My brand seared, resonating with heat from Q’s intensity.
He glanced at me, sending fire into my soul. “Not where, but what.”
I melted. Utterly melted for my incredible husband. He understood me. He’d always understood me.
Fiona leaned forward, hanging on Q’s every word. “What?”
“A number. It all began with a number. For me anyway.”
My heart soared from my chest on sparrow wings. Birds filled my body—blackbirds, robins, and fantails.
I smiled. “That’s true. That was the beginning. The rest doesn’t matter.”
Fiona’s cheeks pinked as Q never looked away from me, sending the room swirling with desire. The moment the interview was over, Q would take me.
And I would be ready to accept whatever he wanted to give.
“What number?” she breathed.
Q tore his gaze from mine, locking her in his fierce pale stare. He riveted us with his power, trapping us in his net. “Fifty-eight. It all began with fifty-eight. And that’s where my wife will start.”
I looked at my wrist, tracing the numbers beneath the barcode and sparrow. I’d once been merchandise for sale. But then the winds of fate changed and blew me straight to Q. His cage became my home. His love became my wings. I became his bird through and through.
Tears pricked my eyes. I was so utterly happy, so faultlessly content, so completely complete.
Fifty-eight.
I’m Esclave Fifty-Eight. The girl who broke her owner.
My master had spoken.
I began.
