I don’t regret anything. The whole ride back to my family’s apartment, Silas is quiet, and he leaves me plenty of space to think.
And the only thing I can think about is the night before. What Gavin made me feel, I never thought I’d have that. I was convinced that I was doomed to marry some rich asshole like Milo and never, ever be happy. I never really believed that I’d have happiness, real happiness, like the kind Gavin made me feel the night before.
It’s not just the sex, which was surprisingly amazing. It’s not just the fact that he took my virginity. It’s everything about him, the way he listens to me, the way he values me. He was cooking breakfast for me when Silas showed up. He wants to take care of me, wants me to actually be happy instead of a slave to his own desires.
Although a slave to his desires doesn’t sound too bad.
After all, the sex really was amazing. Like, shockingly amazing. I thought it was going to hurt a lot more, and although it really did hurt, it was a good pain. It was a good sharp ache between my legs, mixed with pure pleasure as he worked me, made me feel things. Then after that first time, and the embarrassing moment with my blood, he fucked me again and again, made me feel better than I ever guessed I could.
Silas escorts me back into our apartment when we arrive. He’s clearly not taking any chances. He doesn’t leave my side until I’m standing in my father’s study, my father giving me a dour and angry look.
My father doesn’t speak for a whole minute. I want to yell at him, but I’m not backing down. I stare right back at him, daring him to get started.
“Was it worth it?” he asked me.
“Yes,” I say.
He frowns. “You’re an embarrassment, Sadie. I really expected more of you, but like every woman, you’re fickle and emotional.”
I ball my fists. My father is such a sexist piece of shit. But I don’t say anything. I let my gaze remain defiant. I’m not giving him the satisfaction of getting upset.
“You will not leave this apartment until I give you permission,” he says. “I’m going to have someone watching out every single second of the day until your punishment is through. Do you understand?”
I nod my head once. “Do you enjoy controlling me, father?” I ask him. “Like I’m still some little girl.”
He shakes his head. “Frankly, Sadie, I don’t care what you think about me. You’re going to do your duty to this family, even if I have to force you at gunpoint. Now, get out of my sight.”
I linger for a moment longer, but I have nothing left to say to him. As far as I’m concerned, he’s not my father anymore.
He’s my captor.
A new staff member that I don’t recognize, a middle-aged man, is waiting for me outside of the study. He follows me back to my room and then stands on the other side of the door when I shut it.
My father wasn’t kidding about watching me. Getting out to see Gavin is going to be really hard, but fortunately, I still have one little trick up my sleeve.
I quickly get the phone and pull it out. I send him a text.
“In deep shit, but it was worth it. I don’t know when I can see you again.”
“Soon,” he sends back. “I hope.”
I smile to myself and curl up in bed.
Sure, I’m locked up in my own bedroom with someone watching me all the time, but at least I have this phone. At least I can contact him and text him when I want to. I’ll get out sooner or later, and when I do, I’ll go right to see Gavin.
I feel good. So damn good. I can’t stop smiling. I didn’t know life could be this good to me. I don’t care that I’m in trouble. This time apart just means I have time to figure out what I’m going to do, to make some plans for my future.
Because I’m not staying with my family forever. I just need to figure out something else to do to support myself.
It’s all going to be okay. I curl up in bed, smiling, unable to stop smiling.
One month passes and I barely leave my room.
I didn’t know I could get so bored.
It’s not so bad at first. I call and text Gavin as often as possible. Quickly we realize that my father is coming after Gavin’s businesses, and apparently some of Gavin’s partners are dropping out. That only makes me angry, but when I confront my father about it, he simply dismisses me and says that Gavin is getting what he deserves.
Even though my family is trying to destroy him, Gavin doesn’t seem upset about it. He never blames me for it or holds it against me. He only told me because I kept pestering him about why he seemed so stressed lately.
But soon, the boredom sets in. I reread my favorite books, but that only eats up a week since I’m a fast reader. My father lets me watch TV and provides me some more books, but he refuses to let me have the wireless password, and the phone Gavin gave me is so old that I can’t get online with it.