Gaia
Although it would be bloody difficult, there had to be a way to escape this house. I was allowed to stroll through the grounds to get fresh air, and there were acres of property, woods and even a lake. This man had more guards than the President. To get to him would be difficult, unless….”
The parameter was surrounded by high walls and electric fencing. There were guards inside the house, too, lurking around. I knew they were there, watching my every move, waiting for me to slip up and make a run for it so they could report to their boss.
What they didn’t realize was that I would never leave here, not without my brother. I was currently roaming the endless halls, looking at the priceless paintings hanging on the walls. This house was beyond impressive, but it lacked the feeling of a home. There were no pictures of family in the living room. I wondered if the monster even had any. I entered the library and glanced at the a massive painting of an older man that hung over the fireplace. If it wasn’t for the set of the jaw and the ancient hairstyle, it could have been Arthur. With the same dark eyes and stubborn features, I figured it must be his father. I hated the way he seemed to glare at me. I felt a chill run through me.
“He’s pretty intimidating, isn’t he?”
“Doesn’t run in the family.” I sneered.
I didn’t turn to face Arthur as I continued fingering the books in the impressive library. This was one of the places I felt most comfortable in the house, despite the old fool staring down at me. I knew Arthur’s goons would not be caught dead in a room like this. All brawn and no brains. Fuckers. I knew that was a tad judgemental, but I hated them all.
A beautiful baby grand piano stood before the large windows that overlooked a lake. I hadn’t touched it, I wouldn’t. This was not a place for music. This was not a place to bare my soul, which is what music was to me. Music was deeper than words, more intense than lovemaking. It simply was.
“He was quite a legend, Luther Calthorpe. Some said he was a monster.”
“I've met worse.” I bit back.
“Have you now?” He laughed.
I could hear his footfalls nearing me, and I finally met his gaze. His eyes scrunched at the corners when he laughed, making him almost look human. I’d watched him from a distance, trying to understand the man, but I never really took the time to see him. Yeah, he was a tyrant, but there was something almost humane in his dark blue eyes when he wasn’t angry. I’d never seen blue eyes that dark before. It is true what they say about beauty in darkness because he was strikingly good looking, for an older guy that is. Styled salt and pepper hair, a strong jawline, and one small dimple on his cheek. His crow’s feet even suited him, made him more distinguished, and his tailored suits fit his form perfectly. I’d seen him in much less too. He often ran around the grounds wearing shorts, and I’d walked in on him in his gym a few times, slipping out unseen. I knew there were muscles there.
What the hell was I thinking? This was madness. It must’ve been withdrawal from the outside world that was messing with my mind.
“You like to read?”
“A bit,” I pulled out a title I didn’t recognize.
“You read French?”
I looked at the book in my hand then stuffed it back. I sighed, moving away from him.
“I hear you play the piano too. You’re welcome to play here or the main piano.”
I didn't bother answering, I just glared at him. “Got to my father yet?”
“No, but we’re close.” He was in my space again, his cologne making it difficult for me to breathe.
“Let me know when you do.” I turned and looked up at him as he placed his hands on the shelves behind me, caging me in.
“That’s your defense, isn’t it? The sarcasm and forthrightness?”
“You calling me a bitch?” I asked, a small smile tugging the corner of my lips at his choice of words.
He shook his head. “You’re just really difficult.” His voice took on a husky edge. “I- I’ve just never met anyone like you.”
He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, the contact startling me. “I could make your stay here more interesting,” his voice was low, and his eyes burned with hunger. “In fact, I could slip my hands...” He placed a hand on my bare thigh, and I sucked in a breath. “...in those places that are throbbing for me right now.” I swallowed, my lips parting, my nipples pebbling, my body betraying me. I had to get away from him.
I moved under his arm and stood in front of a row of books on music, the distance letting me catch my breath. How could this man have an effect on me?
I stood staring at the books, wondering if I would ever get a chance to have a normal life again, to play again, to teach others to hone their talents. Whether Gabe would.
“Why are you doing this to us? We’ve done nothing to you.” The distance between us allowing me to think rationally again.”
“Is it really that bad being here?” He asked with a cocked brow.
Yes, he’d made sure I had the finest things, but my brother was in a basement shooting up and fucking whores.
