Page 205 of Chandelier Enthralled
“English, please.” Though I sensed what he was saying.
He held my gaze in the rearview. “I can’t come back for you.”
“I’ll pay you double.”
He glanced over his shoulder at me. “It’s not that. The tide comes in soon. I won’t be able to access this road.”
“Right,” I said, realizing I was going to be stuck after he dropped me off. “What about a boat?”
“Boat?”
Oh, I don’t know, the one provided by someone who worked for my family, I thought, cringing at my entitlement—something I was always trying to outrun.
I had truly outdone myself. This was the most insane decision I’d ever made, being stranded on an island with Jewel Hadley, an international criminal who remained under the protection of governments near and far.
I was just beginning to comprehend the potential terror ahead.
Jewel liked to destabilize countries—I wanted to destabilize her.
I felt each bump, and as the tires encountered rockier ground, I knew I was getting closer to reachingmyGreyson.
Thoughts of him anchored me to this moment, making this risky adventure worth it.
A possible future with him beckoned to me. He deserved it. We deserved it. Greyson was just as much a victim as those others who’d been hurt by Jewel.
The Rover pulled up to the main gate.
“Here is fine,” I told the driver, trying not to second guess this decision.
Going back wasn’t an option.
“You have to go through security.” He pointed up the stone stairway.
It made me wonder how Cameron and the others had fared in getting in. They would be furious when they saw me here. But my fury was equal to theirs.
Easing on my mask, I secured it behind my head and checked myself in the rearview. This would have to do.
I opened the car door. “Thank you,” I said. “Are you sure you’ll make it back in time? How long do you have?”
“I’ll make it.” He checked his watch. “I have thirty minutes. I’ve done it in less.”
“Good luck,” I said, impressed with his confidence.
I took a few moments to gather myself outside the castle walls, watching the car head back along the causeway, stranding me here.
The water at the edges of the pathway threatened to completely immerse the cobblestones.
This meant the guests were staying overnight, too.
Up close, the castle was even more imposing. Ivy clung to the outer walls. Crooking my neck, I admired the arched stone windows glowing with light.
Ahead was a towering entryway adorned with intricate ironwork. If that massive door locked, no one was getting in or out.
Lifting my hem, I trekked up the steps, noticing the panoramic view of the coastline the higher I climbed—a grave reminder of how far I had strayed from land.
My thoughts turned to my brother.Please, be safe, Cameron.All your friends, too.
I was terrified for them. Coming here was my idea, even though I sensed they would have flown to this castle for their friend with or without my influence.
