Page 34 of Captive Union
When Erik informed me that he wanted to share a nice evening with me, he told me to put on the dress he laid out for me.
Straightaway, I notice the dress is a deep red color. No more pastels for me, it seems. I slip on the dress and look in the mirror, noting how much it clings to my body, showing off the few curves I have. The sweetheart neckline showcases my cleavage in a sophisticated way, and the deep slit in the leg makes me look taller than I am.
It’s a dress for a woman.
I would never have chosen something so bold for myself, but standing in it now, I realize I like how I look.
No longer the scared, shy little girl. I’m growing into a new me.
I’m still nervous, though, as I go downstairs, passing the front door—the little thought in the back of my head that I could still make a run for it—and make my way to the dining room. Erik is seated at the head of the table, surrounded by candles that draw eerie contours over his face. The room smells like sugar and cinnamon, coming from the food on the table, which includes baked goods of all types. It’s a feast for dessert.
At this moment, I feel like Gretel entering the witch’s house, ready to be devoured. Given how Erik looks me over, I have a feeling he’d like to devour me in a different way.
He stands up as I approach and holds out the chair next to him for me. I sit down without a word, keeping my eyes on him. Erik’s in a black suit that accentuates his features and makes him look even more dangerous and handsome. Something tells me that tonight, things between us are going to change.
I shift in my seat.
“Nervous?” he asks as he sits. Before I can say anything, he pours me a glass of wine.
“A little.” I clear my throat and speak with more confidence. “Thank you for dinner tonight. Though it looks like we’re only having dessert.”
“It’s all right to enjoy delicacies every now and then.” He stares me down with those dark eyes. “You look absolutely stunning in that dress tonight.”
I can’t help but blush at his compliment. “Thank you. You … look nice, too.”
His lips twitch. “Thank you. We’re a good-looking couple if I say so myself.”
I giggle. “Sure.”
His smile turns to a frown as he says, “Do you not find yourself beautiful, Kira?”
My breath hitches. I grip the edge of the table for support. “I’ve never thought of myself like that before.”
“Why not? You’re a very beautiful woman. Anyone can see that.”
“Well, tell that to my mother.”
“How so?” He takes a sip of his wine, keeping his eyes on me, unnerving me.
I take a gulp of my drink. If I’m going to talk about my mother, I might need to be a little less sober. “She’s just always been super critical of me. The way I look, how I act. I’m just not perfect enough for her.”
“It’s a shame she made you feel like that. Is she part of why you’re so shy?”
“I … never thought about it like that. But maybe. I just got so used to her expecting me not to speak that I got used to not speaking much. I knew she’d find a way to judge me for saying whatever was on my mind. My sister, Elena, would do that. Tell our mother off whenever she could, and Mom would scold her for it. I never wanted to be on the receiving end of my mother’s anger, so I just … kept quiet, I guess.”
“Interesting.”
“It’s also partly who I am, though. I’ve never been one to draw attention to myself. I left that to Elena.”
Erik tilts his head to the side. “You never wished to be in the spotlight?”
“No. It’s overwhelming.”
“I’m happy you’re speaking to me more. I like hearing what’s on your mind.” He trails his fingertips over my hand. “You never need to worry about me criticizing you for your thoughts. I like seeing you become braver.”
“I wasn’t brave before?” His fingers leave tingles behind on my skin.
“Not as much as I’d like. But now? Now you’re all mine and getting bolder by the day.” His voice is a deep rumble that sends a pulsation through my body.
