ungracefully, when a strong yet gentle arm steadied my waist.

"Careful, miss." A tender voice spoke near my ear. Once I'd regained my balance, he withdrew his hand immediately.

I glanced over quickly—a handsome, gentle gentleman. "Thank you."

Tracy glared at me and stormed off with Field in tow.

I bit my lip in grievance, clenching my fists and murmuring, "It was Field's fault. I didn't seduce him..."

A hand appeared before me holding a handkerchief. His fingers were slender and elegant. I looked up to see him smiling warmly.

I accepted the handkerchief and dabbed my eyes. "Thank you."

"There you are!"

Kelan's voice rang out suddenly. He strode over, but froze mid-sentence when he saw who stood beside me.

"Ah, the third son of the Nelson family. Hello, I'm Kelan Fergus. This is my niece, Freya Raphael."

Judging by Kelan's genuine smile, this Mr. Nelson who'd helped me must be quite important.

After brief pleasantries, Kelan led me away.

As we walked, he said, "I'm going to pay my respects to Leopold, the head of the Gray family. I'd rather keep you by my side, but if he takes a liking to you—even as a mistress—it would benefit the Fergus family. You understand?"

"You've been raised all these years. It's time to contribute to the Fergus family. Besides, you want your mother's belongings back, don't you?"

He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingertip brushing my earlobe deliberately. "Don't worry. Be good and obedient, and I'll give you everything you desire."

My lips twitched. Resentment and humiliation welled up inside me.

My parents' estate—much of it had been devoured by the Fergus family. Wasn't raising me their obligation? And now, harboring such filthy thoughts toward me, he wanted to pimp me out as someone's secret mistress!

I suppressed my fury and forced a smile. "Yes. I'll do as you say."

"Good girl."

He led me to the third floor, which overlooked the entire hall. Below, the clinking of glasses was clearly visible.

A servant escorted us to a spot. For the first time, I saw Kelan wearing such an ingratiating, fawning smile. "Hello, Mr. Gray. It's been too long. You're as distinguished as ever."

He beckoned to me and introduced me to Leopold. "This is my niece, Freya."

I curtsied. Lifting my head, I stole a glance at Leopold's face—and my heart lurched violently.