Timebound by SARA SAMUELS

Author:SARA SAMUELS
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SARA SAMUELS
Published: 2023-10-11T00:00:00+00:00

Olivia

Malik’s demeanor toward me had been cold to the point of frostbite since returning from Vincenzo Zampa’s house. I was still struggling to control my anger toward him for unleashing his darkness against me. My thoughts raced a mile a minute as I attempted to come up with ways to get back at him, but I knew that wasn’t the answer.

Despite my seething anger toward Malik, there were moments when all I could think about was my husband. The turmoil inside me was a cacophony of emotions I couldn’t ignore—love and hate, devotion and betrayal all clashed together in a dizzying whirlwind of conflicting thoughts.

When Malik returned from his mysterious “monster business,” this afternoon, I scurried away from the front room, not wanting to see him.

He appeared directly in front of me in the infuriating way.

“Olivia.” He took my chin in his hand and tipped it up.

I ground my teeth together, refusing to speak.

“I understand that you’re mad at me. I apologize for letting my dark side come out.”

His hypnotizing emerald gaze shimmered, pushing its way past my defenses.

“It doesn’t matter if you meant it or not—the fact is, you did it. I no longer feel safe around you,” I said.

Malik let out a pained sigh. “It will never happen again. We must be allies. Tonight is important.”

“How can I be your ally if I don’t trust you?” I tried to pull away from his iron grip without success.

He released me and stroked my cheek with the side of his finger.

“I told you I’d never do it again and I meant it.” His gaze pierced me. “You have to trust me. Now, come—talk with me.”

Could I trust him? It seemed I had no choice.

I took his hand and let him lead me toward his front room.

We settled on opposite sides of his silk-covered sofa.

The decor in this room didn’t match the monster who lived there. In every corner of the room, exquisite paintings adorned the walls and tables. Hand-painted vases and fans sat on the tables and on the bookshelves. Even a serene statue of the Buddha rested in the corner on a stand. The room was a masterpiece.

I perched on my side of the couch, barely breathing, waiting for him to speak.

“Tonight’s ball is a regional event. There will be people from all over. To attend, they travel from surrounding cities even as far away as Rome.” His face revealed nothing—no kindness, warmth, or disgust.

“Okay,” I said, nodding to encourage him to keep talking.

“Your mother met Balthazar at this event,” he said evenly. “The gathering is debauchery at its basest level.”

I frowned.

“You, Olivia, will be expected to partake.” He pointed at me.

I shook my head. “I only care about Roman. I won’t be tempted to do anything other than find my husband.”

“Ah, but you’re wrong, love.” His gaze grew stern. “The atmosphere is so highly charged you’ll be filled with cravings.”

“I’m a grown woman,” I said. “I can control my impulses.”

Malik smirked. “Oh, I see. You are an expert in orgies and parties of this nature.

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