“Well, you better get to it then,” Carlos spoke, his voice instantly hardening. “You know what you
have to do, Zack. Please don’t draw it out.”
Zachariah glared at his father, and I couldn’t help but shrink back at the look, even if it wasn’t directed at me.
“Don’t try to kid yourself, son,” Carlos said, dark humor lacing his voice. “She was given to you as a gift. A gift that will not be put to waste. Your mother may not know that, but I do. Your men know that I have higher power than you over things. I am not the only one that expects you two to marry and carry on the name. Waiting a year won’t work. The wedding needs to take place within weeks before the family comes down on you for waiting.”
“I have no plans of carrying out the name,” Zachariah seethed. “Avidya will have a choice in everything.” Was he really sticking up for me?
“Not with marrying you,” Carlos said with power. “There is no way out of that.”
“So, you’re here on Grandfather’s wishes,” Zachariah stated with hatred.
Carlos simply shrugged as an answer.
“Fine,” Zachariah said, barely containing his anger.
I took that moment to slowly and quietly slip away the men, feeling like I shouldn’t be there. I knew what was expected of me, mostly. I knew I had no choice but to marry this man, and I had come to terms with that. With marriage came children. That was a known fact, not only from Cody but just in life in general.
As the two men glared at one another, trying to show who had the most power for only a few moments, I slipped out of the kitchen and made my escape. My heart was heavy with even more worries now. I was pleased that Zachariah did try for my sake, as no one had ever done that before. Becca did, but we were always in the same little boat in life, so that was never new.
As I reached my room, I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. I wasn’t even sure why I was crying, as I knew what would happen.
Making my way to the window, I leaned my head against it as I wrapped my arms around my middle, trying to hold in my sobs.
So much had changed in such a short time and I had no one to talk to about it with. The only person I would be able to talk to was no longer here.
Things were already different here, nicer even. I could see myself enjoying living here, having a life here with my soon to be husband. Even maybe have a child or two that were loved by both parents and not just a means to an end.
Maybe I was just upset about Zachariah not wanting any children, but why? I was sure I’d have to have one, two maybe, within ten years. Did I even want any?
“Avidya?” Zachariah’s voice reached me as he entered my room. His soft footsteps stopped right behind me, but he didn’t touch me. “What’s wrong?”
I shook my head, fearing that my lack of control over my emotions would make a comeback. Surely, he’d get tired of me crying constantly. I wasn’t one to cry over everything, so why was I now?
“I’m sorry for what my father said,” he said, seeming to be saying the truth as his voice softened. “I know I need to talk to you about it all.”
He pulled me into his arms, wrapping me in a tight hug against his chest. My head rested right below his chin and I couldn’t help but think how perfect we molded together. My arms were still wrapped around my chest. His clean scent helped sooth my over sensitive nerves that had seemed to come out of nowhere.
Here in his arms, as his hands trailed up and down my back, soothing me, I couldn’t find myself to push him away. I felt safe here, and never wanted to leave his embrace.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, my tears dried up, but I didn’t want to move. I didn’t want to face the reality that was becoming of my life. Couldn’t I just hide here forever against Zachariah’s chest?
“I’m here if you ever want to talk,” Zachariah whispered against my ear. “I know you have been thrown into my world in a way that no woman should be, but I can listen. I’ll try to help as much as I can.” He paused, brushing a light kiss to the top of my head. “I can get you out if you don’t want a life with me.”
“No,” I mumbled with a shake of my head. “I’d rather know I can be safe than looking over my shoulder every single day.”
“Alright,” he sighed out, relieved. “Then why are you so upset?”
I simply shrugged, not sure myself.
Pulling back, Zachariah let me go for only a moment before he cupped my face in his palms and lifted my head so my eyes would meet his. His dark eyes held so much depth and secrets that I was sure would be shared with me one day.
“If you’re worried about what will happen after we are married, there is no need,” he said softly. “I will make sure that you are ready for that night. You know what will be expected, and it’ll be a night that you’ll never forget.”
“You will be begging me to take you,” he went on, his lips right against my ear as he spoke. “If not, my touch alone will cause you to beg me for me to take you. I’ll make you a writhing, wet mess, Princess.”
