Toxic_A Dark Romance by Zoe Blake

Author:Zoe Blake [Blake, Zoe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stormy Night Publications
Published: 2020-08-13T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Richard

As I adjusted my tie, I turned to look down at my still-sleeping little bird. She was curled up in the center of our bed, safe and secure in her restraints.

She was back under my protection.

All was as it should be.

Soon, the world would know Elizabeth was mine and to harm her in any way would bring swift retribution from me.

More important, my plans were progressing rapidly. I would have my little bird back in her cage before the end of the month.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I stroked her cheek. “Wake up, sleepyhead.”

Her emerald eyes fluttered open. Stretching out her arm, she asked, “What time is it?”

Checking my watch, I answered, “Almost three in the afternoon.”

Startled, she sat up. “I slept that late?”

“Well, you had a rather intense evening.”

I loved the way her cheeks flushed a hot pink whenever I reminded her of her punishments.

Tapping her on the nose, I teased, “If you are a good girl, and get out of bed now, I just might have a surprise for you.”

As she started to leave the bed, she bit her lip and turned worried eyes on me. “I have nothing to wear.”

I winked. “Do you honestly think I would let my baby girl come to Paris and not get her a new wardrobe for the trip?”

Her smile at the news faltered. “Richard, I’m sorry I didn’t come to you about the dead bird. I’m sorry I doubted you.”

Pulling her close, I kissed her on her mouth, then the tip of her nose, then her forehead. “If you doubted, even for a moment, how strongly I feel about you… about us… then that is my fault. I just need to go to greater lengths to prove to you how much you mean to me, and that starts today. Get your lazy bones out of bed!”

Elizabeth giggled as I gave her curls a playful tug.

No matter how harsh I could be with her, the truth was I preferred her laughter to her cries.

After bundling her up in one of my silk robes, I insisted on carrying her down to the lower level where her surprise was getting set up in the ballroom.

“I can walk, you know,” she teased as she wrapped her hands around my neck.

“Nonsense. The marble floors are way too cold for your cute little toes.”

Putting her down on a settee that had been placed in the center of the polished wood floor for the occasion, I signaled to the butler we were ready. In short order, a small army of staff swept in. Placing a small, linen-draped table in front of us, they then filled it with platters of fresh fruit, pastries, shaved ham, and eggs.

Elizabeth rubbed her hands with glee as I poured her a cup of tea.

“I love this surprise!”

I scoffed, “You must have a very low opinion of my surprises if you think a simple breakfast is it.”

Turning to the butler, I instructed, “You may let them in.”

One by one, a parade

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