Heat flooded Elise's cheeks.

A fine sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead.

The drug was taking hold.

Samuel watched her body's reactions with dark satisfaction.

"It's working fast," he murmured. "Your body responds so intensely."

Elise's vision swam despite her desperate attempts to fight the effects.

Her struggles proved useless.

Such hopeless thoughts could break a person's spirit.

Memories of being eighteen surfaced unbidden.

She remembered begging for release, only to be denied repeatedly.

The memory alone was enough to drive anyone mad.

But there was no point dwelling on past torment.

She was about to relive it.

"Please let me go..." Elise gasped, using every ounce of strength to form the words. "I'll cooperate with Mitchell Corp."

"Do you really expect me to believe that?"

"I always honor my promises."

"But right now, I'm not interested in your promises." Samuel's voice dropped to a husky whisper. "That contract means nothing compared to what I truly want. Elise, you have no idea how irresistible you are. No real man could resist you!"

Samuel had always considered Elise too rigid, especially after experiencing Sophia's sensual charms.

But he never anticipated this side of Elise - this vulnerable, intoxicating allure that stirred his desires.

Her body was truly exquisite.

What a waste.

Why hadn't he claimed her years ago? He let William take what should have been his!

Samuel could no longer restrain himself.

His hands moved frantically over Elise, tearing at her clothing.

As he undid her buttons, Elise suddenly twisted away from the bed.

She stumbled toward the door.

Just as her fingers brushed the handle, the door slammed shut with violent force.

Samuel had closed it from behind her.

He hadn't expected her to maintain enough consciousness to escape under the drug's influence.

She should have been completely overcome by now, begging for any man's touch.

Elise pressed her legs together tightly, fighting the sensations coursing through her.

She refused to be violated again.

But...

Resistance felt impossible.

Samuel's brute strength overwhelmed her.

There was no escaping his grasp.

In this confined space, no rescue would come.

She felt herself being dragged roughly across the floor.

Samuel's body pressed against hers, pinning her down.

She couldn't move an inch.

Elise closed her eyes in utter despair.

Tears traced silent paths down her temples.