Page 41 of The Hermit

The last time I packed my belongings, I was scared of marrying Braden. But now that I know what marriage is like,fear doesn’t begin to describe what I feel as I pull my bags off the top shelf.

I set them down on the bed, and like a woman who’s been handed a death sentence, I slowly pack one item of clothing after the other.

When the sun breaks over the horizon, I carry my luggage to the front door, where I place the bags on the floor.

I head back to my room and take a quick shower before putting on the black jeans and sweater I chose to wear for the ceremony.

There’s no way I’m wearing white or a dress. I’m not making any effort to look like a bride.

I braid my hair so it’s out of my way before putting on makeup, which I consider my warpaint for the hellish day that awaits me.

I might not have a choice, but I sure as hell won’t make things easy for them.

As I stand up from my dressing table, there’s a knock at the door.

I remain quiet, but it doesn’t stop my unwelcome visitor from shoving the door open.

When Evinka walks into my private space with a garment bag draped over her arm, I start to shake my head.

“I won’t wear whatever’s in that bag,” I snap.

She places the bag on my bed, then lifts an eyebrow at me.

“Take it and leave,” I demand.

She shakes her head while crossing her arms over her chest.

Jesus, she’s probably here to force me into the dress.

I size her up, wondering if I can take her in a fight.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I lunge at Evinka. Within a split second, she somehow flips right over me as if she can fly, wraps an arm around my neck, and sweeps my feet from under me.

I slam down onto the carpet, and it takes a stunned moment to realize Evinka could easily kill me if she wanted to.

She loosens her arm around my neck, and her other hand begins to caress my hair comfortingly.

The soothing gesture is unexpected and makes the floodgates burst wide open.

When I let out a cry, she quickly moves around me and wraps me up in a tight hug. I didn’t realize how desperately I needed some form of comfort, and even though she’s a stranger to me, I cling to her as I break down.

I cry until empty sobs drift over my lips before she gently pushes me backward. Tilting her head, her eyes ask me whether I feel better.

It doesn’t change anything in my life, but the intense tension has lessened.

Her mouth lifts in an encouraging smile as she helps me to climb to my feet, then she points at the garment bag.

With my eyes locked on hers, I ask, “Will he hurt me?”

I watch as she pulls her phone out of her pocket and types something on it before turning the device toward me.

As long as you do as you’re told and don’t betray us in any way, you’ll be safe. Put on the dress. We’re running late, which is something Dominik hates.

When I’m done reading, she pats my shoulder before walking out of the room.

Evinka wouldn’t lie to me, right? There has to be some kind of woman code between us.

Shaking my head, I look at the garment bag.

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