The Devil’s Pawn by Elizabeth Finn Read Free Book Online Page A

I’m more concerned about the state of her vagina. Someone’s obviously worked her over.”
    Derek’s eyes snap to mine in an instant, as a completely unrecognizable expression settles in on his beautiful, cold features. I think for a moment it might be pain, or guilt even, but as his jaw clenches and his darkened eyes hold mine steadily, his look becomes anything but compassionate. As his eyes return to Dr. Michaels, I wonder in curiosity why it is that the doctor didn’t simply ask me about the apparent state of my nether region. I suppose my health is now the responsibility of Mr. Pennington, and my input is no longer necessary. While Dr. Michaels holds Derek’s eyes, it becomes quite obvious. Mild mannered as Dr. Michaels may be, he knows how to hold Mr. Pennington’s feet to the fire. He’s forcing Derek to be accountable for me and for his actions, and from the look on Derek’s face, he’s well aware of this fact.
    But Derek doesn’t shy away from Dr. Michaels’ question and answers bluntly and truthfully. “I took her virginity last night.”
    “Well, that would explain it. Since when is Trimbles hiring virgins?”
    “Good question. You’d have to ask Grayson what the hell he was thinking with this one. I sure as hell don’t know…” His eyes flit coolly to mine, caring nothing at all for the embarrassment and insult he’s hurling at me.
    Dr. Michaels regards us both in curiosity as Derek holds my eyes, and I hold his in obstinate anger and fury at his comment.
    Eventually, Dr. Michaels responds, “She’ll be fine but give her a night to recover. Her shot’s done, and she’s ready to go. I’ll call you with the results of the swab and the blood test, but given the fact she was a virgin until last night, I hardly expect to find anything.”
    Mr. Pennington stands to leave, and I follow. He doesn’t say a word to me as we exit the building, and it isn’t until we’re back in the limousine and he’s raised the privacy glass that he speaks to me. He’s upset, and it terrifies me. “Why didn’t you tell me I hurt you?” My mouth falls open as I search for the right response. Did he hurt me? I’m sure he didn’t. I’m sore. I’m not hurt.
    “Derek … er … Mr. Pennington, you didn’t hurt me. I’m fine.” My cheeks are flushing as I speak, and given the look in his eyes, he doesn’t believe a word of what I’m saying.
    “What if your appointment with Dr. Michaels hadn’t been until later this week? Huh? I’d have fucked you tonight without a second thought, and would you have stopped me?”
    “I didn’t think I could stop you.”
    “You have no business being here if you don’t understand your rights. You can quit at any time, and you can refuse me at any time as well. If you don’t have a good reason, you’ll likely lose your job, but it is your choice. You have to tell me if you are hurt. I will never set an expectation that you accept a man, myself included, if you’re hurt, but if you don’t make me aware, you can’t expect me to make the right decisions. You tie my hands if you’re dishonest or hide something from me.” He’s speaking forcefully, and the anger radiating from him is like tendrils of a fiery whip lashing out at me. I’ve upset him, and I don’t like it.
    He breaks from my eyes and looks out the window, once again ignoring me. He has ended this conversation, and with each passing block, it is clear he has no further interest in speaking to me. When we pull up to Trimbles, the driver opens the door and I step out, but Derek doesn’t follow me. I’m left standing alone on the curb. The doorman collects my dresses from the trunk, and I’m escorted with my packages up to my room.
    Once in my room, I strip out of Liz’s dress and soak for a long time in the bath. The pain I felt this morning is already dulling and diminishing with every passing hour, and the water feels good on my body. As I exit the bath, I hear a knock on my door, and when I pull