Page 25 of Entrapped
Desperation clawed at me, and I grabbed the sleeve of his suit jacket before he could turn completely. “Please, Colson,” I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper. “Consider moving Simone to the guest house. She won’t stop.”
He studied me for a moment, his expression softening slightly. “I will,” he finally said with a nod.
But there was something hollow in his promise, and I wasn’t sure if he meant it or if it was just another way to placate me. I had to hope, though. I had to believe that he would finally do something about Simone, that he would move her out of our home and give me a moment’s peace.
It was bad enough that Vaughn was constantly pressuring me to leave his father, his advances growing more insistent each time. He wouldn’t stop. I couldn’t help but wonder what he would do with his fiancée if I ever did give in.
Colson pulled away from me, exiting the closet without another word. I listened as the bedroom door clicked shut behind him, leaving me alone in silence. I turned back to the mirror, my reflection staring back at me with eyes that seemed to hold too many secrets, too much weariness for someone who should be enjoying her life. I finished dressing quickly, smoothing out the fabric of the burgundy dress as if it could somehow smooth out the turmoil in my mind.
As I stepped into the hallway, I nearly collided with Easton. His expression shifted from surprise to concern as he took in my appearance.
“You okay?” he asked, his voice gentle as he pulled me into a hug.
I clung to him, feeling the warmth of his embrace seep into my bones. Everything about Easton was genuine, a stark contrast to the world I was trapped in. I loved him, and in many ways, he was the closest thing I had to a best friend.
“I’m fine,” I lied, my voice muffled against his chest.
He didn’t press me, just held me tighter, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to feel safe. But the moment passed too quickly, and I knew I couldn’t stay in his arms forever. There was a party downstairs, and I had a role to play.
“Thank you,” I whispered, pulling back and giving him a small smile.
Easton nodded, his eyes searching mine for answers I wasn’t ready to give. “I’m here if you need anything,” he said, his voice full of sincerity.
“I know,” I replied, brushing a hand against his cheek before turning away.
As I descended the stairs, the weight of the evening pressed down on me. The storm outside mirrored the one brewing within, and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could keep everything from spiraling out of control.
Chapter 11
I watched through the window as the staff carried Simone’s suitcases across the lawn to the guest house. Colson had finally made the decision last night to move her out of the mansion.
I wasn’t sure if it was the result of the desperate blowjob I’d given him or if he’d finally realized how dangerous she was to me. Either way, having her under the same roof had become untenable. He wouldn’t always be around to protect me.
Colson’s hands slid onto my shoulders, his touch both possessive and reassuring. “I did it for you, Josephine,” he murmured, his voice low. “She’ll never get over our marriage.”
“I’m sorry we won’t be friends,” I replied, watching as the last of Simone’s things disappeared into the guest house. “But she was never kind to me.”
Colson’s fingers tightened slightly on my shoulders. “But Easton is,” he said, a trace of jealousy coloring his tone.
I turned to face him, meeting his gaze with a soft smile. “Colson, I love Easton. He’s my best friend.”
His eyes darkened as he searched my face. “I want to be your best friend.”
I reached up, cupping his cheek, enjoying the way his jealousy simmered beneath the surface. “Are you jealous of your own son?” I teased.
His expression grew more intense, a possessive edge sharpening his features. “I’m jealous of any man who holds your attention, even my sons.”
I frowned, my brow furrowing slightly. “I said son, Colson. I have no relationship with Vaughn. All we do is argue.”
Without warning, he clenched a handful of my hair, gently pulling my head back to expose my neck. His lips brushed against my skin as he whispered, “You looked pretty chummy yesterday.”
I sighed, trying to keep my voice steady. “He doesn’t want to marry Serena. He’s miserable.”
Colson bit my chin lightly, his teeth grazing my skin in a way that sent a shiver down my spine. “Are you?” he asked, his gaze boring into mine, searching for the truth.
“I’m not miserable,” I whispered, feeling vulnerable under his intense scrutiny. “I’m finding my footing and failing.”
His expression softened just slightly. “You’re not failing. You’re doing beautifully.”
