The Darkest Song (The Eternal Darkness Duet #1)

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

“ W ake up,” Maria said, shaking my shoulder. My eyes flew open, and she released me. “Julian will be here shortly, and he wants you dressed and ready.” I sat up in bed and pushed my hair out of my face. “Come on now. Unless you want him to catch you dressing.” She shot me a suggestive look that had me leaping out of bed.

“Hmph.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Your clothes are in the bathroom. I suggest you hurry. Julian is in a mood tonight…”

She didn’t finish her thought, and I took it as a bad sign. I rushed into the bathroom and saw a sheer red slip hanging there for me.

“Uh, I don’t think so!” I shouted.

A second later Maria poked her head through the doorway.

“Are you serious with this?” I asked, flicking the flimsy material with my hand.

“I’m afraid Julian insists.” She frowned, and I felt a flare of hope. Did she disagree with how Julian was treating me? Could I convince her to help me?

“Why would he want me to wear something like this?” I didn’t have to fake the fear in my voice, though I might have laid it on a little thick for her benefit. “I’m scared, Maria.”

Her face softened. “There’s no reason to be scared. Julian is better than most of this lot, believe me. The sooner we leave this place the better. And we’re not leaving until you get dressed.” She glanced at the slip again, then disappeared into the bedroom.

“I refuse to wear this!” I shouted, but she didn’t respond. With a huff I leaned against the counter and glared at the slip. No way in hell was I putting that on. Minutes passed, and I eventually sat down on the edge of the tub. Okay, so what was my plan? Was I going to hide in the bathroom all night?

I heard the bedroom door slam, and I scrambled to my feet just as Julian stormed into the bathroom. His eyes met mine, and I swallowed at the fury I saw there.

“Put on the damn dress,” he ground out.

Despite my fear, I raised my chin. “No.”

He crossed the room in two steps, grabbed the shoulders of my robe and ripped it from my body. I gasped as the robe was torn in two and tossed to the floor, and fought the urge to cover myself. Julian glanced down at my body, then his eyes went back to mine. I felt my nipples harden and prayed he wouldn’t look down again.

“Then you will wear nothing,” he said quietly, before turning and walking out of the room.

I listened for the sound of the bedroom door, to indicate he was leaving, but it never came. I looked at the slip, because it definitely was a slip, not a dress, and goosebumps broke out all over my body. I briefly considered wrapping myself in a towel, but didn’t want to anger Julian further. Defeated, I put it on.

It had spaghetti straps and came down to my knees. The fabric was blood red, and so sheer you could see every detail of my body beneath. I was given no undergarments.

I took a deep breath to brace myself before going back into the bedroom. Julian was standing at the window with his back to me. I imagined rushing at him and shoving him through the glass, hopefully to his death, then I frowned at my stupidity. A second story fall wouldn’t kill a vampire, it would only make him mad.

He turned to face me and I saw he was holding a black leather belt in one hand. His eyes roamed over me. “ Perfect. ”

He walked towards me, and though I wanted to retreat, I forced myself to stand still. He came to a stop directly in front of me and lifted the belt. I jerked back, afraid he was about to strike me.

“Hold still.” His voice was firm. I was shaking as he lifted the belt again, and that's when I realized it wasn't a belt at all. It was a thick leather collar, with a metal ring in the front.

My eyes shot to his and his lips curled into a truly terrifying smile. My shaking intensified as he fastened the collar around my throat. I swallowed. It felt too tight. I reached up to grab it but he pushed my hands away. He attached a long slender leash to the ring and took a few steps back, holding the end of the leash in his fist.

I was terrified. And furious. My breath was coming in harsh bursts, causing my chest to rise and fall dramatically.

He tugged on the leash, causing me to stumble towards him. “Come, pet.”

I glared at him through tear-filled eyes. “I hate you.”

The corner of his mouth curled. “Good.”