chapter 36

As Nikki slowly regained consciousness, a wave of disorientation washed over her, her mind muddled and her thoughts hazy. Blinking groggily, she tried to make sense of her surroundings, only to find herself enveloped in Alexander's arms, her naked body pressed against his.

Panic surged within her as the events of the previous night came flooding back, the memories like shards of glass cutting through the fog of her mind. She recoiled instinctively, a shiver of revulsion coursing through her as she realized the extent of Alexander's betrayal.

"Wha... what happened?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggled to push herself away from him.

But Alexander's grip on her remained firm, his expression unreadable as he surveyed her with a cold detachment that sent a shiver down her spine. "You're mine now, Nikki," he declared, his voice low and menacing as he traced a finger along the bruises that marred her skin.

Nikki's heart pounded in her chest as the gravity of her situation sank in, the weight of Alexander's words crushing her spirit like a vise. She felt sickened by his touch, violated in a way that went beyond the physical, a deep-seated sense of shame and disgust gnawing at her from within.

Desperate to escape, Nikki pushed against him with all her strength, her movements frantic and desperate as she fought to break free from his grasp. But Alexander held her fast, his grip unyielding as he pulled her closer, his eyes gleaming with a perverse sense of satisfaction.

"You belong to me now, Nikki," he repeated, his voice dripping with malice as he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear. "And there's no escape."