Looking somewhat mollified by his words, the woman shifted her gaze to Aria, her dark eyes warming with curiosity. “Well, aren’t you a stunning little thing? I can see why my brother’s so taken with you.”
Brother. Right. She could see the resemblance now, around the eyes, though the woman’s were a deep brown rather than her brother’s vivid green. And the mouth, especially with that teasing smile on her lips.
“He’s only obsessed with me because he knocked me up.”
More of that curiosity filled the other woman’s gaze, along with a smug sort of knowledge that had Aria fighting back a wave of temper. “I’m sure he’s perfectly willing to let you believe that.”
What the hell was that supposed to mean?
But before she could ask, the man next to her let out what could only be described as a growl. “Behave, Reagan.”
“Why would I, when the alternative is so much more fun?”
“Reagan.”
“Oh, all right.” Rolling her eyes at her brother, Reagan reached for Aria’s hand. “Come on, I’ll show you up to your room and you can tell me all about how much of an overbearing asshole my brother is.”
Beside her, Killian sighed. “You’re impossible.”
“And you love me, anyway. Give me at least an hour to get to know my future sister-in-law before you come storming the gates.”
Telling herself she was only going along with Reagan to get away from Killian, Aria let herself be led up the gorgeously curved staircase to the second floor.
“Killian’s room is that way.” Reagan pointed to a hallway to the left at the top of the stairs before turning right. “He thought you might be more comfortable with some distance between you, so you’re down this hall with me.”
Stopping in front of a closed door halfway down the hall, Reagan turned and pinned her with a look that was so reminiscent of her brother, Aria’s stomach exploded with nervous butterflies. “But don’t let that fool you into thinking you’ll be able to slip out undetected. I’m a very light sleeper and there will be a guard posted at your door every night.”
“Yeah, so I’ve been told.”
Lips twitching, Reagan turned the knob, pushing the door open to reveal a stunning bedroom all done up in different shades of blue and green. A canopy bed stood against one wall, and an image flashed in Aria’s mind of her, limbs akimbo and tied to each of the four posts while a certain dark-haired criminal worshiped every inch of her body the way he had at the club.
Praying her face wasn’t as red as it felt, Aria stepped into her room—no, scratch that.
Her prison.
Because that’s what it was. No matter how beautifully appointed it was, no matter how ridiculously comfortable that bed looked, this house was a prison and this room her cell.
Not for long. I’m getting the hell out of here as soon as humanly possible.
“I know this all probably seems very extreme.” Reagan’s voice was quieter now, soft with understanding. “But our world is one of extremes, and if Killian says this is necessary to keep you safe, then there really is no other option.”
Turning, Aria pinned her with a bland stare. “Are you always so willing to do your brother’s bidding, or am I a special case?”
A grin stretched across Reagan’s face as she shrugged and made her way over to the canopy bed, where she propped herself up against the headboard, looking for all the world like some Grecian goddess with her generous curves barely concealed by the dress slacks and white button up shirt she was wearing. “I make it a point to give my brother hell whenever possible. But just like him, I don’t mess around when it comes to our family’s safety.”
“I wasn’t in any danger!” All the frustration she’d felt before came rushing to the surface. Apparently the shock had worn off and she was back to righteous fury. “I was just walking to work, like I’ve done every day for months without any issue. The only person trying to kidnap me was him!”
“And he succeeded.”
Snarling at her captor, Aria paced, her movements jerky, agitated as she moved around the room. “He only succeeded because he knew exactly where I’d be and that I wouldn’t be expecting him.”
“How did he know where you would be?”
“What?” Pausing her pacing, Aria frowned at the woman on the bed watching her with an infuriatingly serene expression.
Reagan raised a dark brow. “How did he know exactly where you would be this morning?”
“Because he’s a creepy fucking stalker.”
