Page 41 of Captive Bride

Those were innocent times. I didn’t care about the world, and I had no idea I’d be raised to kill by the time I was fifteen.

At times, I miss being a child—the innocence of it. And yet I see that innocence reflected in Isobel’s face. She’s never had to grow up and to face the real world.

Her daddy’s protected her well until now. And I think it’s time I show her what it means to be a woman—an empowered woman instead of a princess locked in a tower.

Isobel stops, her feet pressing into the ground as though she’s a disobedient child.

“I refuse to go inside of that house. I will not be inside of anything that belongs to a Montague,” Isobel says insolently.

I’m pissed. It doesn’t have to be as hard as Isobel’s making it.

“Fine! We can do this the hard way, but either way, you’re going in!” I growl.

I reach out, grab her hand and yank the stubborn girl towards the manor. If she won’t come willingly, then I’ll force her.

“If you would stop with the fucking attitude already,” I grumble, my words harsh.

I can tell that the sound of the wind whispering through the trees is sending shivers up her spine.

“NOW!” I shout.

The louder my voice, the more she trembles. I won’t deny that I like that effect.

With a tight grip on Isobel’s hand, I push open the solid oak door. It’s dark, heavy, and bulletproof.

“Get the hell in the house, Isobel,” I demand.

With reluctance, she steps into the fortress that will become her new home.

“It’s not fucking quicksand. You won’t sink into the floor, nor will my blood taint your precious Capulet blood,” I said.

I turn to Isobel. I’m mesmerized by her blue eyes, even in the dark. They’re the color of the ocean.

It’s easy to get lost in this woman.

“You’re here to stay, so this can either be easy or rough. I don’t want to lock you in your room, but I will if you disobey me,” I state.

Kidnapping is business. I won’t make a mistake. Not today, not ever.

Isobel tries to hold back.

“You can’t do this. I’m a Capulet. My family is powerful, and you will die,” she says.

I laugh out loud.

“I’ve already kidnapped you,” I say testily. “You’re not leaving here.”

I forgot how much I loved this place. The décor’s gothic. The interior of the mansion is dark.

Everything is spotless. I can’t even find a hint of a musty odor.

Benny and Merc pull the white sheets from the furnishings. Suddenly, the place invokes memories.

I busted my head open on that table in the grand dining room.

Chipped a tooth on the staircase railing.

I had my first kiss by the pool.

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