Chapter 2

It was Jason. I'd gone to such lengths to escape, even faking my own death. How could he be here?

He walked toward me, his leather shoes making no sound on the expensive carpet. But my hand holding the wine bottle trembled uncontrollably. Fear crashed over me like a tidal wave.

He finally stood before me, towering over me. That breathtakingly handsome face wore the possessive, obsessive madness I knew all too well.

His gaze landed on the absurd dance costume I was wearing, his eyes growing darker. Then, with deliberate slowness, he took off his suit jacket and wrapped it around me.

The jacket, still carrying his body heat, enveloped me completely. Yet I only felt colder.

"Dressed like this. Who are you trying to attract?" Jason asked, his voice calm and emotionless.

I bit my lip, refusing to answer.

"Was it worth it, running away from me for that guy? Ending up in such a mess. Is this the freedom you wanted?" Every word from Jason stabbed straight into my heart.

I lifted my chin defiantly, locking eyes with him. "Whatever I become, it's none of your business."

"None of my business?" Jason laughed softly, his chest vibrating with the sound. "Holly, did you forget? There's not a single inch of you that isn't claimed by me."

His fingers traced my cheek with a searing warmth. I turned away, my disgust clear, dodging his touch.

That action seemed to set him off. The smile disappeared, and a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes.

"Looks like you've gotten gutsier these past six months away from me," Jason said, grabbing my chin and forcing me to look at him.

"You really thought faking your death would keep me from finding you? Trust me. Even if you turned to dust, I'd still know you."

My jaw throbbed from his iron grip. "Let me go." I struggled, and the wine bottle in my arms hit the floor with a loud crash.

Jason glanced at the bottle on the floor, then back at me, his eyes dripping with mockery. "You really thought you could take us both out with that? Holly, you're still as naive."

He let go, stepped back, and straightened his tie. "Ten minutes. Go wash up and change." He pointed toward the bedroom. "I'll be out here waiting."

He turned, walked over to the sofa, and poured himself a drink.

I stood frozen, unable to move.

Jason swirled his glass, not even bothering to look up. "Or do you want me to do it for you?"

His words jolted me awake. Clutching the jacket to my chest, I stumbled into the bedroom.

The bathroom mirror showed me at my worst, heavy makeup streaked by tears and sweat, hair wild and tangled, my neck and wrists marked with shameful red traces and bruises from the metal cuffs.

I cranked the shower on, cold water crashing down over me. I wanted to steady myself, to feel anything but panic, but it was useless.

All that running, all those months, and I still ended up right back in his grasp. And in the most humiliating way possible. He dropped 15 million, buying me back like I was nothing more than property.

Was I some pricey toy he lost and decided to reclaim?

Outside the bathroom, a set of clean clothes was waiting for me, a silk slip dress, unmistakably his style. I gritted my teeth and changed into it. I didn't have a choice.

When I stepped out, Jason was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, smoking. The haze of smoke wrapped around him, his silhouette all icy edges.

He heard me and turned, his eyes lingering on me. "Come here," he said, beckoning me over.

I hesitated, but finally walked over. He stubbed out his cigarette and tugged me down next to him.

Jason said, his voice cool, "How do you want me to handle Victor?"

I froze. I thought he'd torment me, humiliate me in every way possible, like before. I never thought he'd ask me that.

"What are you planning?" I asked, my eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Jason smiled, reaching out to pinch my cheek. "He treated you like merchandise? I'll make sure he loses everything. He tried to mess with you? I'll break his hands and legs.

"He won't ever touch another woman, not in this lifetime. Does that answer satisfy you?"

His tone was so casual, like it was nothing at all. But I knew he meant every word. Jason was insane, through and through.

"Why?" I asked, bewildered. "Shouldn't you hate me?" I lied to him, betrayed him, and made him the joke of Hinston. He should want to kill me.

"Hate you?" Jason arched an eyebrow. "Why would I hate you? You misbehaved and wandered off. Now I've found you again."

His fingers brushed over the pulse in my neck. "Holly, you'd better behave from now on. Don't even think about running again. Or else, I can't say what I might do."

His voice was gentle, but the threat in it was lethal. It made my blood run cold.

Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and picked up. "Speak."

Whatever was said on the other end made Jason's expression turn cold. He snarled, "Idiots, can't you even get the simplest thing done?"

He hung up, his face grim and practically seething with rage. I instinctively shrank back, fear prickling at my skin.

Jason caught the way I shrank back and turned, pulling me into his embrace. "Don't be scared," he said, his voice a little rough. "I'm not mad at you."

He hugged me tight, pressing his chin to the top of my head. "Victor managed to escape."