Uncovering You 2: Submission Read Online Free PDF Page A

now.
    Five days into my wait, I catch my reflection in the enormous glass wall at night. I can’t help but smile. I’ve already put on weight, and my cheeks are starting to get their regular glow back. Having access to a bathroom, limitless clothing, food, and sunlight definitely helps. Fresh air would be a nice addition, but I’m in no state to complain.
    The night before Stonehart’s expected arrival, I take extra pains to make myself presentable. I soak in the perfumed waters of the tub for hours, making my skin soft and pink. I wash my hair and style it in the most elegant fashion I know. I’ve already picked out what I’m going to wear, and laid it out on the floor for after my bath.
    I apply some blush to my cheeks, eye shadow to my eyelids, and a tiny bit of lip gloss. Nobody who saw me a week ago would ever guess I am the same person today.
    I remember the big deal Stonehart made about precision the night I met him in the restaurant. He told me seven days when he left, and seven days is what he will hold me to.
    I fully expect him to arrive at midnight.
    The last time I saw him, he left by way of the door. I sit facing it with my back against the marble pillar, and begin my wait.

    ***

    It’s been hours since nightfall. My eyes are drooping shut. My head keeps falling forward. Each time it does, I jerk back up, refusing to give in to sleep.
    The anticipation is killing me. When will Stonehart come? What will he want? How will he react when he sees me?
    Those thoughts threaten to take me down a slippery slope. I shiver and rub my arms, not wanting to let my imagination give way to fear.

    ***

    I wake up with a jolt. The early rays of the sun fill the room.
    Immediately, my eyes focus on the other person present. Stonehart is standing at one of the glass panes, facing away from me. He looks absolutely striking in a crisp beige suit. He’s holding a clear goblet of wine behind his back.
    My mind races and panic sets in. How long has he been there? Oh God, how long has he been waiting ?
    Stonehart glances over his shoulder a split-second after I wake. “Oh. Did I startle you? By all means, take your time.”
    I scramble up, straightening my clothes in the process. “Jeremy,” I say, flustered. “You should have woken me.”
    “I couldn’t do that,” he mocks. “You looked so beautiful asleep.”
    I have no idea whether to take the comment as a compliment or jeer.
    “Don’t worry,” he continues, turning toward me. As he walks closer, I notice the fine lines around his eyes. Though the suit looks freshly pressed, the shirt underneath is wrinkled. His tie is loose. I wonder absently if he’s been working all night.
    “I am not angry with you,” Stonehart tells me. “In fact, I have something for you. A gift.” He stops in front of me. “Lilly. Hold out your hand.”
    I remember what he said about the consequences of misbehavior . I don’t know what those are, but I am not keen on finding out. I lift up my right arm and extend it to him.
    He cups my hand gently between both of his. His grip is firm yet tender. A small gasp escapes my mouth at the warmth I feel around my fingers.
    I’ve thought of him as this horrible monster for so long that it’s a shock to realize that warm blood runs through his veins, like mine.
    He smiles at my reaction, then strokes my fingers with his thumb. That small gesture is so endearing that it frightens me. It feels like the caress of a lover, not a captor.
    Stonehart slowly brings my hand to his lips and kisses it. The hairs on my arms stand up. I suppress a shiver.
    Dammit, how can my body react to him this way?
    “I am pleased,” he says softly, his deep, angelic voice lifting my soul, “with the way you have improved your appearance since my last visit. So, I brought you this.”
    One of his hands reaches into his pocket, and he pulls out a small velvet box. I see the word Swarovski emblazoned upon it in fine, silver lettering.
    “For you,” he