No matter how much I tried to stop it, to change what I was seeing, to have control, none of it worked. All I was left with was the empty void and panicked breathing…
Gasping, I shot up in bed. Sweat coated my body and my heart thudded so loudly in my ears I couldn’t hear anything else. Panic and fear iced my veins as I sat there, still stunned from my nightmare. But the longer I sucked in air, the less the emotions affected me until my heart rate had calmed and my chest wasn’t tight. I tossed the blanket off of me and slipped from between the sheets, my focus falling immediately onto my laptop that sat closed on my desk. Sinking into the chair, I took a breath, reached for the computer, and opened the top. I needed some semblance of control, even if it was only an illusion.
I’d been allowed to keep the laptop, but not before it’d been thoroughly gone through by my father’s men and Gaven’s too. Intelligent men, for sure, but also underestimating. None of them had ever considered that I knew the back route into the darkest of internet places.
The dark web. Where identities could be traded, bought, and stolen as easily as walking into a store and picking up a pack of gum. Before I’d been captured, I’d been working on this. A new person—a new me. Freedom.
And I probably wasn’t the only person who wanted freedom from this life. I bet hundreds of people were out there, just like me, trapped in the cruel underground criminal world. The government couldn’t help them, just like it couldn’t help me. Even knowing what I did was a crime, I’d—in essence—become an accomplice. I’d known that from the moment my father confirmed all of Jackie’s claims.
The dark web had been my way of fighting back. My knowledge of technology and what it could accomplish was askill they couldn’t take away from me. Maybe someday it would be my salvation.
Taking a deep, steadying breath, I leaned back in my chair, slumping against the worn cushions. I couldn’t risk it. Not now. Not so quickly after I’d been caught, but at least I knew I had a chance. Maybe. It wasn’t much, but knowing the option was still there finally calmed the remaining worry.
Still, I might not even need it. The dream—for all the hellish emotions and worries that had tried to plague me from it—had also given me an idea. A deal with the devil. Gaven Belmonte wanted a child, and I wanted freedom of choice. Getting up from my chair, I shut my computer and headed into the bathroom. I bent over the sink and splashed a handful of cold water on my face, relishing in the refreshing sensation on my sweat-coated forehead and flushed cheeks. When I stood back up, I found my own tired, haunted eyes staring back. Dark circles were forming, and my skin was a sickly pallor. Grinding my teeth, I straightened my spine and strode from the bathroom.
All Gaven wants is an heir,I reminded myself, and he’ll do anything to get what he wants.
I could give him that. It would be easier, no doubt, if I were willing. I could be convinced to be willing too. All I needed in return was a promise. College. Normalcy. It wasn’t everything I wanted, but it was something. To elicit such a promise, though, I would have to face him again. After everything Gaven had done to me, after all that he’d made me feel … I would have to stand before him and offer myself and sign the paperwork that would officially make him my husband.
The alarm on my bedside buzzed, announcing that it was time for me to get ready. Wanting to get ahead of the game, I rushed through my routine. Today was the day I’d be looking for my wedding dress—a dress I was shocked they were lettingme select myself—but it was also a day I’d be forced to be near Gaven. It was perfect for what I had planned.
I found Gaven in my father’s office. The door was open, but I still knocked softly on the rich wood and waited for an answer.
“Come in,” my father called out. I pushed the door wider and stepped inside. Gaven’s ever-vigilant gaze found mine, his lips tipping up slightly.
“You called for me,” I said coolly. Try as I might, I couldn’t stop the downward turn of my eyes as I looked him over. He was dressed pristinely today. No suit coat but a dark button-down and slacks. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing thick forearms that reminded me of the things he’d done to me. I shivered and yanked my attention away.
“Yes, I did.” My father lifted a brow as he looked back at me. “There will be no more running away, Evangeline,” he stated. “Gaven will be going with you to your fitting.”
I nodded. Just as I’d anticipated. “I understand, Dad. I know you’re upset, but I promise I’ll be good.”
He narrowed his gaze on me—as did Gaven, though I ignored him. After a moment, though, he merely nodded and then waved a hand as if dismissing both of us.
“Keep me updated on the Bertellis,” Gaven said, glancing at my father as he spoke. “They will likely still be upset by the marriage, but with things this close, there’s no stopping it now.”
My father scowled as if reminded of something awful. I stood by, silent and patient, but still listening in.Could the Bertellis be the family that had tried to kill me that day on the street?
“They will be dealt with,” my father sneered. “You keep her safe.”
Gaven nodded and stood from his chair. “Angel.” I looked up as he approached and didn’t shy away as he stopped at my side or when he took my hand. “Shall we?”
If he was surprised by my lack of hesitancy, he didn’t show it. In fact, he didn’t say a word as he led me out into the hallway, down the corridor to the staircase, and into the foyer. We were met by a small battalion of guards who lined our sides, front and back, as we left the mansion and got into a town car.
“You’re being quite good today, darling,” Gaven commented as he released my hand and the car moved forward.
Folding my hands into my lap, I turned and met his gaze. “Yes, I am,” I said.
“It makes a man think you’re planning something.”
“I am,” I agreed.
His gaze lit up and then narrowed. “Oh?” He arched a brow. “Do tell.”
I inhaled sharply. “As it stands,” I began, “you want something from me.”
“I want a lot of things from you, darling,” Gaven replied with a cruel twist of his lips. “But do go on.”
“What if I stopped fighting it?” I said.
