Lilian Asienwegher stepped out of the bathroom, her body wrapped in a baby‑pink bathrobe. The soft fabric clung to her damp skin, her wet hair dripping onto her delicate face. She looked alluring, radiant, almost celestial. But the moment her eyes landed on Perry Jerome, her heart sank.
He was sprawled across the bed, half‑lying, half‑sitting, propped on one elbow. His other hand caressed himself, his arousal blatant, his gaze fixed on her like a predator waiting to strike.
Disappointment and grief surged through Lilian. Barely an hour had passed since he had finished tormenting her, yet here he was again, demanding more. She wanted to cry, to scream, to resist—but she dared not. Perry's threats were always clear: if she refused, he would auction her like merchandise.
Her lips trembled, but she forced herself to remain silent. She bit down hard, suppressing tears. That small gesture—her vulnerability—only inflamed Perry further.
"Come here," he ordered impatiently, his voice thick with desire.
---
Lilian forced a smile, masking her pain. She walked toward him with deliberate grace, moving as though she were some heavenly being descending to earth.
Perry's throat tightened. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, his eyes never leaving her. She was trouble, and he knew it, yet he couldn't resist.
Instead of climbing onto the bed, Lilian loosened her bathrobe slowly. The fabric slid off her shoulders, pooling at her feet, revealing her exquisite figure. She sat calmly at the dressing table, picked up her lotion, and began applying it to her glowing skin. Each movement was deliberate, sensual, designed to buy time.
Perry's control snapped. He leapt from the bed, seized her, and carried her back, pressing his tall frame against hers.
"No, Perry, please," Lilian whispered, her voice breaking. "I need to eat first."
Her plea was soft, desperate, almost childlike.
---
Perry frowned, displeasure flashing across his face. His voice turned threatening. "What? Don't like it? You should thank your lucky stars I even take a liking to you. Do you know how many women wish to be with me? Even for one night?"
He wasn't lying. Perry Jerome was handsome, wealthy, and powerful—the kind of man women chased relentlessly. He never slept with the same woman twice, not even the hottest celebrities. If a woman was sold to him, he would use her once, then auction her off.
But Lilian was different. For six months now, Perry had kept her. He had abandoned other women, abstained from his usual indulgences, and focused only on her. Even he couldn't explain why.
Lilian, hiding her hatred and humiliation, forced another smile. "Of course, I thank my lucky stars—and my parents in heaven—for giving me such a charming, powerful man." She tugged playfully at the hair on his chest, sending shivers through him.
Perry laughed heartily, bending down to kiss her lips, biting gently at her ears. "Be good," he whispered. "I haven't eaten yet, but I need to eat you first. Just one round, then we'll eat and sleep."
---
She complied, swallowing her discomfort.
Minutes later, his assistant entered quietly, arranging food on the table without disturbing them. Lilian no longer felt shame. She had grown numb to the humiliation of being seen, of being treated like property. The assistant often walked in during Perry's frenzied acts, and neither of them cared.
After a long time of torment, Perry finally released her. He jumped off the bed and headed to the bathroom.
Lilian's heart raced. She knew this was her chance.
---
She bent down quickly, retrieving a small dark bottle she had hidden. Uncapping it, she poured its contents into Perry's favorite dish. Her hands trembled, but she forced herself to remain calm. She had planned this moment for weeks.
Now that Perry had let his guard down, she had only one chance to succeed. She slid the bottle back under the bed, rushed to the bathroom, and forced a playful pout.
"What took you so long?" Perry teased, his eyes glinting. "Do you need me to carry you?"
Lilian rolled her eyes, feigning annoyance. Perry laughed, finding her reaction cute. He helped her shower, then carried her to the dining table.
---
By now, Lilian was used to his rules. In his bedroom, she was never allowed clothes. She had heard from Fred Colton, his assistant, that she was the only woman Perry had ever permitted to stay in his master suite. At first, she had been given her own room. But after six weeks, Perry moved her into his. She had lived there for four months and two weeks.
She carefully served the meal, filling Perry's plate with his favorites, adding a little of each dish to her own. She poured wine into their glasses, picked up her cutlery, and began eating.
But Perry didn't touch his food.
His gaze was sharp, piercing, fixed entirely on her.
Lilian's heart thudded painfully. Has he seen through me?
Lilian tried hard to calm her racing heart. She forced a charming smile, looked at Perry, and asked softly, "Why aren't you eating?"
Perry's Adam's apple rolled uncontrollably as his eyes roamed her naked body. Desire burned in his gaze. Then, unexpectedly, his voice dropped low, almost tender.
"Lee… let's get a marriage license tomorrow."