Chapter 123
(ARLO)
As I walk away, I fight the sudden urge to stomp my feet with frustration because I know it is childish. If I really want to know what plans Sasha has for me, I have to just obey Miles and do what he wants. I grit my teeth and head to the bathroom. It is a large bathroom with travertine tile and gold fixtures. There’s a huge bathtub by the wall and a walk in the shower with the same tile.
I get out of my wet clothes and notice a stack of clean clothes hanging on the long sink counter. I glance at the mirror over the sink catch a glimpse of myself and wince. The bruising on my legs, arms and chest stands out because my skin is very pale. So does the bit mark, stark against my skin.
It’s sure been a rough few days and my body is showing the evidence of my adventures.
The shower feels heavenly. Once I’m in the middle of the bathtub, I actually feel grateful that Miles forced me to take the shower. The water is plentiful and hot. The heat seeps into my chilled body and I begin to feel normal again. I rub cedarwood and ginger shampoo all over my hair and body. The scent reminds me of Miles and the way my pulse picks annoys me.
If I could just hate Miles, life would have been much simpler. But memories of him fucking me in the woods are stuck with m and they make my knees feel weak. He was so demanding and it felt so freaking good. I lean my head on the tiles that line the wall of the shower and let out an embarrassed laugh. I had been so turned on, and he took me just like I’ve always wanted to be taken in my fantasies.
Something about him just makes me lose my cool. Hell, I lose my mind. His touch is all it takes to lose my capacity to think. Just like the night we met. Why the hell did I let him fuck me outside the bar like that? That was completely out of character even for me. He has this strange power and control over me and I can’t seem to get it under control.
I rinse off the foam and dry myself with a towel then dress in the clothes Tyler left me. Miles was right. I’m just about Tyler’s size and they fit me perfectly. When I leave the bathroom, I am surprised that Miles isn’t in the room. I find a tray on the dresser with sandwiches and sodas. The sight of the food makes my mouth water. Ever since I had the dry cereal at the cabin in the woods, I haven’t tasted any food. I am starving. Even then, I hesitate. Am I supposed to wait for Miles? Would he wait for me? I doubt it.
I decide that he can go fuck himself and I help myself to the food. I stuff the sandwich in my mouth and wash it down with a cola soda. I’m just about to finish my food when Miles returns.
His jet-black hair is damp and smells like citrus shower gel. Part of me feels insulted that he didn’t shower with me. But part of me also feels pleased that he gave me privacy. Or is he tired of me already? When I meet his gaze, I see arousal simmering. The look in his eyes makes my stomach clench. Maybe he isn’t tired of me yet.
“Is it time to go talk to Sasha?” I ask nervously, hoping I’ve masked my tension at the prospect.
He shakes his head and sits at the edge of the bed. “Not yet.” He has changed into clean slacks and a white dress shirt. His feet are bare. His toes curl into the carpet as he studies me. There is obvious tension between us. “He wanted me to tell you the plans he has for you p>
“Alright then, I’m listening.” I cross my arms over my chest, wishing he didn’t look as grim as he looks.
He clears his throat. I notice that he seems nervous. “Sasha has come up with an idea that will show his leniency towards you. It would also satisfy his desire to make you pay for coming after me and him p>
The idea that Sasha feels wronged makes me want to laugh. If anything, I’m the one who deserves retribution. But then I know that Miles won’t agree, so why would I even bother telling him anything? I wonder what he wants. “Does he want me to promise that I will stop seeking vengeance p>
He laughs curtly. “If only it were that simple, Arlo p>
“What then does he want? My firstborn child or something?” my attempt to make him laugh falls flat if his irritable expression is anything to go by.
“This is no child’s play, Arlo. It is a big ask. Huge. Matter of fact, it will need so much sacrifice from us both.” He avoids my gaze and a muscle jerks in his cheek.
“From you?” I ask, confused. “Why would you be involved in my punishment p>
He hesitates for a bit then eyes me keenly. “Because Sasha blames me for this mess too. If you hadn’t seduced me, none of this would have happened to begin with p>
“I’d still come after him either way.” I scowl.
“Of course.” He winces. “But I wouldn’t have given you my bite then. You wouldn’t have been a nuisance to him by now. You would have been dead p>
I frown. “You don’t know that p>
“Yes, Arlo. I know that and you do too.” He narrows his eyes. “You’d be dead p>
I huff but say nothing. I know that I’m no match for him, but either way, I’d die trying. I’m obligated to avenge my father for what Sasha did to him. It would be a betrayal if I didn’t. It would be the last respect I gave him. I had already put my life on the line once and I’ll do it again given the chance.
It’s all I can give him. If I end up dead, I end up dead.
His comment put my back up. The truth is that the Triple Triads are far more powerful than my little syndicate. That’s the reason why my initial plan was to sneak up on Sasha. Not attack him head-on. He would kill me in an instant if he knew I was coming for him
“Because I gave you my mark, he wants to find a way to let you live. Out of the respect he has for me and our friendship, he is willing to spare your life. Only if we go along with his plan p>
My hands graze on the bite mark distractedly. “Okay, so what does he suggest p>
He grits his teeth. The way he keeps hesitating makes me want to punch the information out of him. “I guarantee you, you’re not gonna like it either, but it’s the only way to keep you alive p>
I brace myself and ask impatiently. “Enough stalling, Miles. What the hell does Sasha want p>
He winces and then blurts out, “He wants us to get married p>