AllFreeNovel
Share Us
And I say, “Of course.”
He gives a mumble of praise for my beauty. Then I take a seat. We dine on whatever elegant meal his staff has prepared. I’m not oblivious to their open gazes as they stand along the walls, the gold crest on their uniforms glittering in the soft light, waiting to be beckoned.
Watching our interactions.
Somehow, the good food and wine always settle my nerves. Each night, I ask how Damian’s father is doing. He asks after Angel, takes an interest in what I’ve done with my day, what I’ve seen on my walks.
Apparently, we both favor good manners and it’s easy to fall into conversation. I often find us bantering back and forth. His quick wit and dry sense of humor caught me off guard at first, but now, I look forward to his under-the-radar humor.
I inquire about the history of the island, of Greece. We keep the conversation light, the topics safe. Then, he walks me to the bottom of the stairs, transferring my care to Apollo.
He ends each evening with a soft kiss on my cheek.
We’ve not had sex since that night on the jet. Other than the brush of an arm, or the kiss, he’s not touched me since that first dinner, when his hand was hot on mine as he made me pleasure myself. Shame fills me, the memory still burning at the back of my mind.
I know one day this caught-between-a-fairytale-and-nightmare dream will have to end.
A shiver runs through me when I remember he’s never actually told me how it will end. Or what is going to happen to me when it does. It’s never been discussed. His words echo through my mind. You will be my wife.
He’s never mentioned the threat again. But he’s also never said otherwise. I’m left to deduce that my only way out of here is with a ring on my finger and lifetime shackles around my wrists.
I’m in serious trouble, aren’t I?
I’ve let him lull me into complacency.
Look at me—vainly admiring my imprisoned body, my tan. Dining with him nightly, treating the staff as if I’ve already taken the position of his wife. Falling in love with my gift, a cat I don’t even know if he’ll let me keep.
Get yourself together, Lindy. This isn’t the first time I’ve let someone run my life for me. Tell me what to do and who I’m meant to be.
How is prancing around here in gowns and couture activewear any different than putting on a pink chiffon gown and strutting across the stage for my mother, a fake smile plastered on my face?
Or wearing thrift store clothing, counting my carbon footprint, and packing my lunch just to please Patrick, when all I wanted was a big dish of pasta with the girls?
My self-worth, my own opinions and ideas for my life, were of no consequence to them.
I’m pathetic.
Staying here, under his thumb till he tells me otherwise?
I never, ever should have stepped foot on that jet. What was I thinking? That I was going to become some big-name journalist?
I can’t stay here.
I can’t let one more person decide my future for me.
This swim I’m planning isn’t purely for recreation. It’s a scouting mission. I need to find a way to escape. I’m surrounded by water, on a private, completely secure island. There are eyes and ears everywhere.
My thoughts are confirmed as I make my way down the hall. Staff smile, greet me with warmth while monitoring my every movement. Caesar, as always, is behind me, following me with every step I take. I’m in a security bubble.
I even had to have my big, burly shadow radio Damian for permission before I changed into a bathing suit.
“Hi, Caesar,” I say, greeting him with a cheek kiss.
My sandals snap against my bare heels as I lead the way down the stairs, my shadow behind me. I usually don’t mind Caesar. I find his steadfast presence calming.
Today, though, I’m annoyed, having realized what a fool I’ve been to allow him to control me for so long.
I turn over my shoulder, teasing Caesar. “You up for a swim?”
