Page 20 of The Pakhan's Kidnapped Bride
Over the next few days, no matter how much I tell myself that I’d misread the moment between us, it’s all I can think about.
I’ve been obsessing over the idea of his lips on mine. I keep catching myself daydreaming; I imagine him pinning me against the wall, exactly as he had, but this time he kisses me. The kiss quickly gets carried away—
For fuck’s sake, Anya, please think about anything else but this.
I throw the magazine I was trying to read across my bedroom. It spins and flutters like a bird caught midair, fighting, then it falls in a jumbled mess on the floor against the wall. I stare at it for a moment, feeling like I’m the bird locked in a cage.
I’ve been hiding in here again, in this room, day after day. Falling into the same trap. Why? Why am I being so obedient? If he thinks I’m such a terrible person, then I already have nothing to lose by disobeying him or pissing him off. He can’t think any less of me than what he’s already accused me of.
In fact, Ishouldpiss him off to prove to him that hedoesn’thave power over me.
I already honored my side of the agreement. I messaged my brother just after I arrived, the day after Emmanuil and I shook to seal our deal. I told Kristopher that I was taking a vacation for a few weeks, not in San Diego. He wasn’t pleased that I went alone, but he accepted it after I reassured him.
That bought us all some time. Time to figure out how to fix this mess. Time to keep my brother and my best friend safe.
I think that messaging my brother shows that I’m sticking to our deal, and that means that I don’t have to be a prisoner in here. There is no reason to lock me in the mansion.
And no one in San Diego knows Emmanuil married me, it was done in secret—so what danger is there, really? None.
That settles it, then.
I’m going shopping.
And despite Emmanuil lecturing the guards to no end, making them even more vigilant to ensure I don’t leave again, I happen to be very good at sneaking out.
I grew up with an overprotective brother. I had to learn, or I would have missed all those fun nights out with my friends.
And, of course, getting out was easy.
I caught a taxi around the corner, out of sight, and now I’m riding through the city towards the mall.
San Diego is a beautiful place. I can smell the salty ocean air as we drive along the coast. The ocean is bright blue, and the sky is toned to match it.
It’s all gorgeous. I could definitely live by the ocean. Phoenix has its own special vibe, but nothing can really compete with the ocean.
I stare out of the window, looking up at the towering palm trees patterned along the roadside. Some of the buildings are covered in graffiti. I love the colors and graphic shapes. I imagine it’ll be cleaned up by tomorrow, but graffiti is always something I’ve enjoyed seeing. It’s secret art when it’s done well, not just slapped onto a wall in a messy scribble; I mean, the proper graffiti, the images carefully designed and thought out before the artist even gets to the streets.
“We’re here, miss,” the driver says, pulling over. “I hope you have a lovely afternoon.”
“Thank you.” I smile happily, sliding out of the seat.
Outside the car, the city noises are louder, the air is fresher, and my smile grows wider.
I walk into the mall with a spring in my step, happy to be out of my room and among people. I already feel energized.
For half an hour, I walk through the mall, stopping in at different stores, until I spot a dress that my heart somersaults for. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I can’t resist going inside and trying it on.
I select my size and carry it towards the very elegant dressing rooms in the back of the store. No one else is in here; it’s quiet as I step into one of the private booths and slip out of my clothes.
I pull the dress up over my hips and pull the straps over my arms, straightening them on my shoulders.
Every wall around me is mirrored, and I can see myself from every angle.
I love it. I can’t believe how incredible it looks on me. Sometimes you just find a dress that was made for you, and this one was made for me. I wonder if they have it in other colors. I might want to get a second one.
It’s short, fitting tightly over my body, crushed velvet with cut-out pieces over my ribs, and a low-cut neckline to show off my cleavage.
The back dips dangerously low, sitting just above the curve of my ass.
