Page 25 of Ensnared
Vaughn remained silent, his jaw clenched as he methodically cut into his steak. The atmosphere at the table shifted, growing heavier with each passing second.
Colson’s gaze flicked to me, and I felt the weight of his expectations settle on my shoulders. “You’ll have more lessons tomorrow,” he said, his voice leaving no room for argument. “You’ll need to be well-prepared for the dinner party this weekend. It’s important you make a good impression.”
I nodded, unable to find the words to respond. The room felt colder, the walls closing in as the reality of my situation settled over me like a shroud. Easton’s presence was the only thing keeping me tethered to some semblance of normalcy, but even that felt fragile under Colson’s watchful eye.
The rest of the meal passed in stilted conversation, with Easton doing his best to keep the atmosphere light. But I could feel Colson’s eyes on me the entire time, a silent reminder that I was no longer just Joey. I was his bride-to-be, and everything I did from this point on would be scrutinized, measured, and judged.
As the meal ended and the plates were cleared, I excused myself, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me. I needed a moment to collect myself before I faced whatever else Colson had in store for me.
But as I stood to leave, Easton caught my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “If you need anything,” he said quietly, his eyes meeting mine with a sincerity that made my chest tighten, “I’m here for you, Joey. Don’t forget that.”
I nodded, my throat too tight to speak. I squeezed his hand in silent thanks before pulling away, feeling both comforted and more alone than ever as I left the dining room. But I would get away that easily. Colson called after me.
“Josephine, I’d like to see you in my room.”
I frowned. “Your office.”
He stroked his chin. “My bedroom, Josephine, the one you will share with me after we’re married.”
I swallowed hard, hoping he couldn’t hear it. “Now?”
“Give me five minutes.”
He headed up the stairs and I looked after him. Vaughn came from the shadows near the stairway.
“He’s going back on his word. You can’t honestly believe he’ll wait until your married, do you?”
I hugged myself as my stomach churned. “I have to believe that he’ll keep his word.”
“He won’t but you chose which bed you wanted to share and now you have to deal with it,” he spat, walking toward the kitchen.
Chapter 10
I loitered near Colson’s door, my heart pounding in my chest. Every instinct screamed at me to turn around and leave, but I forced myself to knock, my knuckles rapping lightly against the wood. His voice, deep and commanding, called for me to enter.
As I pushed the door open, I was hit with a sight that made my breath catch in my throat. Colson stood there, bare-chested, wearing nothing but a pair of black silk lounge pants that clung low on his hips. The man I had seen only in tailored suits was now a vision of raw, unapologetic masculinity, and I wasn’t prepared for it.
Two deep oblique cuts flanked a set of abs that looked like they’d been carved from stone. His chest was broad and well-defined, every muscle sculpted with precision. His arms, thick with muscle, rested casually at his sides, but the power they held was undeniable. I gulped, trying to draw air into my lungs, but it was as if the room had suddenly become devoid of oxygen.
My eyes betrayed me, drifting downward despite my best efforts. It was almost impossible to keep my gaze fixed on his face when everything about him demanded attention. His physique wasmore than just impressive; it was a testament to the discipline and control he wielded in every aspect of his life.
Colson noticed my struggle, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Josephine, take a seat.”
This was the first time I’d been in his room. It was almost twice the size of mine, in other words, massive. The bedroom was a testament to power and opulence. The walls were a deep, charcoal gray, giving the room a masculine edge that was both commanding and sophisticated. Rich, dark wood floors stretched out beneath my feet, polished to a mirror-like shine, and a plush, hand-woven rug in deep burgundy and navy tones anchored the space, adding a touch of warmth.
In one corner of the room, a separate sitting area invited relaxation, with two oversized leather armchairs flanking a low, mahogany coffee table. A floor-to-ceiling bookshelf lined the wall behind them, filled with leather-bound volumes and a few well-placed artifacts that hinted at a life well-traveled. The soft glow of a fireplace, built into the wall, cast flickering shadows, making the space feel both intimate and grand.
Across from the sitting area, a dressing area was subtly partitioned off by a set of intricately carved wooden screens, offering privacy while still maintaining the flow of the room. Open double dark wood doors led to a walk-in closet where I could see inside. A large mirror, framed in sleek black metal, stood beside a wide granite topped island with elegant cufflink boxes and trays for watches.
But it was the bed that truly dominated the room, unlike any I had ever seen. It was custom-made, larger than even a California king, its massive frame constructed from the same rich wood that accented the rest of the room.
The headboard was upholstered in luxurious black leather, tufted with deep-set buttons, and it rose high against the wall, making a statement of both comfort and authority.
The bed was draped in layers of thick, soft bedding—crisp white sheets beneath a charcoal gray duvet, with an assortment of pillows in varying shades of black, gray, and burgundy adding texture and depth. It was the kind of bed that seemed to promise a perfect night's sleep, wrapped in indulgence.
In the far corner, a sleek, modern desk sat beneath a large window, the light filtering through heavy drapes that matched the bedding. An open laptop rested on the polished surface, alongside a few neatly stacked papers and a black Montblanc pen. The setup was minimalist, yet everything about it spoke of precision and authority.
On the wall opposite the bed, a huge television was mounted, its screen so large it practically demanded attention. Below it, a low media console held a few high-end electronics, but the room was otherwise free of clutter, every item carefully chosen and perfectly placed.
