Chapter 13
Avidya
I sat outside on the porch swing that was secured from the overhang patio roof that faced the back yard. The sun had slowly set, and I loved watching how the sky would always change colors. It was one of the peaceful moments of each day. This was one of the only times I got to be by myself most days.
Father always hated wasting time to enjoy what was right in front of him. Mom was the same way because he demanded it. Although father didn’t like it, I still came out here to sit at least once a week, if not more. Normally, he’s hidden away in his office or at the church anyway, so he didn’t know.
Sitting out here gave me time to think without anyone hovering, or having to worry about studying. My studying days were over, and would never be seen again, thankfully.
Thinking about Zachariah made my stomach fill with butterflies, but thinking of him lately did that to me. I couldn’t explain why other than him being a good-looking guy. There was just something about him. Something that drew me in.
Speak of the Devil, he appeared on the porch, taking a seat beside me. Instead of sitting facing the same way, he curled one leg underneath him so he faced me. He had a look of determination mixed with questions on his face. I had no idea what he really wanted from me, as he never did come out and say it.
“Are your parents always like that?” he asked after a few moments. The silence was broken, but with him, it didn’t feel forced. For some reason, I felt like I could be whoever I wanted, and he wouldn’t look at me any differently. Not that I would, knowing father was watching.
“Most of the time,” I whispered. It happened often enough.
“You don’t have to be ashamed of that,” he said, being straightforward in a kind way.
I couldn’t help but grimace at that. I wasn’t ashamed of how I was treated, was I? It was a normal occurrence, especially when it came to how my father treated me.
“No one will treat you like that with me,” he promised softly. “Once we marry, even your father will not be allowed to treat you like that again. He shouldn’t treat you as suchnow.”
“You seem so sure we will marry,” I huffed out with an eye roll.
“Of course, I am,” he said, leaning back slightly, but not upset with how I spoke. If I spoke to my father like that, I would have been slapped across the face. “I always get what I want, Avidya. I want you.”
“You know my father probably has another five men lined up tointerviewfor the role of my husband,” I spoke with distaste.
“I am counting on it,” he said with a smirk. “I’d love to see who else he is considering for your hand in marriage. To me, no one will be good enough to earn that right.”
“He’ll go with the one that offers him money,” I stated, knowing how my father worked.
“He’ll go with me because I’ll be the only one to save you,” he spoke knowingly. “So, don’t worry about it. You’re already mine.”
“I am no one’s,” I muttered. I hated not being able to decide on my own. I would fight him tooth and nail if I had to. I was my own person, wasn’t I?
I hadn’t thought that way until now, and it was out of the blue. Since my kidnapping, I had changed. Not physically, but mentally. Maybe it had something to do with what my parents were hiding from me. Maybe it was just coming into contact with Zachariah that changed me. I knew there was something about him, other than his good looks, that spoke to me.
“Your father will bring at least one other man in this week to meet you,” he said, watching my expression.
“Not surprised,” I replied, still mulling over my thoughts.
“What’s on your mind?” he asked, tilting his head to the side.
“Nothing,” I said, turning my attention back to the darkening sky.
“You do not lie well,” he said, amused, but happy about that fact. Why was he so happy he could read me so easily?
I couldn’t help but jump as he laid an arm across the back of the swing, taking a piece of my hair between his fingers to play with.
“I enjoy reading your expressions, which will help me greatly with bringing you into the world I live in,” he mused. “I can’t wait to see how you respond when I can show you how well your body will wither in pleasure for me.” His voice lowered as he leaned in, whispering in my ear.
“I can guarantee that you will like what I can do to you, so much so that you will be begging me to take you,” he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear.
I closed my eyes, lips pressed together tightly to hold in the moan that wanted to escape. My lower belly filled with butterflies. I would not doubt his words, but I wouldn’t make it that easy for him. My body already yearned for his touch, but I would do everything I possibly could to prove to him that it wasn’t betraying my mind.
“Have you thought of how you want to marry?” he asked, just barely moving back from my personal space.
