Uncovering You 5: Confessions by Scarlett Edwards Read Free Book Online

eyes focus on me. Something shifts in the air, and there’s a sudden solemnity between us. I try not to show my growing nerves. After a moment’s hesitation, I lift the top.
    Inside is a beautiful, jeweled brooch in the shape of a butterfly. The wings are made of red rubies and green emeralds. The body is a shiny silver or platinum.
    “Christmas colors,” Stonehart says. “I thought they would suit you for the holidays.”
    I hold my breath. He hasn’t mentioned this being a TGB yet. Maybe there isn’t any hidden meaning behind the gift.
    “Here,” Stonehart says. “Let me put it on.”
    I turn the box to him and let him take the butterfly out. He leans forward. His hands move sure and swift as he unbuttons my jacket to expose the blouse I have on underneath. My breath hitches as he spreads the lapels wide and focuses on my chest. Slowly, he pins the brooch in place.
    An intense sexual energy cackles between our bodies. I have the overwhelming urge to kiss him.
    Before I can make good on that foolish desire, Stonehart leans back, breaking me from the trance. He smiles.
    “It looks good on you, Lilly-flower,” he says softly.
    “Thank you, Jeremy,” I answer, my words coming out a touch breathless.
    “You’re welcome,” he says. He lifts a finger. “Now, rule number one. You are to keep the brooch on at all times during our trip.”
    Alarm ripples down my back. I knew there was a trap here somewhere. He wouldn’t make such a rule if it didn’t hold meaning.
    “Why?” I ask, even though I do not want to know the answer.
    “Because,” Stonehart smiles, “located inside is a small positioning chip. It transmits a signal to your collar,” He takes out his phone, swipes at the screen, and then leans back in apparent satisfaction. “Which is active as of this moment. So long as the brooch remains within three feet of you, you’re free to go wherever you please. But the moment you step out of range…?” he trails off. “I don’t think I need to finish for you to understand.”
    Anger and frustration build inside me. I take a series of deep, steadying breaths to quell those feelings.
    Really Lilly, I tell myself. This isn’t so bad. Did you really expect Stonehart to just let you roam around Portland with no restrictions?
    I force a smile that I hope he takes as genuine. I am his prisoner once more. Then again—that never really changed.
    “Okay,” I say. “The brooch stays on. What else?”
    Stonehart’s eyebrows come up. “That’s it? No protest? No indignation?”
    I shrug as casually as I can. “Nope.”
    He gives a little smirk. “Good. I’m glad we’ve progressed past that. Though, I fear you might be a little more opposed to the bit of information that comes next.”
    I look right at him with my back straight. “Shoot.”
    “The reason you need to keep the brooch on, sweet Lilly, is because there is a microphone embedded inside. It’s been recording everything that’s been said since the moment you opened the box. Every word you say on this trip… everything you hear…” he taps his earpiece, “I do, too.” He pauses to gauge my reaction and then continues.
    “It’s just a precaution, you see. I am granting you unparalleled freedom, and I simply do not want you tempted into making some very, very dangerous decisions.” His eyes bore into me as his voice becomes dark. “Do you understand the things I am talking about, Lilly?”
    I shift a little under that stare. I understand all too well. He wouldn’t want me going to the cops or calling for help.
    “Remember that, ultimately, I control your collar,” he says. “If the wrong words come from those pretty red lips of yours, all it takes is one press of a button…” He holds up his phone to show me. “…and you’re writhing on the floor.”
    Bile builds in my throat at the casual way he can speak of electrocuting me.
    His voice softens a fraction. “But I don’t want you worried about that during this trip. I want