His Destructive, Toxic Love

After Easton's driver pulled away, Casper floored it and followed right behind. If the car ahead sped up, he did, too. If it slowed down, so did he. Finally, the car turned into the underground parking lot of the Falconridge Hotel. Casper zoomed ahead and parked in a spot, eyes locked on Easton and Eliza getting out of the car opposite him.

His phone rang from the passenger seat. It was Nova. She knew about tonight's business dinner, but he hadn't invited her.

"Casper, where are you? Still at work?"

"Is something up?"

"Did you go to the dinner?" Her voice was soft and melodious, but it still got on his nerves. "If you need something, just say it."

"Are you annoyed with me?"

"No, I'm hanging up." Casper watched as Easton and Eliza headed for the elevator lobby.

He hurried to hang up, but then Nova started crying on the other end. "Did I disturb you? I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it. I just wanted to check on you. If you find it annoying, I promise not to bother you again."Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

The call ended abruptly.

Casper's irritation spiked. He pushed open the car door and sprinted to the elevator lobby. The elevator was already going up. Swearing under his breath, he dashed to another elevator.

Eliza, propping up Easton, arrived at the room Faithe had set up. Easton was overly excited. He grabbed Eliza and kissed her as soon as they entered. She dodged a few times, not daring to push him away too forcefully.

"Mr. Gillum, why're you in such a hurry? I don't like getting busy without having a shower."

"A shower is a must." He pulled her close, noses touching. "For you, I'd do anything. What's a shower in comparison?"

"Oh my." Eliza extended her index finger to block his kiss. "Go take a shower first. We have plenty of time."

"Together His eyes were full of

desire. "Let's take a love bath. We et

can do it in the tub... what a feeling..." He purposely whispered in her ear, "...it'll be so good."

Eliza felt a wave of nausea but kept smiling. "You're so naughty. Go take your shower."

Finally, she managed to push Easton into the bathroom. Eliza collapsed on the sofa like a deflated balloon. She knew she couldn't avoid tonight and would likely be treated horribly.

Was there still time to escape? Would she dare to escape? No, she wouldn't dare. She knew Casper's methods. She and Robin would be doomed if she messed up this deal for Casper.

Eliza closed her eyes, fighting the

sting in her nose, and opened a bottle of red wine. She wanted to get drunk-drunk enough to forget. everything. She took a big gulp the wine's astringency and alcohol burn furrowing her beautiful brows.

"Elle, bring the bathrobe in for me," Easton called from inside.

Eliza put down her wine, found a clean bathrobe in the closet, and handed it through the door crack. "Mr. Gillum, your bathrobe."

Instead of taking the robe, he grabbed her wrist, pulled her into the bathroom, and embraced her. "Let's shower together, hmm?"

Eliza despised this kind of intimacy but had to play along. "Mr. Gillum, your eagerness could make me think... you're not quite up to par in certain areas."

"How could that be? I'm very skilled. You'll know once you try."