Page 95 of Captured

She hadn’t been with him when he’d been married, only coming into his employ after he’d quit his job and sequestered himself away. “You think so?”

Nodding, she grabbed a towel and wiped her hands. “Very much so. Is there anything else you need tonight?”

“Not a thing. Please go home and enjoy your evening.”

“I will, Miss Emily. You do the same.”

I watched her walk out before heading for the bottle of wine, pouring a hefty glass. I stood in the kitchen, noticing someone had brought in a massive bouquet of flowers. And I couldn’t help but think about the white roses he’d brought me several times.

Including as my stalker.

My God. I was still losing my mind, but what a way to do so.

After taking another sip, I left the kitchen, milling through the house, doing nothing more than enjoying the art, listening to music, and counting the number of books he had on various bookshelves.

Rico had told me his boss was a prolific reader. Styx was eclectic as well, his tastes in literature running the gamut of history books to war novels, suspense thrillers and even a couple of romance titles. As I finished looking around, I realized I’d gone into every room. Correction, I’d been in every room but one.

Styx’s private bedroom.

He hadn’t told me I couldn’t, but I’d gathered his private space held memories that weren’t mine to intrude on. Why was it that I felt a need to look through his private things now? To try to get closer to him? To understand him even more? I wasn’t certain but I found myself heading up to the third floor of the house, glancing over my shoulder as if fearful I’d be caught.

A bad girl.

The wine tasted good as well as brought me a crazy amount of courage. When I headed for the closed door at the end of the hall, I realized I was holding my breath. Maybe what I was doing was very wrong. Yes?

The naughty girl couldn’t seem to help herself, turning the knob and walking inside. The bedroom was majestic, fit for a king with a massive ornate wood carved bed and a vibrant purple comforter. The artwork was just as evocative as the rest of the house but with a gentle and much more intimate flair.

His dresser and two nightstands were just as spectacular in design, likely worth thousands of dollars. I sat down on the bed for a few seconds, drinking in the atmosphere as I glanced around the room. Then I couldn’t seem to help myself, moving to the closet after setting the glass of wine carefully down on his dresser.

As suspected, the majority of his suits were all in black or a deep charcoal. However, on the other side of his closet it appeared as if he’d recently purchased some new and very colorful clothing, including brightly printed casual shirts. Really? I grinned and moved to one of his suits, pulling up the sleeve, gathering a lingering scent of him.

The man was all male. That was certain.

I touched almost everything in the massive closet, including the drawer full of expensive watches before returning to the bedroom. Another quick glance at the door was followed by the very wicked girl inside of me opening one drawer then another.

Until my heart ceased to beat for a few seconds.

A single framed photograph was positioned on red velvet in the bottom drawer. My hands were shaking as I pulled the beautiful picture into my hands. After that, I couldn’t seem to stop shaking. His wife and son were embodied in a happier time, the woman’s face full of light and love as she stared up at the person taking the photograph.

Which I had no doubt was Styx.

My God. I was sick inside for him, my mind spinning once again.

“You shouldn’t be in here.”

The voice was gruffer than usual and I almost dropped the frame. “I’m sorry. I just…”

Rico walked further inside, leaning against the wall. He studied me before lowering his gaze to the photograph. “She was the light of his life. Until you came along. He’s finally smiling again.”

“You knew her?”

He glanced away, deep in thought. “I did. I was already working for the family then in a slightly different capacity.”

“Was he a different man, happier?”

“He was very happy and adored little Josh with all his heart. He also seemed happy with work.”

“And the tragedy?”

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