My heart beat increased when I heard the rustling of feet behind me.
I was scared stiff.I wonder why I haven't passed out yet.With my hand by my side, I raised my gown. My legs were shaking, it was just a matter of minutes before it gave way.Slowly, I spun around with my dress sweeping across the garden.I didn't look at the owner of the voice immediately. It took a while before I raised my face.A man as dark as the shadow stood before me with his hand by his side. The night was dark so I couldn't see his face but I knew his eyes were fixed on me.I noticed he was standing beside three SUVS.His long black hair and coat shone in the moonlight as he stood beside a tree that was covered in frost.The more I stared at him, the more the bad feeling I felt in my heart increased.Goosebumps crept up on my skin and I felt completely uncomfortable.Even in the darkness, I could still feel his eyes piercing mine with intensity and I blinked rapidly.Although I was nervous, I was able to put up courage “Who are you?” I asked the strange man as I wondered where he came from.I didn't see him when I came in earlier nor did I see him entering.It was as if he had been waiting for my question because as soon as I shut my mouth, he began to walk towards me without saying a word.If not for anything, his menacing gaze and the shadows on his face terrified me. Overall he had a creepy appearance.It was then I suddenly became conscious of how far I had strayed from the castle and the fact that I was alone.Back there at the ballroom in the castle, I was certain it was lively and filled with loud music and drunk guests.If I was in danger, would anyone know?Even if I screamed, would anyone hear me?Oh, I was being ridiculous.For God’s sake, I was in Northern California. There was no more secure or welcoming environment than this city.Also, no one could come close to the castle to hurt me for any reason.I folded my arms over my white dress, ignoring my instincts that warned me to turn and run.I raised my chin, waiting for his response.It was funny how I switched from being feeble to a badass within a split second.Deep down I knew it was just for a while but I hoped it lasted long enough to put him away.The stranger came to a complete stop in front of me with his body just a few inches away from mine.I was certain he was nearly twice my weight because he was muscular and had a broad shoulder.His height was so great that the top of my head barely touched his shoulder.His black eyes glowed at me as he spoke.“Are you alone by yourself, little one?”A chill crept across my arms, which were bare beneath the white lace sleeves.The way he spoke caused my body to quiver. I shook my head before I could even think.“Hundreds of people are inside the ballroom. Who are you and what do you want?” I gathered courage to askHe curled his lips upward making it look cruel and sensual.I wanted to follow my instincts which was to run but I was curious. I wanted to know who he was, his mission and what he was up to.I was also drawn to his deep black eyes so I remained in my position.“But you aren’t in the ballroom. You’re on your own. He said. “Do you know how cold it can get on a winter night?” he asked softly.I was scared of the way he was speaking to me. I didn't know him yet, he was acting as if we had known each other for a long time.Cold shiver ran through my spine.It wasn't a new feeling to me though because no matter how high the thermostat or heater was set in the castle, I never felt warm.I was always cold around Arnold.Even as I stood outside the palace, I was cold from fright.I could tell I made the wrong decision by marrying Arnold but it was too late to turn back now.Now, speaking to a complete stranger alone didn't help a bit; rather it intensified the chills I felt but I couldn’t tell him that.I wanted to keep acting tough to put a bridge between us.Acting tough had always helped me to pull through life challenges and this wasn't in any way different from one of the numerous challenges.“I don’t mind a little snow. It’s quite beautiful.” I replied the question he had asked earlier“What bravery.”The stranger’s black eyes traced over my body, burning me wherever they came into contact.Heat rushed to my face as I noticed his gaze.“Yet you understand why I’ve come.”“Of course,” I said, perplexed.Sincerely, I had no idea about what he was talking about but I pretended to know.My thoughts were racing non stop and I was struggling to hold them in.“But you didn’t flee? Why?”“Why would I run?” I blinkedAlso immediately, my feet inched backward on their own accord.What was he talking about?Why would I run away from my wedding?His dark eyes sifted through mine as if he was sifting through my soul.“Do you accept responsibility for your crime?”I didn’t know if he was joking but his tone sounded serious.Something nudged me to run back to the palace but I felt it was too late.His face was too brutal and his body was too rigid as he stood his ground.Getting a good look at his face was difficult because the night was dark.He was like a vampire in the moonlight, who was out to suck up every bit of light despite the illumination from the sky.The darkness surrounding him extended beyond the black color of his hair, eyes, and long coat.Something about his posture made me nervous.He was risky.A danger that had slipped into the palace.Nonetheless, I forced myself to remain motionless.I returned my gaze to the castle to reassure myself that everything was going to be okay.I was confident that my husband and family were nearby and they were certain to come to my rescue if anything happened.I had no reason to be concerned.I was stressed out that I was imagining things and feeling scared for no reason.“By ‘crime,’ do you mean the wedding?” I asked lightheartedly. “It may have been a little overdone, but that’s hardly a crime. You know how extravagant weddings are these days.” I said with a calm toneTo my horror, the man didn’t even crack a smile.I swallowed my spittle then cleared my throat.“I’m sorry,” I apologized. “I shouldn’t be joking. You must have traveled a long distance to attend our wedding only to be an hour late. That would irritate anyone. I hope you are not upset about that.” I recited the words as they came to my head.“Are you upset?” he mumbled.“I’ll bring you some champagne,” I said as I took steps backwards. I was trying to use that opportunity to get away from him.My feet increased the pace at which they retraced toward the castle.“Arnold will be overjoyed to see you.”The man burst out laughing.“Wait, is that another joke?” I came to a halt almost immediately“Aren’t you one of his business partners or friends? I assumed that since you are here for the wedding, you must be a good friend of his. Am I wrong?” I asked as the man approached me.“No,” he replied.“I’m not your friend and I will never be his friend.” he added to his earlier responseHis body towered over mine without touching me as it casted a shadow over me.I perceived his physical strength as a threat. His eyes gleamed with mischief and his jaw tightened in the dark.It was at that moment that I suddenly realized that my instincts had been correct all along.There was something dark about him and I was in danger.The bad feeling I was getting about the wedding had something to do with him.I need to flee for my life right now else I'll be in great trouble.“Excuse me,” I choked as I staggered back.“My husband is expecting me. I have been gone for a long time. Hundreds of people, including security guards and police officers, are waiting for our first dance as a married couple…” I sang like the canary I had become that night.The man’s hand shot out to grab my upper arm over my lace sleeve. He gripped me tightly thereby stopping me from fleeing.“Married?” he angrily asked again.I wondered why he was acting as if he was about to kill me for saying something so simple and obvious?“Yes, it’s our… You’re causing me pain!” I mutteredHis grip on my arm had become painfully tight but that didn't stop him from reducing his grip on them.His black eyes were filled with deep, unfathomable rage as he moved his gaze from my breasts, which were pushed up by the tight dress, to the massive diamond ring sparkling on my left hand.When his eyes met mine, it was like a blast of fire as he said quietly,“You both deserve to burn in hell for what you’ve done.”I looked at him with wide eyes as fear washed over my frail body.“What? What are you talking about?” I asked.My eyes were at their widest now. I hoped the muscle holding them would not slack, else my eyes were definitely going to fall off their sockets.He yanked me so close to him that my wide dress swirled around his muscular legs.My heart jumped into my mouth before it returned to its position then began to beat widely.I was certain the stranger could hear my heart beat.“You know,” he said quietly and solemnly as he looked me over“And you already know why I’ve come.”“I don’t!” I screamed as I struggled in his grip.“Are you crazy? “Please let me go!” I cried in anguish.The stranger made no head to my plea.The rate at which my hand was aching, I wouldn't be surprised if it came off with him whenever he let go of it.I squirmed because of the pain I felt but the man was unperturbed. I understand he was strong but it was unwise of him to think the same about me. I was a weakling! I looked towards the castle but there was no sign of life heading from there. The party was still going on despite my absence. I felt upset at the discovery. For crying out loud, I was the bride and the most important person in the wedding. I wonder what my parents and my family are doing right now. I thought about Arnold too. I guess he had been so carried away speaking with his business associates that he forgot all about me. I wished I allowed my mom to come along when she asked earlier. If I did, I was sure I wouldn't be in this mess. The cool night breeze had become icy. It lifted my veil above my head then swirled it around both of us in the dark frozen night. I could feel the power and hostility emanating from his strong body. And for a brief moment, I was lost in a nightmare of ice, fire, and desire. But
Xavier I had not expected her to be so beautiful. I had not expected her eyes to pierce into my soul but they did. I looked down at the petite blonde beneath me, her slender wrists shackled in my hands, as the SUV drove down the road through the snowy night. I had instinctively covered her with my body, pressing her into the soft leather of the backseat the moment she tried to flee. I could hear her soft pleading pants and sweet scent of fresh linen and tea roses on her skin. Her every gasp lifted her full breasts higher above the tightly corseted satin dress to the point where I thought the fabric couldn’t hold her any longer. My muscles tensed, and I forced myself to turn away. I wasn’t supposed to be interested in Sylvia Browne. Yes, I despised her greatly. But use her to get the things I wanted? Certainly, that was exactly what I was going to do. So, how could I explain this sudden surge of desire? How could I explain the way she captivated me? There was absolutely no
Sylvia I went numb with shock as he pulled me from the SUV then led me across the dark tarmac to the waiting plane. I had lost my willpower to do anything so I did not resist. I allowed him to pull me like I was his puppet. His revelation of Arnold having a wife broke me. I was trying hard not to believe his words but at the same time I wanted to believe. But why? Was it because I didn't love him? What if he was just trying to tarnish Arnold's image so he could have me to himself? Several thoughts ran through my weak mind as he continued to pull me. “But he can’t have a wife,” I said aloud. I didn't mean to but I had already said it. I looked up at him with bewildered confusion in my eyes. He was wearing a neutral expression so it was hard for me to detect if he was trying to pull my legs or he meant his words. “I’m Arnold’s wife! You’re lying just to kidnap me.” I spat at him “The wedding was fake,” he said coldly. “The vows were fake. The minister was fake. And most of a
If looks could kill, Xavier was certain to be six feet below the ground because of the intensity of my stares. I was still trying to wrap my head around the words he had been saying. “I don’t believe you. You’re lying about everything.” I said “Keep on telling yourself that, princess. Deep down, you know I am telling the truth but your greedy heart won’t let you admit it.” he replied with a calm voice which irked me “If any of this were true, if he were as bad as you say, why wouldn’t his wife just divorce him?” I asked. “Why would she let him treat her cruelly by marrying another wife? Why would she let him use her money to plan a wedding for another woman?” Xavier looked away. His expression became hard as he clenched his jaw. “She can’t.” came the short reply for my numerous questions. “Why?” I asked. I needed to know more. Narrowing his eyes, he looked at me. “They were in an accident. She’s in a coma. Not that you would care. She has been in a coma for months now. Arnold i
Xavier “You are a liar!” Young Laila had gripped the gilded arms of her chair as she stared at me in her family’s mansion with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. She had returned home from boarding school after her father’s death to support her fragile mother, who had collapsed at his funeral. “No!” Laila had jumped to her feet at my news. Her hands flew to her ears as she backed away. “You’re a liar! Get out of my house! Never come back!” she yelled at me I blinked. Liar; this was the same accusation but from different women. I stared now at the young blonde who stood before me in the cabin of my private jet. Sylvia Browne was magnificent. A little too thin, perhaps, but it was hard to notice that when her full breasts swelled up against the bodice with every angry breath she took. Her waist was tiny, the perfect span for a man’s hands. Her honey-blonde hair fell back in waves as she tossed her head, her chin had now completely collapsed, exposing her swan-like throat. Her
His lips were hard and hot against hers, overwhelming Sylvia’s senses in a ruthless assault. She stiffened pressing her hands instinctively against his chest. He thought it was a go ahead for him since he didn't resist so he leaned her back then deepened the kiss, forcibly pressing her lips apart. As he plundered her mouth with his tongue, she felt a shock of sudden pleasure so sharp and raw that she gasped. She haven't encountered this before so it was a whole new experience for her. As his lips moved against hers, forcing her to respond, she was swept beneath the waves of sensation. He held her tightly and she felt the world swirl and twist around them making her get lost in a spinning current of desire she had never experienced before. She tasted the sweetness of his breath, the taste of Scotch on his tongue. She felt the roughness of his jaw against her skin, the heat of him against her body. Overpowered by her captor’s strength and the intensity of his commanding embrace,
Curled up in the chair, she imagined progressively more painful punishments for her kidnapper. It was in this state that the invisible hand of sleep drew her into the enjoyable dreams. She was practically enjoying her dreams when she felt a hand shaking her roughly. At first she thought it was a dream but when the shake became consistent, her eyes flew open. Disoriented, she sat up as she rubbed her sleepy eyes. She hasn't had enough sleep and she wouldn't mind returning to the comfort of the comfy bed. When she became conscious, she saw Xavier standing beside the bed. She looked at him before taking her eyes from his direction. Looking through the little window, she saw the plane had landed. Outside, the night was still dark but she was able to see a small, desolate airstrip by the sea. There were no flashing lights, no policemen too. None of the things she imagined would happen happened. She was still alone with Xavier and no help was coming. She even doubted if a miracle
For the remaining part of the journey to his home, no one said a word. Each was lost in their world as they stared out of the window. Sylvia ran her life right from childhood down to the present day right in her head. Things were not really good but now when she thought everything was going to fall into place, the devil sent his most trusted agent to haunt her. From the corner of her eyes, she could see Xavier rubbing his rough chin while looking out of the window. She scoffed as she slid through the seat to make herself more comfortable. Slowly her eyelids began to close because of exhaustion. Also, the cold breeze which was cascading her skin didn't help matter. But as she was about to fully delve into the world of dream, the roaring engine ceased. With a grunt of disappointment, she sat up then began to rub her sleepy eyes. The driver stepped out then went around to open the door for Xavier. He climbed out then held out his hand towards Sylvia to help her out. Instead of t