Page 62 of Captured

After that, he’d allowed me to take my time walking into the courtyard, the circular aggregate driveway flanked by an absolutely gorgeous centerpiece. There was a massive fountain sculpted out of various materials, the trickling water pooling in an incredible lagoon-style base, the coloration just like that of the Caribbean Ocean. Tropical plants surrounded it, flowers in every color of the rainbow adding a creative flair to the artistry.

I stood in front of it for a few seconds, suddenly wishing I had a penny or two to toss into the well. Even stranger than the beauty of the design was that there were already coins in the water, the bright copper glistening in the shimmer of light.

As if reading my mind all over again, Talon pulled out a handful of change, shifting his arm in my direction. All I could do for a few seconds was stare at the contents in his hand, my heart skipping beats. When I slowly lifted my head, I was torn by the strangeness of the moment, the inability to see his eyes disturbing.

“Go on. You can wish for anything you want.”

His deep baritone was softer, more reverent. It was just something else far too confusing about the man but I accepted the gesture, selecting three coins. He laughed when I did as if I was a little glutton.

“A girl can’t hedge her bets on a single wish, you know. There is no magic genie on this island.”

He continued chuckling. “Perhaps there is, little sparrow. You never know.”

I almost laughed although there was nothing lighthearted about the moment. I brought one of the pennies to my lips, wishing that I could turn back the clock. When I flicked it toward the water, it tumbled in the air for what seemed like minutes, not a split second, the light splash allowing me to smile even though I wasn’t certain why.

I repeated the gesture, the second time wishing and hoping my father gave a damn about me, enough to at least report to the proper authorities that I was missing. The last was that one day, I’d be able to gain my life back, spending it the way I wanted.

“You killed Tyler. Why?”

“Because he was touching you inappropriately. Because he’d raped two other girls and gotten away with both attacks.”

The shock of hearing his frank words forced my mouth open. I lifted my head, frozen for a few seconds. “That can’t be true.”

“Are you so certain about that? His father is a very important man. He knows people. He uses people. His son was his only child.”

My God. I’d always thought that about Tyler. Sadly, I’d never warned my friend. What did that make me? “So you became his judge and jury.”

“I had no intention of doing so, Emily. If he hadn’t touched you, the bastard would have lived.”

“How did you know about him? We didn’t know the boys were coming.”

“Really? Your girlfriends invited them.”

I’d never considered that thought. How had they known where we were? I felt betrayed, as sick inside as when he’d been murdered.

“Come on, Emily. Let’s forget about the darkness you’ve experienced. The day is young.” He beckoned with his arm, motioning for me to come with him. When I took a couple of awkward steps, he pressed his hand against the small of my back, keeping me walking toward a Jeep. The top was off, the tires meant for off road.

I stopped and stared, both amused and impressed.

“You don’t like my choice of chariots, little sparrow?” He tossed the basket into the back, grabbing the beach bag I’d found and stuffed in the closet. I’d even found sunscreen in the bathroom closet as well as colorful beach towels. It was crazy but I’d grabbed two of them, shoving them into the bag along with one of six bathing suits. One piece, two pieces. He’d thought of everything.

If things were different, I’d feel like I was on vacation at a glorious establishment. But I continued to remind myself this was a prison, complete with barbed wire.

After I was inside, he closed the door, lifting his sunglasses and scanning the area surrounding the driveway. Who the hell was he looking for? With exuberance in his step, he crossed in front of the Jeep, jumping onto the driver’s seat. He seemed happy, at least content, another change to his demeanor. My head was spinning from not being able to read his mood changes.

But I’d need to, or I’d lose sight of what I was doing.

“How long have you lived here?” I asked as he headed down the driveway.

“Almost seven years. It took almost two full years to have the house, greenhouse, and other buildings built. I also had to hire engineers for the electrical and water supplies, which are state of the art.”

I turned in my seat, studying the beauty of the house as he drove further away. It was almost Mediterranean mixed with a beach house, the design comfortable yet artistic, something you’d find on the pages of the Florida Design magazine.

I couldn’t deny that it was breathtaking.

“How many people live here?”

“About twenty, including those who tend to the grounds, my housekeeper, and my soldiers. And yes, Emily. They know who you are and will not lift a finger to help you escape. I hope that’s something you understand.”

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