Swallowing hard, I take a seat, my glare never leaving the mysterious man, who I know deep down in my gut had something to do with bringing me to this godforsaken island.
To my surprise, the man flashes me a friendly smile with pearly whites and says, "Adeline, it's nice to properly meet you. My name is Jackson. I'm Lucien's cousin."
Well, that explains why the two men look somewhat similar. Jackson is very handsome with the same shade of dark brown hair, but Lucien is on a whole other tier by himself since he looks like a Greek god and is much taller and much more domineering than his cousin.
"Hello," I manage to squeak out. I'm on edge, and I ball my fidgeting hands against my thighs under the tablecloth.
Lucien motions for the first course to be served. When a bowl of some kind of cream soup is placed in front of me, my stomach rolls with indifference, too upset to even think about food right now.
Feeling two sets of intimidating and watchful eyes on me, however, I force myself to eat a few spoonfuls before placing my spoon down and drinking most of the wine in my glass. The wine, like always, tastes expensive, and it helps to settle my nerves a bit.
The second course comes shortly thereafter, and I can't even bring myself to taste the delicious-smelling baked chicken and broccoli dish.
The tension is thick in the room, so thick you could cut it with a knife. And it's only making this entire situation that much harder.
Drinking the last of my wine down for some liquid courage, I turn my attention to Lucien. "When am I going home?" I ask him, my voice just above a whisper.
He shifts in his chair and meets my gaze. "I don't know yet."
I'm taken aback by his uncertainty. Lucien seems to be the type who plans things out not just weeks in advance, but months and years. The fact that he doesn't know when he's releasing me makes me extremely nervous. However, I try to keep my voice calm as I ask, "What do you mean you don't know? You can't get the plane ready or…?" I try to think of a million excuses that he could possibly have as to why he's not letting me go.
"It's too dangerous for me to let you leave right now."
"Too dangerous," I repeat, tasting the bitter words. "My father…my father can protect me. He can ---"
"Your father can do many things, Adeline, but he can't protect you, not when it comes to this."
"You know who my father is?" I ask, my voice wavering.
"I know all aboutSalvatore Valenti," he hisses with contempt.
I gasp at my father's name coming from Lucien's lips. He knows who I am and about my family? Perhaps he's known all along. A sick feeling creeps up my spine. "You kidnapped me for ransom money, didn't you?" I spit accusingly. My eyes search his face, frantic for answers.
His brows pinch together in frustration. "Does it look like I need the money?" he asks, mockingly.
As much as his answer and attitude anger me, he's right. He would have nothing to gain other than padding his already fat pockets.
"I have contacts in the U.S. who handle and supply me withwillingwomen who are paid handsomely to…give me what I want." He regards me silently for a few moments. "Someone in your father's inner circle kidnapped and sold you to me. I had no idea that had happened to you, or that someone had broken the rules, until you told me last night," he says crossly, clearly upset over the turn of events.
"I can't let you go without knowing that you'll be safe." He hesitates. "The person who betrayed you and your father could sell you again."
My hands tremble as I grasp the edge of the table to steady myself. I'm dizzy from all the knowledge my brain is attempting to process, and I'm sure the wine I pretty much chugged is not helping either.
So, all this time Lucien thought I was a willing participant who wanted to sleep with him for money. If I had told him about the kidnapping before we had sex, would he have let me go without taking what he paid for? Would I still be a virgin?
I just don't know the answers to those questions, but it's too late now anyway. What's done is done.
"Do you understand what I'm telling you, Adeline?" Lucien asks after I'm quiet for a long time. "There's no telling what could happen to you if I returned you to your home…or anywhere, for that matter. You're in danger."
I shake my head, thinking over everything that has happened over the past two weeks. How do I even know Lucien is telling the truth about all of this? What if he's lying to keep me here? It's not like I even know him or what he's capable of. "You…you're lying," I rasp out. "I don't believe you."
Lucien's eyes narrow as he regards me. "Why would I lie to you? I have no reason to."
"You lied before," I tell him, my voice unsteady. "You told me you'd let me go."
His hand clenches into a fist on the table. "I already explained to you why I can't let you go," he admonishes me.
"My father…and my fiancé…they would protect me!" I insist.
