Page 25 of Captive Union
“Of course. Why else am I here?” He leans back in his seat, watching me with those dark eyes. “Go. Try it on.”
Fortunately, a privacy screen stands in the corner of the room. I hurry behind it and start taking off my clothes. The sooner I try this dress on, the sooner I can end this game with Erik, though I have a feeling this is just the beginning.
A mirror is on the wall behind me, and once the dress is on, I marvel at myself for a moment. The dress is stunning. A sweetheart neckline shows off my minimal cleavage, while the off-the-shoulder sleeves give a good view of my shoulders and upper chest, and the bodice is decorated in pretty lace that makes me feel feminine. The dress fans out around my legs, giving me the comfort of not being form-fitting while still having enough flowy quality to make me feel pretty. It's perfect and on my first pick, too. What are the odds?
I take a moment, pressing my hands over my heart, trying to calm it down. This is really happening. I’m in a wedding dress, about to walk out to see the man who wants to marry me. When my mom finds out, she’ll be angry she wasn’t here to see me try on dresses. She’ll be even angrier when she finds out I married the enemy. What will the rest of my family think after Erik and I get married? They’ll all be upset; that’s a given. But will any of them be disappointed in me for not being strong enough to resist him? Will they say I should have fought harder? Or will they see me as an innocent victim, being forced into this?
Right at this moment, I don’t know how I feel—innocent victim or willing participant. Seeing myself in a wedding dress that I love changes everything and makes it all more real.
“Kira, let me see.” Erik’s voice floats over the privacy screen.
Taking a deep breath, I walk out, my head ducked down, unable to see his reaction. He doesn’t make a sound until he stands up from the chair and approaches me. His fingers gently touch my chin as he lifts my head.
“Better,” he murmurs, staring down at me with so much passion in his eyes I feel like I might faint. His fingers linger on my chin, and his eyes dart down to my lips before meeting my eyes again. I feel myself lean in closer to him, waiting for him to make the next move. For a moment, I’m sure he’s going to kiss me, and what will I do? Push him away? Give in?
But the moment doesn’t happen. Erik steps back, breaking the spell before returning to his seat. I stand there, confused.
“A woman as beautiful as you should always keep her head up. No more hiding away from me.”
I wring my hands together.
“Stop that.” He nods at my hands, and I drop them to my sides in a flash. “Better. Now, spin around so I can see all of you.” His legs are spread, taking up space, his hands dangling in his lap. He’s the picture of confidence. If I had an ounce of what he has, my life would be so much easier. He motions for me to turn. I inhale deeply, letting it go slowly as I turn in a circle. “Slower.” I slow my pace until I feel like I’m moving in slow-motion. It’s painful, knowing that he's eyeing me over, and I can’t tell him to look away. I also want him to look me over. Why do I have to be so confused about all of this?
After taking my circle more slowly, I finally face him again. Erik’s chest is rising and falling faster, his gaze is pitch black, and his hands are clenched.
“Are you upset with me?” I ask in a whisper. Always a whisper.
He softens his body. “No. Not at all. You’re just so perfect. The perfect bride for me. From now on, you are not to duck your head. You are to walk tall with your shoulders back and head held high. That is the only thing I ask of you as my future wife.”
“Can I ask something of you?”
“Depends on what it is.”
“Let me go.”
He chuckles darkly. “You knew the minute you asked that question that I would say no. So, why even bother asking?”
“I had to try for my family.”
“For your family,” he scoffs. “I’m your new family. I suggest you put them behind you. You’ll only be sad otherwise.”
Quick, sudden anger rises within me. “Could you ever put the memory of your family behind you?”
His face hardens. “Of course not.”
“Then don’t ask that of me. It’s not fair, and you know it. I would never dream of telling you to forget your father, to forget the good relationship you had with him. Don’t ask me to forget the people I love. If you ever want me to love you, you will never ask me that again.” I’m shaking from my anger and also proud of standing up for myself. If Erik wants me to be bolder, then I will be, even if that means standing up to him.
He nods slowly. “You’re right. That wasn’t fair of me.” He pauses. “You really think you could love me someday?”
I glance down at my wedding dress before meeting his eyes. “I’m not sure.”
“You’re honest, at least.” He stands up. “I’m glad you picked out a dress. Our wedding will be in a week from now.”
“A week? That’s so soon!”
“Not soon enough for me.” He approaches me again, his strong body invading my space. I don’t step away, though. “Soon, you’ll be all mine. I’ll own your name, your body, and in time, your heart.”
“How can you be so sure?” I ask, my voice shaky.
