Page 85 of Fairy Tales are Forever

I swipe away another tear that escapes because I can’t do this.

Without another thought of what the fallout could be, I get up from the bed.Damien might have gotten what he wanted last night, but he gave me a taste of what could be between us.I want more than being passed off by my father.The whole time I was trying to save him, I should have been saving myself.

Quickly, I find one of Damien's sweaters and a pair of socks then open a drawer and grab his boxer briefs.The sweater comes to my knees, so it will have to do for now.

I push the curtains back to peek out the window, but all I can see is the rose garden.Heavy snow is still falling outside, so walking out of here isn’t going to be an option.A pang of sadness fills me as I think about leaving, but I shake it off and remind myself that Damien isn’t who I think he is.Who forces someone to marry them?

A person in love?

“No!”I snap at myself.

That’s not possible.Damien can’t love me unless he believes in love at first sight.There’s no way that Damien Shadow believes in anything like that.I did, though, and for a brief second, I let myself believe I found it.Until Damien struck the deal with my father and made it clear I was merely property and nothing more.

I’m done.

I stomp out of the bedroom, deciding that I’m not going to hide.I’m not sneaking away, and it’s mostly because I’ll freeze to death before I make it to the front gate.Instead, I’m going to demand Damien release me.He can’t force me to stay here.Can he?I’m sure it’s kidnapping or something if he does.

Sure, I was a dummy and agreed to marry him, but things have changed.

“Annabelle, can I get you anything?”I almost scream, not prepared for someone to be waiting at the end of the hallway.

“A ride?”I ask.

I recognize him from yesterday as the person that did all of Damien’s bidding.I think he might be a genie because every time Damien would ask for something, it would appear.

“I’ll have to check with Shadow.He said you were to rest today.I’ll alert him you’re awake and get your breakfast.”

“I can leave without asking my husband.”I stomp my foot, knowing I’m acting like a child.What is wrong with me?The man gives me a look that says I’m not going anywhere unless Damien allows it.“Where’s my husband?”

Why do I keep calling him that?!I don’t even have a wedding ring.We got married so quickly there was no time to get one.Damien had a simple gold ring but said mine would be here soon and that it needed more time.

“He’s in his office.”

“Thank you.”I raise my chin, ready for battle, but I should know better.Damien Shadow always gets what he wants.

For some reason, he’s set on having me.No matter the cost.

ChapterSix

DAMIEN

When Belle bursts through my office door, I’m in the middle of a meeting with several prospective buyers.Two of them are joining in via video, but the others are here in person because I didn’t want to leave my house.For reasons that are currently staring at me and seem to be pissed off.

“Clear the room,” I say as I keep my eyes locked on my wife.

Belle’s cheeks flush crimson as the group of people at the conference table get up and file out.I tap the screen next to me, and it ends the video feed, but that’s the least of my worries right this moment.

“I’m sorry,” she says softly when everyone is gone.

I wait for Jeffrey, my right hand, to close the doors to my office and engage the lock.“Don’t apologize.I’ll always welcome your presence.”When I reach for her, she pulls her arm away so that I can’t make contact, and my heart stops.This is just like our wedding day.“You remember.”

It’s not a question, but she nods anyway, and I see the hurt and betrayal cross her eyes.

“How could you?”She crosses her arms over her chest, and it’s a protective layer against me.I hate it.

“How could I?”Anger burns alongside my shame, but I can’t seem to control my temper.“You’re mywife.”

“Because I had no choice!”Belle spits the words back at me, and I shake my head.

---