Page 58 of Captive Bride

Isobel

Light trickles through the window.

It crawls across the floor, brightening the dark tones of the room.

On the bed, it reaches my eyes, beckoning them open.

I look confusedly at my surroundings. It’s new and unfamiliar.

The dark woods and somber coloring remind me that I’m no longer at home. I’m no longer trapped in my tower. I feel a spark of delight build in my chest.

In the light of the new day, I feel a freedom that I’ve never known before. Strange that it came from my kidnapping.

Tristan sleeps next to me, his thick arms wrapped around me in a tight embrace. I feel the strength coiled in them even when he’s asleep.

Even when he’s unconscious, I feel his unrelenting possession of me.

I turn my head slowly, careful not to wake him.

His dark lashes graze the top of his cheekbones, and a grin plays across his mouth. Here in the morning light, there’s no sign of the criminal, the Montague.

His peace puts me at peace, and a grin finds its way to my lips as well.

Feelings stir in my chest, so strong they surprise even me.

This is real.

I am in love with Tristan Montague.

And he is in love with me.

The thought alone brings me a joy greater than any I’ve ever felt before.

His eyelids flutter open, as if he senses my gaze. Knowing the man, even as little as I do, it’s a definite possibility. His eyes lock onto mine immediately, deep, green, and fathomless.

My heart beat races as the grin on his lips pulls into a full smile.

“You’re awake,” he says, voice husky with unshed sleep.

I nod, my body creeping closer to his own without hesitation.

My head nestles into his chest, his steady heartbeat filling my ears.

“Have you been up long?”

“No, only a few minutes.”

He grunts in acknowledgment, his arms tightening around me.

“We should probably talk about this,” I say, knowing full well the weight those words carry. “You know, you and me...”

“I know,” he says. “It’s complicated.”

“Well that’s an understatement.”

The ghost of a laugh leaves his mouth.

“I want this to work.”

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