Chapter 5

The Maybach sped through the dark streets of San Francisco. The air inside the cabin was so thick and heavy it felt hard to breathe.

Kendrick sat beside her, his eyes closed, his head resting against the leather seat. Suddenly, his nose twitched. He inhaled sharply.

His eyes snapped open. He turned his head, locking his gaze onto Cora. His eyes were completely black, devoid of any human warmth.

"Why do you smell like cheap tobacco and medical bleach?" Kendrick demanded, his voice dropping to a terrifyingly quiet whisper.

Cora's heart stopped. The black card in her pocket felt like it was burning a hole through her skin.

She swallowed hard, forcing her hands to stay still in her lap. "I bumped into a drunk doctor in the hallway outside the restroom. He spilled his drink."

Kendrick stared at her. He didn't blink. The silence stretched for ten agonizing seconds. Then, he let out a soft chuckle. He reached out and gently stroked her cheek with his thumb.

"Next time you see garbage like that, let the guards handle it," he said softly. "I don't want you getting dirty."

The car fell silent again, but Cora could feel the icy rage radiating from his body.

The moment the car pulled up to the estate, Kendrick didn't go to his study. He grabbed Cora's wrist and pulled her straight up the stairs and into the master bathroom.

He didn't say a word. He grabbed the collar of her custom Hermes gown and ripped it violently down the middle.

Cora screamed, crossing her arms over her chest as the ruined silk fell to the floor. She backed away, terrified of the manic look in her husband's eyes.

Kendrick reached into the shower and turned the water on full blast. He didn't wait for it to warm up. He grabbed her arm and dragged her under the freezing spray.

He pumped a massive amount of body wash into his hands and began scrubbing her skin. He scrubbed the exact spot on her arm where Cayden had touched her. He scrubbed so hard her skin turned a raw, angry red.

"Kendrick, stop! It hurts!" Cora cried out, trying to pull away.

He slammed her back against the cold tile wall, pinning her in place. "Shh, sweetheart," he whispered in her ear, his voice sickeningly sweet over the sound of the rushing water. "We just need to get you clean. You have to stay pure."

When he was finally satisfied, he wrapped her shivering body in a thick towel and carried her to the bed.

He walked over to the medical lockbox and pulled out two large white pills and a glass of warm water. He sat on the edge of the bed.

"You had a shock tonight," Kendrick said, holding the pills out. "Take your nutritional supplements. They'll help you sleep."

Cora stared at the pills. She shook her head violently, pressing herself against the headboard. "No. I don't want them. I'm fine."

Kendrick's jaw clenched. His patience evaporated. He reached out, his large hand gripping her jaw like a vice, forcing her mouth open. He shoved the pills to the back of her throat and poured the water in.

Cora choked, coughing violently as the pills slid down her esophagus. A strange, heavy heat immediately bloomed in her stomach.

Kendrick grabbed a tissue and gently wiped the water from her chin. He leaned in and kissed her lips.

The drugs hit her bloodstream fast. Cora's vision swam. Her arms and legs felt like they were filled with wet sand. She clawed at the bedsheets, fighting desperately to keep her eyes open, but her brain was shutting down.

Through her half-closed eyelids, she saw Kendrick stand up. He unbuttoned his shirt, but he didn't get into bed.

He stood over her. His eyes slowly traveled down her body, stopping at her waist. He stared at the exact spot where her major veins pulsed beneath her translucent, pale skin.

It wasn't the look of a husband desiring his wife. It was the look of a butcher admiring a prime cut of meat.

A tear slipped out of the corner of Cora's eye as the absolute darkness pulled her under.

Kendrick sneered. He pulled the heavy duvet over her body, turned off the lights, and walked out of the room, locking the door behind him.