Page 50 of Claimed By My Ex's Dad
I basically stabbed Igor in the back by opening my legs for his father.
I run a frustrated hand through my hair, groaning. The hedge trimmer starts up, the shrilling sound killing the silence. I watch the blade attack the hedges, leaves flying everywhere.
I’m sure it would have the same effect on human skin.
I have to pinch myself. I shouldn’t be thinking like this. Valerian has planted seeds in my head.
I’ve never really thought about the logistics of murder before.
God, if Mom knew what was really going on here…
I swallow the thought and head to the bathroom, getting ready for another day in paradise.
In a way, it’s exactly that.
I walk downstairs, in no major rush. By now, I’d be two flat whites into my morning, making a third on my break.
I give myself a ten-minute break every two hours. Discipline is everything when you’re writing for one of the biggest fashion magazines in Los Angeles…
My head feels at peace this morning. I take my time making a coffee, smelling the different beans, seeing which one takes my fancy. Valerian has a big selection.
“How about some eggs, Miss. Joy?” suggests Galina, walking into the kitchen. She ties an apron around her plump midriff. “I make it good. How do you say over here? Sunny side up?”
“How about I make the breakfast this morning?” I unhook a pan from the shelf above the stove. There are a dozen different ones to choose from. “Sit back and relax. I’ll make you a coffee.”
“No, Miss Joy.”
I make a start, squiggling oil into the pan. “Please. I insist.”
“Mr. Valerian pays me to look after you.”
“I can do that perfectly fine myself.”
“Mr. Valerian does not like it when I go against the rules.”
I glance over my shoulder, watching Galina carefully.
Her eyes are wide and staring. She looks scared. Almost as if she’s trying to warn me about something.
After the horrors of last night, it’s safe to say everything is out in the open.
“Mr. Valerian won’t like if you also go against rules.”
“Well,” I sneer, getting back to the eggs, “he hasn’t killed me yet.”
Galina’s laugh is full of apprehension.
“Does Valerian always bring victims back to his house and kill them?”
Galina goes mute.
I peer over my shoulder again. “Galina?”
“I really must cook your breakfast, Miss Joy.” She shuffles forward and tries taking the spatula from my hand.
“Ah!Not so fast, missy.” I use the spatula, pointing to the island. “I don’t care what Valerian says. You work hard, and you’re always taking care of me. Let me return the favor.”
“Okay. But quickly, Miss Joy.”
