"Mrs Volkov, are you alright?"
I was staring blankly at the ceiling, the intricate blue pattern from last night now bathed in soft morning light. I'd only woken up a minute ago, my lower body still throbbed with a dull, intimate soreness that made every small shift remind me of what had happened. I could tell I'd slept for barely a few hours, maybe two at most.
A woman in a crisp dark blue-and-white maid uniform stood beside the bed, hands clasped politely in front of her. She'd been calling me 'Mrs Volkov' over and over, for the tenth time in just a few minutes, because I hadn't responded. Her voice was soft, patient, almost motherly.
So it was real. I really was his wife now, at least in name, in whatever twisted legal game Daniel had played. This wasn't a nightmare I could wake up from. And now what? Just lie here and wait for him to come back?
The thick blanket was pulled up over my naked body like a shield. My wrists were free, no more chains, Daniel must have removed them while I slept. Did he seriously think I wouldn't try to escape this place? That I'd just accept this?
What a joke.
Once I got a shower, I would leave this mansion before he returned. I still had some money in my bank accounts; there was enough money to disappear for a while.
In a new city, I'll take out all cash to avoid tracking. In a few months, he'd lose interest. And I think he'll stop looking for me after that.
"What's the time?"
I finally spoke, voice rough and quiet. The old woman, head maid, from the look of her starched uniform and calm, answered in the same gentle tone.
"It's ten in the morning, Mrs Volkov."
So it's morning? I moved slowly, pushing the blanket aside and reaching for my oversized T-shirt crumpled on the floor. I slipped it on.
My legs felt numb and shaky as I stood, thighs trembling slightly with each careful step toward the bathroom door.
"When will he come back?"
I asked without turning around. I needed to know how much time I had to get out, to run as far and as fast as possible.
"Master Daniel will be back by six p.m. Would you like me to call him, Mrs Volkov?"
That name again. My fist clenched so hard my nails bit into my palm. If this woman were my age, I'd have knocked a few teeth out of her. But I forced a slow, deep breath, unclenching my hand.
I couldn't afford to snap, not yet. She seemed completely unaware that I was here against my will. One wrong move and she'd alert him.
"No,"
I said, keeping my voice even and casual. "That won't be necessary."
I pushed open the bathroom door and stepped inside, closing it behind me, for the first time since waking up, I allowed myself a single, shaky exhale.
Six p.m. Eight hours. Eight hours to shower, find clothes, figure out the layout of this place, and slip away before he even knew I was gone.
I'm not his wife. Nor Mrs Volkov, I'm Eva Kane. And I was getting the hell out of here.
"No need, just prepare some breakfast for me. I'll eat it after my shower."
"As you wish, Mrs Volkov."
With that, the maid gave a small bow and left the room quietly. I slipped into the bathroom and locked the door behind me.
The shower took longer than usual. Warm water cascaded over my skin, but I could still feel the slow, sticky leak of Daniel's cum trickling out of me, thick remnants that refused to wash away easily.
I scrubbed carefully, between my thighs. Thank God it was my safe day... but I still needed to get a morning-after pill as soon as possible.
When I finally stepped out, a towel wrapped around me then I saw a fresh set of clothes lying neatly folded on the bed: a simple T-shirt, comfortable shorts, and a matching set of undergarments.
When the hell had she placed them there? Even the bed sheets and blanket had been replaced. Now it's clean with no trace of last night's mess. These people worked fast.
I dressed quickly. The clothes fit perfectly, casual, exactly my style what wore at home. Daniel must have ordered them. He really thought a few comfortable outfits would keep me here? That I wouldn't run just because of that? Pathetic.
I left the bedroom, moving quietly down the grand staircase. The mansion opened up below me, sprawling, with marble floors, high ceilings, and crystal chandeliers catching the morning light. And yet, it felt eerily empty. Only a handful of staff moved silently in the background.
Breakfast was already laid out in the dining area, everything arranged perfectly. I ate quickly, barely tasting it. When I finished, I dismissed the maids with a calm.
"You can go back to your rooms now."
They obeyed without question.
The living area emptied i was the only one there now.
I didn't waste another second. I walked straight toward the main entrance. A proud little smile tugged at my lips. This was almost too easy. I'd slip out, disappear into the city, drain what I needed from my accounts, and vanish before he even noticed.
My hand reached for the heavy handle, as I opened the doors and there he was.
Daniel stood framed in the doorway, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that made him look even more dangerous. His expression was thunderous.
"And where do you think you're going?"
His voice came out low, deep. He wasn't in a good mood.
"Ahh... I-you know, just getting some fresh air."
I forced an awkward smile, trying to play it off, but my voice cracked at the edges. Fuck. Since when did he look this intimidating? This lethal? My heart slammed against my ribs.
"Oh, really?
He took one step closer to me. Those black eyes bored straight through me, stripping away every lie, every fake excuse. I felt small, under his gaze. Instinctively, I took a step back.
His left arm shot out as his fingers clamped around my waist, yanking me forward in one pull. My body collided flush against his, The heat of him, the solid wall of muscle, overwhelmed me instantly.