Love the Second Time Around Novel

Chapter 76 As long As He Does Not Violate Me

The sound seemed very close to me, and I wondered whether Julius was back.

Roughly discerning the direction in which the sound originated, I pinned my gaze there without even blinking once.

A few minutes passed, but still, no one came into sight despite the continual noise.

“Is that you, Julius?” I couldn’t help asking in a holler.

My voice reverberated around the space, yet there was no sign of anyone.

Subsequently, I felt something scurrying across my lap even as squeaks drifted into my ears.

Oh my God, it’s a rat! Fear struck me, and I shuddered violently.

I inexorably tucked my legs closer to my body.

Ugh! I’m most terrified of rats! I’m not even afraid of whatever Julius might do to me now, be it hitting me or tearing into me. At least he’s a living person, and it’s way better than being here alone with those creatures!

At the thought of him, Coraline came to mind.

Jeez, how stupid am I that I was duped again? As the saying goes, once bitten, twice shy. Everyone knows that except me. Despite having been sabotaged by them both countless times on end, I was still dumbly eager to put myself in the line of fire. Gah! Oh well, Coraline’s acting skills were truly top-notch as well, even surpassing that of Nicholas and Scarlett’s.

I lifted my head and stared up at the infinite sea of pitch-black darkness above me. A sense of utter helplessness inundated me.

If only I’d known that things would come to this, I would’ve immediately told Dominic where I was when he phoned me. Why the hell did I act so childishly? I wonder if he would be able to find me when I only said Ho for Horington. Argh!

After an indeterminate amount of time, a sound snagged my attention again. This time, I could tell that it was the sound of footsteps.

of sight with

a tablet from the bag, he placed it

if he wants to see you again. Also, warn him that he’s not allowed to lodge

wide. Five million? He must have really lost his mind! If he wants his initial five hundred thousand, Dominic will probably be willing to pay, but he has actually jacked it up tenfold! Putting aside the fact that Dominic

didn’t spend even a single penny of your five hundred thousand, so they can probably give you that much. But don’t you

Slap!

finish. In the next moment, my cheek

yanked it backward, jerking my

you for money! Why? Are you that distressed on behalf of your lover? Liliana, you should actually thank me. This is a test for him, you

cold and ominous voice, he threatened, “Later, just repeat whatever

echoed in my ears, so

whatever you say. S-So, how should

saw that I was being all docile and meek, he finally released his grip

recorder software on the tablet, he brought it

had already started ticking. After casting him a glance, I began repeating everything he

I uttered the final word, he yanked

before putting it away. Then, he took out a bottle of mineral water from the bag and unscrewed the cap. I saw him dropping a

him drugging the water, so why would

bit my lip hard, refusing to open

forcefully without a single word. Hauling me up, he then slammed his knee

excruciating pain assaulted me, my mouth instinctively opened from the agony. That was my downfall, for he instantly started pouring

and down my throat

now, so you’ve got to behave!” Julius

the floor, panting. All of a sudden, he untied the rope

felt much better without the rope restraining me, I didn’t think he would

hand against the wall and stand up, but just after I got an