29

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
GABRIELLE
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I regretted the moment my eyes flickered open. The warmth on my skin wasn't coming from the sheets, it was from him.
Lucian.
My whole body hurt, particularly the juncture between my legs and my wrist.
How could he be this cruel?
His eyes were shut closed, his chest rose and fell evenly in sleep. Even in slumber, he looked so intimidating.
The scar on his chest caught my eyes, now I regretted my indecisiveness. I wished I had killed him that first night.
There was another faint scar just above the one I had left, it looked to be from a knife. I couldn't help but think that If whoever it was that stabbed him had succeeded I wouldn't be in this place, I wouldn't be trapped with a ruthless man like him.
I tried to shift myself to a sitting position, the sharp sting of pain at the slightest movement made my eyes watered.

Maybe he was right, I should accept this fate, my body belonged to him. He ruined me as he wished. I knew within me that even if I managed to escape him, things will never go back as they were.
I was a different person now.
My eyes fell on the sticky trace of his semen on my thighs. He'd branded me again and again, for how long could I continue to fight?
I buried my face into the pillows and allowed it to catch my tears, I curled my good hand to a fist, trying not to make a sound.
The last thing I wanted was the devil to wake up.
I finally got off the bed, my thighs and inner muscles screaming in protest. I found my dress at a corner and held it over my front.
I started to head to the bathroom when something caught at my eyes.
The drawer beside the bed was slightly open, I could make out the shape of an object.
A gun.
I stared at it for some seconds, as though my hand had a mind of its own, it started to reach towards it.
The metal was cold and heavy against my palms.
I stared at the weapon in fascination. I've never touched one before, father never allowed us to.
But I knew how it was used, I've seen father and Derek practicing a few times, it would only take a push on the trigger to get rid of one enemy.
It surely couldn't be that hard.
I stared at Lucian who was still sleeping, it would only take one pull and I'll be free from him.
My fingers shook terribly as a sudden chill traveled through my spine.
I started to tremble as the gun suddenly slipped from my hand.
My eyes blurred with tears of frustration and self-pity
Why couldn't I do it?
Why couldn't I kill Lucian, he would surely deserve it.
"Smart choice, wife"
I flinched at the sound of Lucian's cold voice and whirled around to face him, he pushed aside the sheets and started to approach.
I went paralyzed in panic, he stalked me slowly. He was much more intimidating without clothes.
His morning erection was in full rage, the bulbous flare of his penis was pointing towards the ceiling.
I involuntarily took a step backward.
I already found out that each time he wanted to harm me, it was usually sexually. He derived pleasure punishing my body with his.
I took another step back and was trapped against the wall. He completed the distance in two hurried strides.
How did he know that I had lifted the gun when his eyes had been closed?
Why hadn't he said anything then or made a move to stop me?
Unless he believed that I was too much of a coward to, and he had been right.
"Why didn't you go through with it? " His hands struck lighting fast, grasping hold of my chin, he pressed forward so his throbbing weapon of punishment was pressed against my thighs. I barely managed to suppress a sob.
"You said you hate me, so why didn't you do it?." His lips curved upwards but his eyes were pure ice.
I was also wondering the same, but if he thought I didn't do it because I have developed some sort of liking for him, then that was the biggest joke.
I hadn't pulled the trigger because of Derek. Yeah. That was the reason.
If Lucian died, then Derek would too.
I met his gaze, glaring at him with as much hate as I could muster.
"My hand was hurt, so I couldn't do it, don't ever mistake the fact that I hate you and will always will!" I spat. Maybe I would never learn, perhaps he had to kill me first before I would fully submit to his will.
He suddenly let go of his grip on my chin and snatched my swollen wrist instead. I expected him to hurt me. He was angered by my words but somehow it seemed as if he was refraining from lashing at me.
He studied the red swollen skin for some seconds, his eyes flashed with something that almost seemed like regret.
It was gone. Perhaps it was my imagination.
"I'll get the doctor. " He muttered under his breath.
I suddenly snatched my hand away, uncaring about the pain.
"Don't pretend to care! You are satisfied seeing me hurting, don't you? "
He didn't bother to deny it.
"I already told you, I will only hurt you when you deserve it. Until you learn to be obedient, the pain will continue and only I have the right to give it to you and to take it away."
I heard his sharp intake of breath as his eyes suddenly narrowed at me.
"Where is your ring!"
I shivered at the sharpness of his voice. I had taken the ring off but had forgotten to wear it back.
"I'm asking you, Brie, did you fucking take it off?! " He growled, glaring at me murderously.
He had that distinct glint in his eyes that told me that he was on the verge of snapping like he had last night.
"I...It got a bit tight..." I didn't manage to finish the lie when he grasped my arms, yanking me to his muscled frame.
"Don't lie to me, I'm warning you, let this be the last time! You will wear it back and never take it off again. Do you understand?"
I nodded meekly, too terrified to speak.
"Your words!"He snapped impatiently.
"Yes."
"Good."
He stared at me for some seconds before dipping his head to capture my lips, stealing my breath. I remained flattened and rigid against him.
"Mine!" He groaned, swallowing my cry of pain. My lips were already bruised from his violent attack yesterday, I could only stay still as he continued to feast hungrily until he was satisfied.
He let go of me and walked to the phone. He was talking to the doctor, I dashed into the bathroom where I could break down without those grey eyes watching me like a hawk.

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