He doesn’t say anything, simply taking whatever his punishment will be.
“You’re lucky she trusts you. Stay here and keep her out of trouble.”
“Yes, boss,” he deadpans, and I have half a mind to punch him for his insolence.
I get into the car, and Damon smirks. “That was very mature of you.”
“Fuck off.”
His laughter fills the car. “I can’t fucking wait to tell Xander and Bash they have a new sister.”
Warmth spreads in my chest, and my shoulders relax. Whether she admits it or not, I know family is what she needs.
Chapter 29
Scarlet
What the hellwas I thinking? I can’t wrap my head around the fact that I’m married to cold-as-ice freaking Matthias Helios Everette . The man is frustratingly confusing, switching from cold to hot like it’s the most natural thing in the world. The last day felt like jumbled dreams. I can’t believe I almost had sex with him, only for him to drug me and handcuff me to his bed.
Nothing about this makes sense. What he says now and what he’s shown me for the last decade don’t add up. He basically told me he thought I was nothing but Laurent pond scum. Unfit to be his friend. Proceeded to avoid me completely for years, but then he forced me to marry him?
The worst part is I’m not even sure how I feel about it. The sad little fifteen-year-old, heartbroken girl in me is ecstatic. She’s practically jumping for joy that this man is finally paying attention to us. It’s the same twenty-five-year-old that knows it’s not enough to just mess around a few times. That it doesn’t guarantee my heart won’t end up shattered. That being said, marrying me is going pretty far if this is all just some big game.
I just wish I had a clear sight of what’s happening.
Frustrated, I force myself to stand and make use of my time alone. I’d watched Matthias leave with his brother, giving me theperfect opportunity to search the place and try to figure out a way out of here. There’s a large oak dresser along the far wall, the finish gleaming in the bright sun. It doesn’t look new though—someone must have taken great pains to fix it up. The drawers slide open easily, the tracks switched out to modern bearings, but it’s what’s in them that surprises me.
Neatly folded clothes fill the rectangle space. I pull out a shirt, surprised to see it’s from one of my favorite brands. I’m a little pissed that I didn’t check earlier since I was forced to wear the dress he gave me. A little voice had whispered to go out naked like he’d threatened, but I’m not sure I could have handled the punishment for that.
Not to mention the guilt from the bloodshed it would have caused.
I dress in a white eyelet shirt and a pair of jean shorts that fit me perfectly. Everything about this place seems to match my style, from the decor to the perfectly curated wardrobe.
I’m not sure if that’s creepy or sweet.
Dammit, creepy. Definitely creepy…Right?
I slide my fingers over every windowsill—no harm in double-checking, just in case. There are alarm systems set up for each one, so there’s no chance I can break it without everyone knowing. I glance out the window over the long field, where guys with semiautomatic weapons patrol. Not that I’m worried that they’ll shoot me; what would be the point in that? I hate to admit it but… if I’m being completely honest, it’s kinda nice knowing the area is protected.
I’d spent years learning how to protect myself, and it’s gotten me out of trouble. Still, having help is a feeling I’m not quite used to.
Not to mention, I went from the frying pan into the fire. Somehow, I managed to avoid one marriage only to end up married to one of the most powerful men in the Order of Saints.
Not that I’ve ever cared about his title; to me, he’s still that boy, bruised and bleeding, staring at me like I was going to be the last happy thing in his life. I’d protected him then; I shouldn’t be surprised he wants to protect me now.
There’s nothing in the hallway that can help me get out of here, so I search the kitchen.
No surprise there’s nothing sharp stocked in here. He’s underestimating me with the dull knives though. It’ll take some time without a whetstone, but I’m sure I can sharpen at least one. I open a cupboard, and I’m not sure if I should laugh or roll my eyes that all the glasses and plates are plastic. This man is not leaving anything up to chance when it comes to arming me.
I’ll give him credit for that. I’ve spent my entire life taking advantage of being underestimated.
There’s buzzing from the counter, a black phone I hadn’t noticed lit up. I grab it just in case there’s anything useful, and I’m surprised to see a text from Matthias.
Matthias: You’re wasting your time searching the house.
I spin to search the place but don’t spot any cameras. Sneaky asshole.
Me: Stop watching me. Perv.