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I thought about his question, which wasn’t something I’d done for a long time. There was no reason not to tell him the truth. “My father called and asked me to find the courage. He said that going against a monster would be the worst thing that ever happened to me but winning against one would be a pinnacle that few ever reach. I’d thought about what he’d said and realized it was my duty, a privilege that if I ignored, I would become just like you.”
His jaw clenched, his lips pursing from dislike of my truthful answer. “You will never be just like me, Jade. You’re far too pure.”
Pure. The word bothered me as much as the conversation.
I kept my glare, but it was no longer as hard as it had been before. When he turned and walked back toward the house, I realized I’d been holding my breath, the ache inside digging into me like a sharp knife.
I’d struck a chord, my answer either exactly as he’d anticipated or nothing that he’d expected. I wasn’t certain I wanted to know which one.
As I turned to watch him walk away, surprised he’d trusted me not to try to escape, I couldn’t take my eyes off the way he walked, the sense of power exuding from every subtle movement. He truly believed I’d surrendered to the deal that had been made in fear and forged in what I suspected would ultimately be blood.
Or maybe he just believed I’d already surrendered to him.
I closed my eyes for no other reason than to try to shove aside the building anxiety. Then I returned to the house, uncertain of what to wear. I’d had no idea he would be taking me to a tropical island. I grabbed a pair of jeans and one of the two other tops I’d brought with me before heading into the bathroom. While I wanted nothing more than to lock the door, I knew it was pointless. If he wanted to get in, all he’d do was kick it down.
As I removed my clothes, I couldn’t stop glancing into the mirror to see if he was watching. A part of me wondered whether or not I was disappointed that he hadn’t decided I was his for the taking on a bright, sunny morning.
I stepped into the shower, collapsing against the white tile, raking my fingernails down the smooth surface. He was more terrifying when he wasn’t spouting off the rules that he insisted existed or acting as if I’d been his possession for over eight years. As I eased under the showerhead, I tipped my head, allowing the water to splash against my face. Even if I scrubbed every inch of my body until it was raw, I’d never be able to rid my skin of his scent.
As I grabbed the liquid soap, I thought about his reaction to what my father had said, his fury evident. The reasons he’d kidnapped me weren’t necessarily as cut and dry as I’d originally thought. But why would it bother him if my father was dead, as I’d convinced myself years before? It wasn’t a question he’d answer, at least not at this point.
After finishing, I turned off the water, planting my hands on the cool tile, still trying to collect my thoughts. As well as crush my anxiety. Constantine unnerved me more so than any other man had before, and I’d worked alongside several brutal men. I’d known their reputations, had witnessing a few violent acts, but none so traumatizing as having a man’s brains blown out all over my dress.
Exhaling, I pushed myself to step out of the shower. Time was ticking away. I would assume tardiness wasn’t allowed. As soon as I placed my hand on the handle of the shower door, I could swear I sensed his presence. Had he been watching me the entire time like some true pervert? Did he get his jollies witnessing my bouts of panic?
I grabbed the towel, wrapping it around me before stepping onto the mat. The door remained closed, no indication he’d walked inside, but I knew he’d been there. As I inched closer to the mirror, wiping my hand across the steamy surface in order to glance at my reflection, I realized I’d forgotten to grab a pair of underwear.
As soon as I opened the door, my suspicions were proven correct. He’d placed a dress across the bed, sandals on the floor. My God. The man actually thought we were going on a date of some kind. I walked closer, hesitating before brushing my fingers down the soft material, hating myself that the gesture made me smile.
“I thought you would prefer wearing something more suitable for our day.”
His husky voice pushed me close to the edge, but my nipples were aching, scraping against the soft towel.
Our day.
“Why would you do something like this?” I asked without turning around. Every time I was forced into close proximity with him, a little bit more of my resolve was knocked apart.
“Because I noticed the few items you brought with you, Jade. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”
“Let me guess. You can be a generous man when you want to be.”
He snorted from behind me, which caused me to salvage my courage, turning around. He was such a beautiful man that for a few seconds I found it difficult to breathe. “Yes, I can be. But I can also be the ruthless bastard you’ve accused me of being. The choice of which man will accompany you today is entirely up to you.”
As always, he made it perfectly clear I meant nothing to him. His expression was unreadable, but I knew he was still trying to determine my reaction. “I don’t like to be made to feel like I’m your whore and nothing else.”
Now he looked away as if insulted. “I don’t associate with whores, Jade. I don’t need to.”
“Of course you don’t.”
An awkward tension settled in as he studied me.
“Do you like the dress?”
I chewed my inner cheek, another volley or retort almost escaping my mouth, but I thought better of it. “You didn’t appreciate my jeans and sweaters. Too plain Jane for you?”
His non-expression was slowly hardening. “I took the liberty of purchasing lingerie as well. They’re under the dress. When we return to Kansas City, you’ll have an opportunity to purchase more appropriate attire.”
“For our pretend engagement.”
