Page 32 of Ensnared
“Don’t let her get to you,” Easton said, his voice low and serious. “My father won’t let her take advantage of you.”
There was something else he wanted to say, I could see it in the way his jaw tightened, but he held back, his eyes clouded with thoughts he kept to himself. I wanted to press him, to ask what was on his mind, but something in his demeanor told me to leave it alone, at least for now.
The two days Colson was away flew by in a blur of activity. I threw myself into work, determined to distract my mind from the lingering tension. When Wednesday morning rolled around, I felt refreshed after a rare, good night’s sleep. It was a new day,and I was ready to tackle the mountain of emails that had been piling up.
I dove into my inbox with renewed focus, managing to fit six hours of work into just four. The satisfaction of crossing tasks off my list gave me a boost of confidence I hadn’t felt in a while. But by the time Velva and Luke, the sommelier, arrived, I was ready for a break.
Velva was relentless, drilling me on etiquette until it became second nature. Then Luke took over, guiding me through the complexities of wine tasting. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself enjoying the process, even if I had to spit out every sample to keep from getting tipsy. The more I learned, the more my confidence grew.
But on Thursday, just when I thought I had everything under control, Luke ended our session early. I was surprised but didn’t have time to question it before an esthetician arrived at the door, her expression professional yet unreadable.
“This is at Mr. Ashworth’s request,” she said, her tone leaving no room for debate.
My stomach tightened with a mix of dread and curiosity. I tried to keep my composure as she led me to the spa next to the gym, setting up her table and equipment. It was obvious she had been here before.
The process was clinical, but nothing could prepare me for the sharp sting as she began to wax me. The pain was intense, a searing burn that made me bite down on my lip to keep from crying out. I gripped the edge of the table, focusing on anything but the sensation as she worked.
When it was over, I felt a strange mix of embarrassment and something else—something unexpected. With all the hair gone between my legs, I felt vulnerable, exposed... but also oddly empowered. It was as if a layer had been stripped away, not just physically, but mentally too.
After the esthetician left, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror in my bathroom, my skin still tingling from the ordeal. I looked different, not just on the outside but beneath the surface. There was a newfound awareness in my eyes, a realization that Colson was exerting power over me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. And yet, as much as I hated to admit it, there was a part of me that felt undeniably... sexy.
Colson was supposed to return tonight, and with Simone back in the house, I was relieved. She was like a snake, always coiled and ready to strike, and I was tired of being her target. As I dressed for dinner, a loud knock startled me. My heart skipped a beat as I adjusted the hem of my dress and opened the door.
Colson stood there, impeccably dressed in a light gray suit, black tie, and a crisp white shirt. His presence filled the doorway, exuding an aura of control that made my pulse quicken. Before I could utter a word, he pulled me into his arms, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered, "I heard you're making wonderful progress with your studies."
His voice was smooth, almost like a caress. "Sunny said you dance beautifully, and her services are no longer required. I'm impressed, my bride."
Heat crept up my neck, the weight of his praise unsettling. "Thank you," I whispered, barely able to meet his gaze.
His smile was slow, deliberate. "I was also told you were waxed today."
Before I could react, he backed me into the room, closing the door with a soft click that echoed in the silence. My breath hitched as he slid his hand up my leg, his touch searing on my flesh. When his fingers brushed the sensitive skin of my inner thigh, I froze, every muscle in my body tensing in anticipation. But just as quickly, he withdrew his hand, leaving me breathless and on edge.
"We’ll save the surprise for this evening," he murmured, his voice low and laced with something that made my stomach flip. "You’ll come to my room."
I nodded, my throat too tight to form words. His hand moved to cup my face, his fingers gentle but firm as he tilted my chin up. When his lips met mine, I closed my eyes, trying to steel myself against the pull of his charm. It was impossible not to remember the way he’d hurt me in the limo just two days ago, the way his rage had seeped through every word and touch.
What would he do if he found out I’d spent the past couple of nights walking and swimming with Easton? The thought sent a shiver down my spine, fear mingling with the lingering warmth of his kiss. I couldn’t afford to let my guard down—not now, not ever.
Colson pulled back slightly, his eyes searching mine as if trying to read the thoughts I kept hidden. I forced a smile, hoping it was convincing enough to hide the turmoil inside me. Would he hurt me again? The question hung between us, unspoken, as he released me and turned to leave the room, leaving me standing there, trembling and unsure of what the night would bring.
Dinner was a tightrope walk, every word and glance charged with unspoken tension. The atmosphere grew even more strained when Vaughn arrived late, his presence immediately thickening the air with animosity. His eyes locked onto mine as soon as he noticed Colson’s hand slip under the tablecloth, disappearing from view.
I forced my face into a neutral mask, but my body betrayed me. The warmth of Colson’s hand on my knee, slowly inching up my thigh, sent a rush of heat through me. My nipples hardened, and a wave of desire pooled low in my belly. I reached for my water glass, desperate for something to cool the fire building inside me, but it was no use. Colson’s hand retreated to slice a piece of chicken, leaving me on the edge, the damage already done.
My mind raced, searching for relief—anything to extinguish the throbbing need between my legs. But I knew Colson too well; he wouldn’t allow it. The release I craved would come only on his terms, and my fiancé seemed intent on prolonging my torment.
I pushed the food around my plate, focusing on keeping my breathing steady as Colson made small talk with his children. I felt Vaughn’s gaze burning into me, and when I glanced up, the intensity in his bright blue eyes nearly made me flinch. He looked as if he wanted to burn me alive.
“I noticed the pool was used last night,” Colson said.
Easton’s voice broke the silence. “Yes. Josephine and I were reliving our teenage years. It was fun. The water was perfect.”
I looked up just in time to catch the storm brewing in Vaughn’s expression. His forehead creased, and his eyebrows knitted together in that familiar way. He’d caught us a few times during those late-night swims in our youth, stumbling home from someparty or date, his words cutting like knives. Even now, those insults lingered, buried deep in my memory, leaving scars that never truly healed.
Colson grasped my hand, pulling me back into the moment. “She’s mine tonight,” he declared, his voice firm.
Simone’s chair scraped against the floor with a violent shove, nearly tipping over. “How long are you going to carry on this charade?” she screamed, her voice slicing through the room.
