Page 13 of Crowned In Blood
Eventually, we stopped at a pair of large, dark wooden doors. One guard pushed inside while the other looked over my body with darkened eyes.
I didn't acknowledge him and instead focused on trying to calm myself down. I didn't think Fernando was in there, nor did I think he'd let his guards have me first. But if I was wrong and I let my panic overtake me, I wouldn't be able to defend myself.
When the guard returned and nodded to the one beside me, I was shoved inside, flying forward. My gown's weight tangled around my legs, and I fell.
They laughed again, closing the door behind them, muttering about how stupid and weak I was. But I couldn't let their words get to me.
The moment the heavy lock clicked behind me, I sprang into action, taking stock of my surroundings.
The large room boasted a king-sized bed, dresser, tables, and chairs. Everything was in its place, in complete immaculate opulence. Even the three doors were ornate, especially the one leading to the balcony.
Fear clawed at my throat, but I pushed it back. I needed something to arm myself. Fernando was too large for me to fight head on, but if I could surprise him, I might have a chance.
I scoured the dresser and the nightstand. Nothing. I tore through the closet, flinging his neatly folded clothes everywhere.
I needed to find a knife, a screwdriver, even a letter opener, anything small enough to hide but sharp enough to do damage, but there was nothing.
Running toward the other nightstand, I nearly tripped on my gown.
Ahh! I can't fight like this. I need to get this stupid dress off!
With shaking hands, I twisted and bent my arms until I found the buttons. One by one, I slipped them through their closure until I was almost free.
Then the door unlocked.
Move. Move. Move!But I couldn’t. My breathing was ragged; my body trembled, fueled by adrenaline.
It was too late.
"There were a lot of things I expected to find when I walked in here tonight, Catalina, but you getting undressed for me wasn’t one of them.” Fernando smirked. “I didn't think you'd be soexcitedfor me to stuff my cock into you."
I choked on the bile rising in my throat, forcing it back down. But I couldn't keep myself from shaking. "The thought of you touching me makes me sick."
"I'm going to do more than touch you." He shrugged off his blazer, letting it drop to the floor. "I'm going to fuck you, and when I take your virginity, I'm going to make it hurt. Punishment for the way you disrespected me today."
Bitter rage boiled over, burning away my fear.I disrespected him?!What about the way he'd traded me like an object or planned to use me like a slave? What about his guards? What about that bullshit wedding?
You haven't even fucking seen disrespect.
"Oh, it seems you're confused." I smirked, my voice deceptively calm. "You see, I gave away my virginity yesterday." The smirk faded as my resolve hardened and my voice turned razor sharp. "There'snothingleft for you to take."
Fernando's face turned a deep shade of red, twisting in anger. He lunged at me and I dodged him, but I couldn't keep it up for long.
He reached for me again, and I slipped away, evading him until a painful yank at my scalp stopped me. Fernando began dragging me back by my hair as I fought to break free. Then he slammed me against the wall.
Tears blurred my vision as he began ripping off my gown. I kicked and screamed, but it was no use. He was too strong, too big. His laugh, a cruel, mocking sound, wrapped around me as if he'd already won.
He leaned in to kiss me, and I bit his lip, hard, drawing blood, and it tore as he pulled away.
He howled in pain, blood gushing down his chin as he reared back to hit me, but I kneed him in the balls, making him double over. Stripped down to meager pieces of my torn gown and underwear, I ran.
I made it to the bedroom door, but it was locked. I frantically searched the room. Then I saw it, my only way out—the balcony.
Would I survive a fall from the second-floor? Even if I landed on my feet, I'd probably break something. And what about Fernando's guards? What other traps had he set to keep me in line? Dogs? An electric fence?
What about his gun? He had to have it on him. He hadn't used it yet because he thought he'd beat me. This was justforeplayfor him. But if I escaped, would he shoot me?
It doesn't matter!
