Page 15 of Captive Bride

The Capulets likely have spies on us as well. It’s just how the game works.

Tonight, having insider information is working to our advantage. We walk right in like we own the place. Merc and Benny immediately go about making their rounds.

They love this kind of thing. They drink and begin to have a wild time. Normally, this is my favorite thing to do, to crush an elegant Capulet affair.

But I’d be lying if I said tonight wasn’t all about business. I just need to get a handle on the situation before it gets out of control. I don’t know exactly what I mean to do yet, but I will make my move at some point.

I mingle with a couple of socialites.

“Hi, you. Aren’t you tall dark and handsome?” a woman in her early twenties says to me.

“Yeah, well, I try,” I say, blowing her off.

What are you supposed to say to a thing like that?

Women are coming at me from all angles. They always do. It’s the same tired scene.

Yes, I could take one of them home and have mediocre sex, but at this point, I’m more interested in the business side of the affair.

I scan the room, trying to avoid any unnecessary small talk. And then I see him. A guy who has to be the Governor walks up to the stage.

He’s older and slightly overweight and to me, he looks like the complete dirty politician.

I’m taking in his demeanor and trying to figure out what kind of enemy he’ll be for me.

And that’s when I see her. My heart stops in my chest.

The world stops moving.

Time stands still.

Isobel Capulet. It has to be her. And fuck if I didn’t underestimate the princess.

She’s more gorgeous than anything I’ve ever seen. Like a goddamn angel.

She’s cringing under the weight of the Governor’s arm that clutches tightly to her slim shoulders. He looks like he wants to own her, and she looks like she’s having none of it.

Good girl. The thing is, I can’t take my eyes away from her.

This never happens to me. I feel like I know her, like my heart knows her, even though this is the first time I’ve seen her.

Is it Fate?

Because I feel like...she’s the one I’ve been waiting for. And that makes me feel strangely possessive.

The Governor grabs the microphone and says, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to make the biggest announcement of the evening, the thing that’s on the tip of everyone’s tongue. This is my bride-to-be, Isobel Capulet. We’re so in love and extremely happy to announce our engagement.”

All eyes are on them. The room erupts into applause and cheers.

But my eyes are on her the entire time.

I see her trying to smile. I see that she doesn’t want to. I read her body language and know that she’s unhappy.

Of course she is. The guy she’s marrying is a creep. He’s probably the last thing in the world she’d be attracted to.

And suddenly, she becomes my new obsession, just like that. I can’t contain my racing heart—I think she might be the answer to all my prayers.

Merc and Benny come to my side.

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