Page 35 of Entrapped
I backed away, needing to put distance between us. “Stay away from me. I’m not going to let you ruin what little I have.”
He watched me, his eyes dark and unreadable. “You can’t run from this. We’re tied together, you and me.”
I turned and fled the solarium, my heart pounding in my chest. I needed to get back to Colson, to the safety of his arms. But even as I ran, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Vaughn was right—that no matter how hard I tried, I would never be free of him.
Chapter 15
Thanksgiving brought with it a cold wind that seemed to seep into every corner of the Ashworth estate, chilling the marble floors and sending shivers through the towering glass windows. The mansion was filled with the rich smells of roasting turkey, spiced cider, and pumpkin pie. Laughter and conversation buzzed through the halls, but I felt none of the warmth that should have accompanied it.
This was the third party I had planned since becoming Mrs. Ashworth, and this time, I was on high alert. Simone was here, her presence a constant thorn in my side. Colson had spoken to her, made it clear she was not to disrupt the holiday, but with Simone, nothing was ever certain. She was a wild card, and I knew better than to let my guard down.
I stood in the grand dining room, adjusting the place settings for what felt like the hundredth time. The long mahogany table was set with the finest china and crystal, the centerpiece a stunning arrangement of autumnal flowers and candles. Everything was perfect, but my nerves were frayed.
“Josephine, darling,” Colson’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. He approached from behind, resting his hands on my shoulders. His touch was firm, reassuring, but it did little to ease the tension coiled within me. “You’ve outdone yourself again. The place looks magnificent.”
I offered him a small smile, leaning back into his embrace. “Thank you. I just want everything to go smoothly.”
He pressed a kiss to the top of my head, his lips warm against my cool skin. “It will. I spoke with Simone. She knows what’s at stake if she steps out of line.”
“I trust you,” I said, my voice steady, though my heart was racing. I trusted Colson, but I didn’t trust Simone. Not after everything she’d done.
His behavior over the past few weeks had been tender and gentle. Even when I made a mistake on a report he caught, he didn’t chastise me. It was odd but I didn’t question it as I sank deeper in my emotions for him. I didn’t know if I was deluding myself, but it felt like I had a real marriage, not an arrangement.
Colson released me as the first guests began to trickle in. I turned to greet them, my hostess smile firmly in place. The Ashworth and Shaw families mingled together, their voices blending into a hum of conversation and laughter. I moved through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and making sure everyone had what they needed.
Serena arrived soon after, clinging to Vaughn as if he were a life preserver in a storm. She was lovely and it was obvious she enlisted the help of a stylist, perfectly put together with her now golden hair and designer dress—but there was desperation in her eyes that made me pity her. Vaughn, on the other hand,was as brooding as ever. Even surrounded by family, he seemed distant, his eyes searching the room until they landed on me.
I felt his gaze like a physical touch, and I quickly looked away, my heart pounding in my chest. He hadn’t cornered me since that day in the solarium, and I was determined to keep it that way. I made sure to stay in the company of others, never allowing myself to be alone in a room where Vaughn could follow.
Logan embraced me. “You’ve become quite the lady of the manor,” he whispered in my ear.
I playfully smacked his arm. “You know I’m still the same old me. This is just window dressing.”
“You’ve done a beautiful job.”
I hugged him tightly. We were only separated by one floor at Ashworth Financial and I barely saw him. Our weekly lunches had ceased as Colson gave my brother more responsibility. Logan toiled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. some nights but it was paying off since he’d already received a raise.
I wasn’t sure if that was for me or because my brother had done so well. I hoped it was because of his performance - he deserved it. He let me go, stroking my hair as he had when I was a girl. I smiled before I turned away and went to the kitchen to check on the meal.
As the evening wore on, dinner was served, and the table was filled with the sounds of clinking glasses and lively conversation. I found myself seated between Colson and Easton, grateful for their presence as a buffer. Across the table, Simone sat with her eyes downcast, picking at her food. She had been unusually quietall evening, and while it should have been a relief, it only made me more uneasy.
“Everything all right?” Colson asked, his voice low as he leaned in to speak to me.
I nodded, forcing a smile. “Just keeping an eye on things.”
He squeezed my hand under the table, a silent reassurance.
From the corner of my eye, I caught Vaughn staring at me again. His expression was unreadable, but there was an intensity in his gaze that made my skin prickle. Serena was talking animatedly to him, oblivious to the fact that he wasn’t paying her any attention.
“Josephine,” Easton said, pulling my attention away from Vaughn. “Priscilla and I were just talking about the Christmas gala. Have you started planning yet?”
Priscilla Harrison was Easton’s new girlfriend, one he previously dated in prep school. I forced myself to focus on Easton’s question, nodding as I sipped my wine.
“Of course. I have a few ideas in mind. We’ll need to finalize the guest list soon.”
Easton smiled, but his eyes were sharp. He had always been the most observant of Colson’s children, and I could tell he was picking up on my unease. “You’ve done a fantastic job with everything so far. I’m sure the gala will be another success.”
“Thank you,” I replied, grateful for his praise. “I’ll need your help with the seating arrangements.”
