I start up the stairs, attempting to manage the dress. He bends down and picks up the hem, holding it in his hand again.
It might seem chivalrous if I didn’t know he’s the reason that I had to wear a wedding gown that wasn’t mine.
Inside, the two-story entry with marble floors leads to a grand stairwell, a ballroom visible to the left. Who has a ballroom?
My father had a large and very formal home, and yet, it paled in comparison to this.
But rather than enter the formal space, we move to the back of the house, through a living area in the back and out to a sunporch of sorts with large windows and beautiful plants arranged all about the room.
Ryker leads me to a small table at the back of the room that’s centered, so that all the other tables look upon it.
“Would you like to sit?” he asks, even as he pulls out a chair.
I don’t really think he’s asking, which is why I don’t bother answering. What I’d like to do is disappear. Fat chance.
I take the chair, sighing with relief that I don’t have to move in this dress.
But my relief is short-lived.
Soon, the guests are milling about us, talking and laughing as though this is a real wedding celebration.
As though I haven’t been trapped into a marriage by a man who scares the crap out of me.
Ava catches my eyes, her brows lifting in question. I look away. I wish I knew I could trust her but I’m so completely alone…
I don’t even realize I’m doing it, but I start tapping on my own knee, trying to calm the swirl of emotions that threaten to overwhelm me.
Ryker looks back at me, and then turns, leaning down.
I cringe, unable to hide my reaction.
My father hated when I tapped. It was some physical reminder of my inability to control my emotions.
On more than one occasion, when he caught me, he’d give me a stiff backhand. I cringe now, half expecting the same treatment from Ryker.
Instead, his hand covers mine, squatting next to me. Lightly, his fingers start tapping the same pattern.
I stare him in complete shock. “How…”
“You think I didn’t know?” he asks, his brows lifting.
I blink away my surprise. “You know that I tap to keep from being overwhelmed?”
“I noticed. Yes.” He keeps lightly tapping on my knee. “Just like I know you want out of this life. If you can hang in there with me for a bit, I promise, we’ll both get what we want.”
I stare at him in complete shock.
He can’t mean those words.
Can he?
He keeps tapping, my nervous system slowly calming. And when I’ve relaxed back in the chair, he leans closer. “We’ll talk more tonight, but for right now, we’ve got a few final documents to sign.”
“Documents?” I ask, my brow furrowing. “What kind of documents?”
“Dimitri will explain more. But they are the contract of what you receive for taking part in this marriage.”
“I thought I was here for protection?” I say, knowing that was only part of why my brother married me off.
