No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get into any of the books. Not even Twilight.
My thoughts kept going to Viktor and what he said about me belonging to him.
It worries me because if he thinks I’m his, he might try something. Or worse. He might think he’s entitled to my body.
Dinner time has come and gone, and having skipped lunch, I’m hungry as hell. Usually, Viktor would come to get me, but not today.
Walking to the door, I open it and peek into the hallway. I don’t hear any movement around the house. I walk to the top of the stairs and don’t see Viktor in the living room.
Taking the stairs down, I don’t find him anywhere, and it has my eyebrow lifting.
I would’ve come down sooner if I’d known he wasn’t here.
I walk to the kitchen and see a single white rose and a note on the island. Opening the note, I read it.
I’ll be back soon with dinner and a surprise. Watch some TV or read a book while you wait.
I set the piece of paper down and stare at the rose.
I should throw it away.
Even though the flower is already dying, I can’t bring myself to throw it in the trash. Instead, I take out a glass and pour some water into it before sticking the rose inside.
“I’m thirsty too,” I whisper.
Opening the fridge, I glance over the selection of drinks and help myself to a bottle of orange juice. I look around the open-plan living space, then walk toward the stairs and head up to the first floor.
While I sip on the juice, I peek into the other rooms until I find a study. My eyebrows lift when I see all the monitors on the one wall.
I snoop around but don’t find anything interesting. I make my way to the bedroom, at the opposite end of the hallway to where mine is, and nudge the door open.
Where my bedroom is decorated in white, this one is all black.
I’m not surprised. Of course, the devil prefers his personal space dark.
I hear a door opening downstairs and quickly shut Viktor’s bedroom door. Running to the top of the stairs, I’m just in time, so Viktor doesn’t see that I came from the wrong direction.
He sets a large pizza box down on the island and smiles at me. “I see you got my note.”
I nod as I walk closer, the aroma of the food quickly filling the air.
He flips the lid back, then says, “The half with pineapple is yours.” He shivers as he pulls two plates from the cupboard. “I don’t know how you eat fruit on your pizza.”
“It’s yummy.” I pick up a slice and take a huge bite.
It surprises me how much Viktor knows about me. First the dress, then the books, and now my favorite food.
I watch him while we load our plates, and when Viktor walks to the patio, I hesitate. I glance at the stool by the island, and I’m just about to take a seat when he says, “It won’t kill you to sit out here with me.”
“That’s what you think,” I mutter. Still, I walk out of the house and take a seat at the table.
While I finish a slice, I stare at the fountain that’s illuminated with spotlights.
I’m halfway with my second slice when Viktor asks, “If you could have anything, what would it be?”
Without hesitation, I answer, “My freedom.”
He lets out a chuckle. “Besides that.”
I throw a scowl his way and take another bite of my pizza.
There’s only one thing I want, but because we moved so much, I couldn’t have one.
“Come on, Little Rose,” Viktor urges playfully. “Tell me.”
“A dog.” I let out a sigh. “Hopefully, I’ll survive the next three years, and once I’m settled down in my own place, I’ll get one.”
“You’ll survive,” he murmurs. Viktor gestures to something behind me, and I glance over my shoulder. One of the guards steps out of the shadows next to the mansion, and my lips part on a gasp.
Instantly, I’m overcome with emotion at the sight of the Labrador puppy in the guard’s arms.
“She’s yours,” Viktor says.
Slowly, I get up, the pizza forgotten. With my eyes glued on the golden bundle, my chin starts to tremble from the happiness hitting me in the chest.
The guard sets her down, and I inch closer until I can crouch in front of her. She scoots closer, cautiously sniffing my hand, which smells like pizza. When her little tongue darts out and licks my finger, laughter bubbles over my lips.
“Hi,” I whisper.
She looks up at me with huge brown eyes, and I instantly fall in love. Careful not to hurt her, I pick her up and cradle her against my chest.
“Hi, beautiful.” She licks my jaw, drawing more laughter from me. I turn around and ask, “What’s her name?”
“You need to give her one,” Viktor answers, his voice sounding hoarse.
My eyes dart to his face. “You didn’t name her?”
He shakes his head. “She’s your birthday gift, Little Rose. You get to name her.”
He got me a dog.
Overcome with emotions I’m far from ready to feel, I stare at him until my puppy licks my jaw again.
I lower my gaze to her and can’t help but smile. “Hi, Luna.”
I press my face into her fur and struggle to keep the tears at bay.
“You need to train her. I don’t want her ripping my house to shreds, and if I step in shit, all hell will break loose.”
A burst of laughter explodes from me. “I’ll take good care of her.”
Viktor gets up and comes to rub her head. Our eyes lock, and I’m unable to stop myself from saying, “Thank you. She’s perfect.”
His eyes warm with an emotion I pretend not to notice as he whispers, “Just like her mother.”
Suddenly he walks back into the house. “I got pee pads, toys, and food. She needs to get her vaccination shots. The first one is scheduled for tomorrow.”
I stare at Viktor as he brings bags into the living room, feeling a little amazed.
He didn’t have to do anything, yet he tried to make my birthday special.
Don’t, Rosalie.
Wanting to enjoy my first moments with Luna, I gather the bags in one hand and head up the stairs. When I’m in my bedroom, I kick the door shut and sit down on the floor with Luna between my legs.
“God, you’re so cute,” I coo as I rub her head and press kisses to her fur. “I’m going to love you with all of my heart.”
Emptying the bags, I take the bowls out and quickly fill one with water. When I set it down, it takes a good ten minutes of coaxing before Luna drinks some.
I pet her head. “Don’t worry. You’ll get used to everything soon.”
Just like I have to.
Overcome with emotion, I gather her against my chest and let the tears fall.
At least I’m not alone anymore.
While I pour all my affection out on my puppy, I can’t help but think that Viktor has really gone out of his way to make my stay pleasant.
He could’ve thrown me in the basement and tortured and killed me.
God, things could’ve been so much worse for me if one of the other four had taken me. Nikolas Stathoulis would’ve killed me.
I’ll never admit it out loud, and I’ll only think it this once – maybe Viktor did save me.
