Chapter Five
Apprehension gripped her as Karen heard the drop bolt’s heavy tumblers clack. For what seemed an eternity but, she realized, was probably only a few seconds, there was only silence. She sat perched on the bed’s high edge with back forced rigidly straight and knees clamped primly together, dressed in the pale dress he’d told her to wear. Compelling herself to control the breaths conscripted by the choking corset, she stared at the door and willed it to stay shut.
With dismay, she heard the key make its inevitable progress in the lock. Another short pause and the door handle turned. Michael stepped into the room, cool appraisal on his handsome face, and her already chilled blood ran like ice in her veins.
She didn’t understand why she he scared her so, like so much that was i
