Page 27 of Captive Union
“You should be happy that I’m marrying your sister. This way, she still has her worth. If I were to just fuck her, then discard her, you’d be hard-pressed to marry her to some other shmuck. So think more positively, Maxim. It’s all about perspective.” I care more about Kira than just some random fuck, but I’m not about to tell Maxim that. He needs to think I’m only using Kira as a pawn. If I knew I cared for her, he could use that against me. Ironic, in a way.
Maxim growls so deeply that the sound resonates through the phone like a bass drop. “Be careful how you talk about my sister. You’re just digging your own grave deeper.”
“It’s a good thing I’m not afraid of manual labor. I’m the one who had to scrape and claw my way back up to the top. What have you done, Maxim?”
“If you give Kira back now, I’ll go easy on you. Give you a quick death.”
“Sadly, I don’t trust you. I’ll make sure to send you some pictures of the wedding.” I hang up before he can say more. I smile to myself. It feels good to be on top.
* * *
The week passes way too slowlyfor my liking until the day of my wedding. During the week, I’ve been busy putting together plans. I’ve kept distance between Kira and myself in the hopes she’ll warm up to me more if I don’t push her so hard. Kira is like a deer—she needs time to trust you before approaching.
I want her to miss my company so much that she begs me to say, “I do.”
The officiant, Jones, who’s been by my side for the past couple of years, arrives at my house, followed by Scott, who’ll act as my witness. The wedding will take place in the backyard greenhouse. It’s secluded, so no one else should be able to see us, but it’ll be pretty enough for Kira to enjoy. I want her to look back on our wedding fondly.
I’m showing her that I’m trying to make things right with her.
And it will be the sweetest revenge when she falls in love with me. A real punch to Maxim. I’ll also have a beautiful bride in love with me. It’s perfect.
I had Amalia inform Kira that I needed her dressed and ready to go for the day, so when I enter her room to find her in her wedding dress, I’m pleasantly surprised. I expected her to put up more of a fight, but it seems Kira is starting to fall in line.
“You look beautiful,” I murmur, looking her over. Even though I’ve already seen her in her dress, she’s no less of a vision.
Kira blushes deeply, ducking her head before raising it quickly. She’s learning.
I approach her with my hand out. “Ready to get married?”
She gently places her hand in the crook of my arm. “Not really. But I don’t have any other choice.”
“I want you to choose me. Can you do that?”
Her light blue eyes meet mine. “I still don’t know. How can I give myself to you when I don’t have the option to leave?”
I pause, thinking before saying, “That’s a fair point. But ask yourself this—do you hate me? Is there a part of you that wants to be with me? And if so, youarechoosing to be with me. You still have choices, Kira. Don’t forget that.”
She nods without saying anything.
I guide her down the stairs and to the backyard. It’s a cool summer day, perfect for a wedding. Trees surround my property, so tall that Kira couldn’t see around them even if she tried. A large wooden fence encircles the backyard, too, so I feel safe taking Kira outside. There’s no way for her to leave.
Kira gasps when we walk into the greenhouse. It’s wall to wall of flowers and greenery inside a glass dome. I built it when I bought the house, though I have a professional gardener to attend to the plants and flowers when I can’t. It’s a nice retreat from the craziness that is my life. Maybe soon Kira will see it the same when she settles into a life with me.
“Do you like it?”
Kira nods, looking around. Her fingers gently touch a tulip as she walks past it. “I wish I could draw this.”
“You draw?”
She flushes. “Um, yeah. Back home, I had a sketch pad.”
“I can get you one for here.”
“Really?” Her eyes are so wide it’s almost comical.
“Yes. I want you to be happy here. How about as a wedding gift, I get you a sketch pad?”
Her smile turns to a frown. “I feel like you’re trying to bribe me.”
