I dress in silence, gather up my things, and meet them in the living room.The helicopter is waiting for us.It’s unbearably cold as we make the journey to the landing pad.But I hardly feel the frost when Kaiser takes off his ridiculously expensive coat and drapes it over my shoulders, enveloping me in the scent of his cologne.
I try to drown myself in my own thoughts, doing my darndest not to look at them during the flight, but I fail miserably.And if I’m not looking at them, how would I have known they were watching me?
I’m both shocked and confused when they take me back to their house.The actual house in which they live.Oh, but this isn’t a friendly visit.They don’t shower me with their stellar hospitality.Tell me to make myself at home.
They introduce me to their housekeeper, Helda, a pleasant-faced older woman, and two bodyguards, who they make clear they trust with their lives.I have no idea why that matters, except to mean I am not going anywhere.
Once they leave their house again, I’m escorted to a bedroom that’s utterly luxurious.If I weren’t a prisoner, I would think I was a princess.And then I hear the door lock.
Yes, I am unequivocally their prisoner.
Hours go by.I’m brought food, drinks, and snacks.None of which I eat.I try to plot my escape.The window is out of the question.The sleek architectural design of the mansion means there’s nothing for me to hold on to if I wanted to climb down from the second story.And since I can’t fly...well.
I try to take a nap.I can’t.So I pace.They have to tell me something.They can’t just keep me here locked up.After a few more hours, I go mad.
I bang on the door with all my might.If they’re going to hand me over to the police for breaking and entering, intending to do harm, I wish they would just do it already.If they’re going to punish me personally, they should get to it as well.Those are the only two alternatives available to me.Tears pool in my eyes at the stupid fantasy still roaming around in my head for them.
I give myself a mental slap, forcing myself to swallow those stinging tears at the corners of my eyes.I’m never going to be anything like the women who are waiting for them in their world.Stunning, sophisticated, rich heiress types who know how to use each of the ninety-nine forks served at dinner.
I am who I am.Those women belong here.I don’t.I need to be focusing on how I can escape.But how?I’m in the middle of a pacing frenzy when the door unlocks and a stream of people enters, pushing in racks of clothing.
“Good evening, lovely miss,” Helda says, her eyes sparkling.“You’ll be dining with Mr.Dane, Mr.Knight, and Mr.Martin tonight.”
**Chapter Sixteen
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Madisyn
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I’m sure I misheardHelda completely.
“What?”I ask, hoping she repeats herself.
“You’re having dinner with them.They’ve asked me to see that you’re dressed for dinner.I think the pink gown is going to be a smash.Come, come.”
She shows the rest of the staff where to leave the racks of clothes and immediately pulls off a pink dress from the railing.
It’s stunning.Floor length, the skirt flares out like a princess dress.The fabric is the softest silk I’ve ever felt.Lace adorns the thick-strapped bodice and is further embellished with tiny pink roses.
“I’m not wearing that.I’m not wearing anything you or they tell me to wear.This is...this kidnapping.Helda, this is wrong.”I hear the frailty of my words.They can do anything they want, especially to someone who was going to rip them off.But I have to try.
“They’re keeping me here against my will.Please, let me go.My dad’s life depends on this.Please,” I clasp her hands in mine.If she were alone, I would have restrained her and escaped.But there are two goons with guns outside the door, and god knows how many more on the property.They’ll shoot me before I take my next breath.
“Oh, child.You’re safe here.Trust me,” the older woman says, offering me a comforting smile.
“Safe?Is that why armed men guard the door outside?”
“Yes.To keep you safe while Tristan, Ren, and Kaiser take care of business.”
“What business?”I ask.
“Oh, they don’t tell me such things, sweet child.All I know is I’m supposed to make sure you’re dressed and looking your beautiful self for dinner by the time they arrive.Please, I trust them, so you can trust me.”
I won’t get through to Helda.She’s super loyal.I shut my eyes against the insurmountable mountain I’m facing.
I’m supposed to dress for dinner.Maybe all won’t be lost.Maybe I’ll get a chance to stab them with my fork.I take forever in the shower.Until Helda gently tells me to hurry.I want to make it as difficult as possible for her, but in the end, she’s just following their stupid orders.She helps me dress and does my hair.I refuse to wear any makeup.I already look like a dressed-up clown.A peasant wearing a princess’s dress.But when I glare at them to hell, I want them to be looking at my bare face in all its fury.
