Page 34 of Beneath the Watching

As the men talked,I walked back to the sofa to sit down and listen. I was hungry, thirsty, tired, and confused. Somehow, I’d gotten myself mixed up in a situation beyond my comprehension and I knew Madison and Al must be freaked out. She now had two friends that’d completely disappeared. Between that, my concern over how I’d get home, and Stefan’s obvious internal battle over some type of feelings he held for me, my thoughts were a mess.

A million questions ran through my mind, including why my kidnapper said one thing and did another while his eyes held me as a lover’s would.

Right now, my main curiosity was Lucian, who’d made himself at home in Stefan’s living room or apartment—or whatever this was. He’d said we were in a castle, and I only had hazy memories of his men bringing me in that night they’d rescued me. I didn’t know where to go or what to do.

Plus, Stefan had said I was in danger.

He was a deeply suspicious man, and I could only guess why he held such an inherent distrust. I found myself not wanting to add to his turmoil and waited until Lucian took his exit. Whenthe door shut behind him, Stefan sat down in a recliner near the end of the sofa, rubbing his temples. After he appeared to have collected himself, I asked, “Can you tell me what’s happening?”

He stared at me, a mix of emotions crossing his face. There was an obvious conflict in his mind as he pressed his fingers to his chin, eyes carefully appraising me. A flicker of frustration curled his lip before he spoke.

“I’ve never done this before,” he said, finally.

I waited but he didn’t continue. “Done what?” I encouraged after several seconds.

His eyes shuttered as he took a deep breath. “Taken a woman for myself like this. Taken anyone. I didn’t intend for this to happen, I didn’t want it to happen, but here we are.”

“Why not send me back, then?” I picked up the magazine I’d been reading earlier and began flicking through the pages. “And didn’t you offer me food? I’m sorry but I am hungry.”

Stefan sighed. “My apologies. There will be plenty of food at the event tonight. I think you’ll very much enjoy it.”

He was avoiding answering me. “Stefan, I need you to stop playing games with me, please. Your little manipulations and word games may work great for you with others but they’re useless with me.”

His eyes widened slightly, and he had the courtesy to look apologetic for about a quarter of a second. He glanced down at his lap before raising his gaze and chuckling lightly. Then, he stood up and crossed the floor, coming to a stop in front of me and tapped my legs open with his calf.

“It's a habit, a useful one. But I will try.” He squatted in front of me, placing his hands on my knees so he was near eye level with me.

My heart thumped in my chest. The draw I felt toward him was both unwarranted and ill-timed, due to the circumstances,but it was there. “I can hear your heart beating for me,” he said reverently.

When I remembered to breathe, I replied, “I’m scared.”

“That’s a natural reaction when one encounters a predator.”

I giggled and he tilted his head. “Only you would laugh.”

“You’re not that scary.”

He smirked. “I’ll try harder, next time.”

Returning his smile, I said, “Please answer my question.”

Stefan stood, adjusting the waistband of his slacks. “As I told you, tonight you’ll remain silent and by my side. I need you to comply with any request I make of you.” He raised his head, capturing my gaze. “No, you will not be returning home. I have reason to believe Julian will make a play for you.”

Well, that took care of Al and Madison’sthing, whatever was going on between the two of them. They were now free to be together.

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be in your way,” I said softly. While I’d released my friends’ burden, I’d managed to cause another.

“I want you here.” Stefan stated.

How many times did he say he didn’t? “That’s not what you said before. I don’t want to be a problem or get in the way of your lifestyle or whatever you have going on here. Just send me back, I can take care of myself.”

“I know I said that before. It was a lie. I want you and I will take care of you. You’re not going back, you can’t. I do remember you said you have no idea how you get here, and I have precautions to prevent your exit should you accidently try to leave.”

Dropping the magazine onto the table, I glanced up. “How’s that?”

His eyes followed the glossy book. “Spell work. It works like a net; you won’t get through.”

Briefly, I imagined myself caught in a tangle of yarn like a fish. I shook the image away. “Are you a witch? What is this place? I thought vampires were movie characters.” Earlier, he’d said the blood thirsty creatures would be at the gathering we were going to. Visions of shrouded skeletal figures filled my mind.

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