HONOR
Beneath the glitter and gold lurks poison.
Nestled amongst the trees, tucked away at the end of a private road, is the thirteen million dollar mansion we call home. Gideon is from old money and it shows in the elegant, classy details embedded into every inch of our house. We descend the sweeping staircase decorated for the season with garlands and twinkling lights. People turn to watch us. Excited chatter dies down as the women skim over me with disdain and over Gideon with longing. If only they knew they wouldn’t be on his bed screaming in ecstasy, but in agony.
Not to say he isn’t capable of giving pleasure. He is. That’s the absolute devastation he commands. I know what he could give, what he gave prior to our marriage, and yet he chooses pain. It’s his love language. Rain taps on the windows, transporting me back to the day my life altered its course.
I shiver as the early evening air turns muggy. The first splash of cool rain against my overheated skin makes me giggleas I rush along the street back to my apartment. I’m high on the company of good friends and great food. My feet pause on the sidewalk as a town car races past and splashes me from head to toe, soaking my short flirty red summer dress. I curse the occupants with a grin on my face. My father would be proud, and my mother mortified.
The car skids to a halt, blurry red lights winking at me as it reverses. They couldn’t have heard me, right? I dart my gaze up and down the street, getting ready to make a break for it. This isn’t like the smut books I love. If some masked dude exits this car, I am running.
Left or right? I turn right as the car door opens and a huge black umbrella snaps out. My feet freeze, and my heart pounds in my chest. My fingertips tingle as adrenaline floods my body. If they’re after a fight when their driver gave me an impromptu shower, I’ll damn well give it to them.
The umbrella lifts, and a real life Prince Charming steps forward, shielding us both under the umbrella.
“Are you okay?” His voice is cultured, smooth, lulling.
I blink the water off my eyelashes as his baby blues examine me from head to toe. Not in a slimy way, but assessing for any damage.Be still my beating heart.Did I stumble upon the rare breed of gentleman in New York? According to my best friend, they are the things of myth and legend.Sucks to be a nonbeliever right now, huh, Jen?
“You’re shivering. Here, hold this.” He hands me the handle of the umbrella and shrugs off his long dress coat before wrapping it around my shoulders. Damn, he smells good. What is that? Woodsy, smoky, with a hint of vanilla. I inhale again. I’m aware I look like I escaped from a locked room, but I don’t care.
“Can I give you a lift home?” He wraps an arm around my waist and ushers me toward the car. My survival instincts kick in, and I dig my heels in.
“What? No. I’m good. Thank you. It’s a little water. I’m not going to die.”
“You’ll catch a cold.”
“It’s a common misconception that being cold gives you a virus. It doesn’t.”
He laughs. “Beautiful and smart. You get more intriguing with every word, Miss…?”
“Honor.” Wait, no. I shouldn’t be giving out my name to gorgeous strangers. Did he call me beautiful and smart?
“Honor.” My name graces his lips, and it’s all I can do to not beg him to say it again so I can watch the way his mouth forms the syllables. “I insist.”
I shrug out of his coat. He shakes his head and tucks it around me tighter. “I can walk. It’s only a few blocks from here.”
He raises a brow. “Worried I’m going to kidnap you?”
My lips twitch. “And the murder. Let’s not forget the endgame.”
He runs a hand over his jaw. “If I was going to kidnap you, Honor, and have you at my mercy, you wouldn’t be screaming in fear.”
I raise a brow. Oh, he’s a little cocky under that smooth exterior. I kinda like it. “Really?”
“Alas, you are not on the menu tonight as I have a meeting to get to after I’ve dropped you safe and sound at home. Plus, you are the sort of woman who deserves to be wined, dined, and wooed.”
Who says wooed? I relent for a split second. Murderers don’t drive around in town cars, right?Don’t be stupid, Honor. You’ve never met a murderer, so how would you know?I shake my head and whip his coat off before handing it back to him. He sighs.
“Take the umbrella at least.”
I laugh asI spin in a circle in the pouring rain. “Why? The weather is glorious.”
I disappear into the night, a carefree soul, not knowing I’ve incited a monster to stalk my freedom I took for granted. To spin my confidence into subservience. The hunt is on, and I’m the ultimate prey.
“Honor.” My mother snaps her fingers in front of my face. I must have zoned out while we passed through the crowd offering pleasantries. It’s ingrained behavior now. Nobody is interested in Gideon’s pretty wife. I have nothing of value to say or offer to these people, and I’ve long since stopped trying or caring.
I glance at my side. No Gideon. Odd.
