Page 59 of Hook

“Come on,” I say, launching forward and grabbing her wrist. “You want to go out? We’ll go out together.”

“I don’t want to go anywhere with you. I’d rather stay locked in a room!” she growls, sounding hysterical.

“You’re being unreasonable.”

She yanks her hand out of my grasp. “Unreasonable? I’m the only person in this marriage being reasonable.”

I sigh heavily. “Shut up and come for a walk to the beach. You want out of these walls, you can go out with me and only me.”

Gwendolyne searches my eyes for a few moments before realizing that if she wants some fresh air, she has no choice. “Fine.”

I lace my fingers with hers and pull her toward the back door to the garden, which leads to my private beach. The garden is well manicured since I have two full-time employees working on it. I haven’t been to the beach where Poison is usually moored ever since it’s been out of action.

I can sense she wants to pull her hand away, as it’s stiff against mine, but I persevere and keep my hand wrapped around hers.

“Do you like the sea?” I ask, trying to make small talk with my wife.

Her jaw clenches. “Yes, when I’m not being held captive.”

“You’re such a liar. I think your favorite part of this is being held captive.” I wink at her.

She rolls her eyes. “Shut up and let me enjoy my time out in the fresh air.”

I clench my jaw, as I rarely allow anyone to speak to me like that. However, Gwendolyne appears to be the one exception to my rules. Instead of responding, I allow her the peace she requested as we make our way toward the beach. I hate seeing the slip without Poison there. It doesn’t feel right.

Once we get onto the beach, I release her hand and allow her to wander freely, keeping a watchful eye.

She glances at me, looking a little surprised that I let go, but she doesn’t question me. Instead, she walks toward the calm water and once she’s close to the edge, removes her shoes and sits, dipping her feet into the soft waves.

I watch her, wondering how the hell this happened. Rage and my desire for revenge are what have fueled me for so long that I can’t understand why all of that is being foreshadowed by my obsession and desire for Gwendolyne.

She glances back at me, a crease forming between her brows as she notices me staring at her. And I can’t help but feel in awe of how beautiful she looks with her dark hair blowing in the gentle breeze.

“Why are you standing there staring at me? It’s kind of creepy.”

I tilt my head. “Because I’m admiring the view.”

She shakes her head and returns her attention to the sea, but doesn’t invite me to sit with her.

I close the gap between us and take off my shoes and socks before sitting on the sand beside her. Other than the soft sound of the waves lapping against the shore and the birds in the sky, silence falls between us.

Until finally, my wife breaks it, sighing heavily before turning toward me. “Do I have to be confined to the house?”

I arch a brow. “It’s for your own safety.”

Her jaw clenches. “My own safety? This place is like fort Knox.”

“Yes, it is, but that doesn’t mean you won’t try to do something stupid like escape.”

Those emerald eyes are full of fire as she looks into mine. “Then make sure I have a security guard with me or something. I’m going insane locked in that fucking house.”

I arch a brow. “It’s a beautiful house with lovely views, and you’re going insane? I’d hate to see how you’d do in a real prison.”

“At least in a real prison, I’d get time outside. You do realize that prisoners are allowed outdoors?”

“Fine,” I say simply. “I’ll allow you outside with a security guard escorting you.” I pause a rub a hand across the back of my neck. “Actually, make it two.”

She laughs. “Why? Because you think I could take one on and escape?”

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