Page 40 of Captive Bride

Tristan

The rain is falling. .

It seems to never end.

It’s a wet, cold night and I have the princess in my car.

The sound of the wipers on the window echo in my ears.

She won’t speak to me. How can I get mad at that?

Isobel has a reason to hate me now. The thought of that sickens me.

I can’t show weakness because of my attraction to this girl. Business is everything to my family. A Montague doesn’t fail, and he doesn’t collapse under the weight of emotion, either.

I’m born a leader, and I’ll claim my blood right and make my family proud.

A Capulet princess is my ticket to everything.

When I close my eyes, I can already hear the applause and see the smiles on the faces of my family.

We’ve won, and no one even knows it yet. We’ve kidnapped their princess, and now she’s mine.

The thought of that thrills me and makes cock hard, even as I watch her sad face looking out the window, ignoring me.

When the car stops, I can practically hear Isobel’s heartbeat. I see her chest rising and falling quickly. Her fear is warranted, though I would never harm her.

The view from the window is magnificent. This house is a well-kept secret.

It resembles something out of a horror movie. The house that kids don’t trick or treat at and run from in fear.

The ivy-coated exterior and shadowy dominance of the house intimidate most.

My family has owned the place since before I was born, and not many will ever know that. We keep it secret for reasons like tonight.

I inhale deeply as Benny and Merc jump out of the car.

Isobel glances at me with hatred in her eyes. A part of me wishes it could be any other way, but it can’t. I need to keep her well-hidden here for a while—for her safety and my own.

Estbow Manor is safe, but we can’t take any chances. Not with the treasure we’ve brought here tonight. A Capulet on the grounds of the manor is unfounded, but there’s a first time for everything.

A sharp whistle tells me everything’s good. The house is clear. Benny’s given the okay.

“We’re getting out,” I say.

I don’t wait for a response before getting out, though I extend my hand when I do.

Ignoring the offer, Isobel exits the car, her hands crossing over her chest.

“No, thanks. I’m quite capable of caring for myself,” Isobel snaps back.

I know she’s mad right now, but once this is over, Isobel will be okay.

Speckles of rain hit my face. The heavens are crying tonight. I’ve given them a good reason to weep.

As we walk to the manor, the earthy scent of moss and forest is in the air. There’s a crunch of leaves under our feet, and I’m happy to be home.

I remember playing hide and seek here as a kid. No one could ever find me. I’ve always been one step ahead and good at what I do.

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