Chapter 70

But Asher saw the thought flicker across her eyes. He tilted his head and gave a knowing smile.

"You think I’m stupid, darling?" he murmured.

Without warning, he grabbed her wrists again and tied them back together—tighter this time. Her skin burned. She winced.

"No—please!" she cried. "What have I done to you? Please... just let me go!"

But Asher didn’t even flinch.

"Can’t do that, sweetheart." He stood up and walked around her like a hunter circling a wounded deer. "Do you know how long you’ve made me wait for this night?"

He crouched again to bind her ankles, and her panic sharpened.

"From the moment your father sold you off to Reza, I knew I had to have you. But they kept you hidden. Like some sacred little treasure." He secured the knot and stood. "And I wasn’t allowed even a glimpse."

He scooped her up in his arms like a groom carrying his bride. She fought—weakly, but it didn’t matter. He was too strong. Her legs were tied. Her