Chained by Jaimie Roberts Read Free Book Online Page B

stab of rejection straight to my chest. It hurt more than I thought it would, but how could I expect any different? I thought I was breaking down his walls last night, but he seemed just as mean and nasty as ever.
    I watched as he disappeared around the corner, I stood there, trying my level best not to look too upset.
    “Don’t take it personally, honey. He’s like that with everyone.”
    I turned at the sound of Rachel’s voice and tried my hardest to smile at her. It hurt, though. I just couldn’t understand why he would be so hot one moment, then so icy the next.
    “I know. I keep trying, but he’s determined to push me away.” I laughed a little, trying my hardest to shrug it off. I didn’t know who I was kidding more...them or myself.

Chapter 5
     
    “Why won’t you take me to your house?”
    Uncle looked up. We had been working out at the gym in his penthouse. I knew he had a huge house because I remembered swimming in a big pool in the summer when I was little. For some reason, he wouldn’t take me there. Instead, I stayed in his spare bedroom. In the mornings, Uncle would teach me self-defence; in the afternoons, I would read or paint. Uncle knew how much I loved painting, agreeing it helped with my rehabilitation. It had been almost four months without a drink and, although I still craved it, I knew I was better without it.
    Uncle regarded me with a smile. “That will be your home where new and more pleasant memories can be created. It is where our lives together can begin. Right now, you need no distractions. No memories of the past haunting you.” He moved closer to me with a smile. “Besides, that’s where all my men are. I don’t want you anywhere near them whilst you’re so vulnerable. I’d have to watch you like a hawk.”
    I laughed a little as I tried to catch my breath. Uncle had worked me up into a sweat. I didn’t mind it, though. It kept my mind focused on other things.
    “Why would you have to do that?” I smiled innocently, and he stepped forward. He trailed his finger down my arm and smiled when I shuddered underneath his touch.
    “Because, dear Livy, you were pretty when you were a young girl, but you’ve blossomed into the most beautiful woman. One who could wrap any man around her tiny finger.” He looked down, picked my hand up, and gently pinched the end of my pinkie. “If I even left you alone for five minutes, who knows what sort of trouble you’d get yourself into.”
    I shook my head. “I don’t understand.”
    Uncle’s smile dropped as a look of sadness came over him. “How many times have you begged me to give you a drink, Livy? How many times have I had to listen to you screaming in your sleep? When you wake up, sometimes you’re covered in sweat and promising me the world if I give you a drink to take the edge off. I can’t leave you alone like that. The only person I can trust with you now is Mona. She’s a qualified nurse and knows how to help you.”
    I sighed because he was right. I hated the fact I did this to him and myself. I was ashamed to admit I had begged him on multiple occasions when things got too difficult. I begged him and promised him the most unspeakable things in return for a drink. Just a sip… That’s all I needed. I knew that wasn’t true, but it was what I thought.
    “Mona has been a help and so have you. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
    Uncle lifted my chin and smiled. “I only want to make you happy.” He paused a moment. “How about you get some hypnosis? That will help a lot with your nightmares, Livy. I know someone who is very good. She may also take the craving away…maybe even sway it in a more positive direction. What do you think?”
    I frowned. I didn’t know much about hypnosis, but I was willing to try anything. I knew Uncle was only trying to make me better. He was showing me how much he cared.
    Eventually, I nodded. “I’m willing to give it a try.”
    Uncle squeezed my shoulders and kissed