Page 32 of Captive Union
I put on a simple yellow sundress with a blue floral pattern, then head downstairs, stopping at the bottom of the steps and staring at the front door. It’s so close. I could walk out right now and get away. But I’m sure Erik has guards out front. I didn’t see any in the backyard when we married, but that doesn’t mean none are around. Or maybe he has the front door locked. He wouldn’t let me get so close to the door unsupervised unless he’s trying to show me that he trusts me. He’s so confident in us that he’s sure I won’t run away.
I peek down the hallway toward the basement door. Erik is nowhere in sight. Now’s my chance. I need to try the door, at least.
I keep my footsteps light as I run across the foyer, my hand reaching for the doorknob before I’m anywhere near touching it. When my hand grips the knob, I turn it. The door opens with a small squeak. I wince, glancing behind me. When no one comes, I open the door wider. I poke my head out and look around. No guards out here. In fact, there’s no one around at all. A large fence surrounds the front of the house, and the driveway is so long that I can’t even see the end of it from here as it curves around the fence, disappearing from view. Trees dominate the surroundings blocking out my view of anything in the distance. Just standing here, I wouldn’t be able to guess where I was at all.
I could try to make a run for it. But how far would I make it before Erik found me? This is his home. I’m sure he knows it so well that I’d never get away from him. The question, though, is, do I want to get away from him? Yes, I’m desperate to see my family again, but am I really so unhappy here? Erik, while flawed, has gone out of his way to make me comfortable. He wants me to be happy. And he’s my husband now. Surely that invites some loyalty.
After taking a moment, I shut the door and turn to the basement door. I’m still not fully decided, but for now, I don’t feel right leaving yet. Not when Erik is letting me see my family.
With a lump in my throat, I walk down the basement steps, finding Erik setting up the computer again.
“Arrangements made. In a few minutes, you’ll get to see your family members again.”
“Thank you.” Without thinking, I walk up to him and hug him. Erik tenses for a moment before easing into the hug and returning it. I clear my throat as I pull away, avoiding looking at his smug face.
“What was that for?” he asks.
“Just wanted to show you my appreciation for this.” I nod at the computer.
“Let’s get started, shall we?” He presses a button, and the computer turns on, opening up the same messaging app he used the first time I spoke to my family.
After a few minutes, my brother’s face appears on screen, followed by Elena, Alexei, and my mother. My entire family wrapped up in four people. The only ones missing are Arina, Ana, and Nik. I would like to see them, too, but right now, I just want to focus on my immediate family. It dawns on me how haggard they all look—they’re all so worried about me. I had the chance to escape, and I didn’t take it. A pang of guilt flashes through me.
“Kira,” Elena says. “Oh my god. How are you?”
I hide my ring with my other hand. “I’m fine.”
“Erik hasn’t hurt you?” Maxim asks.
Erik comes into view, standing next to me. “I swear, I haven’t harmed a hair on her head.”
Maxim’s face turns to a sneer. “How can I trust you?”
“You can trust me,” I say. “Erik hasn’t hurt me. I promise.”
“I would never hurt Kira, especially now that she’s my wife.” He lifts my hand, showing them the ring.
My family goes silent for a moment. Then chaos breaks out. They all start talking over each other at once. Maxim cursing Erik out. Elena asking me if I’m ok. Alexei saying he feels sorry for me. And finally, my mother, who’s looking at me as ifIcaused my kidnapping.
“How could you let this happen?” she says to me.
“Mom,” Elena cuts in before I can speak. “It’s not like this is Kira’s fault.”
“No, but she should have conducted herself better.”
“Mom,” Maxim snaps at her. “Stop blaming Kira for this.”
I turn to Erik. “Would you give us the room? I’d like to speak to my family in private.”
Erik hesitates before nodding. “Fine. I’ll be right outside.”
Once Erik is out of the room, I say, “I’m sorry I didn’t try harder.”
“No, Kira,” Elena says. “You are not to blame for this.”
“Mom?” I ask. She just sniffs, turning her head away from me. It hurts, but it’s not fully unexpected.
“Just tell us that you’re all right,” Maxim says, pain in his voice. I’ve never heard my brother sound more upset.
