Snapping my attention back to the woods. The same pathway up ahead I’d taken in the early hours when I’d bolted.
My feet were already taking me in that direction. Heart pounding and my mouth dry, the soles of my feet were tortured by bracken once again. Pushing foliage out of my face as I burrowed further in. I was grateful it wasn’t swampland.
Grateful, too, that this time there was no glass to brush out of my hair. Ridley was clearly being paid a shitload of money to just pretend what had happened was no big deal. He could have been killed. Instead, he’d just strolled inside that house like it was a lazy Sunday and the man inside wasn’t a kidnapper.
There, ahead, was that tall tree I’d climbed, and it welcomed me with its vast branches that stretched wide. My palms crashed against the bark as I edged once more to the low-hanging branches. I’d soon find my footing again.
Pausing, chest tight with the realization if Cassius caught me again, I’d probably be locked in the cell or worse. I’d certainly not be allowed to roam the house. Thirst and hunger confused my thoughts that railed on making no sense.
Trying to think clearly, see things from a different perspective.
You’re wasting time—precious time that you need.
Again, my foot came up on the low-hanging branch.
If I escaped, I’d be returning to my old life of being imprisoned back in that grand manor in the Garden District. Cassius would come for us and maybe this time even hurt Archie. I’d never forgive myself if I led him home only for him to kill my brother. Keeping him safe was more important than anything.
Keeping them all safe.
If I stayed and was brave enough to befriend this man, maybe I could convince him my father regretted any mistake he’d made that had hurt him. Surely seeing how much Dad hurt this man, he would. And maybe, if I got to know Cassius well, I’d be able to stop him from ever hurting anyone else. Bide my time until I was rescued.
And maybe, just maybe, I’d earn my freedom.
Resting my forehead against the scratch of bark, I breathed through this plan, praying it was a choice I wouldn’t regret.
Retracing my steps, feeling battered from hunger and the sting of nature’s flooring, I made it all the way to the clearing. There, standing on the doorstep and leaning back on the open door was Cassius. His beautiful dark eyes were unreadable. Strong arms crossed over his chest as though judging me for staying as much as he’d judged me for trying to leave.
With my head held high, I strolled toward him and continued on into the house, refusing to look him in the eye.
Anya
The evening air was thick and rich with the scent of woodland. Dusk brought with it the birdsong only reserved for this late hour. Cricket frogs, though unseen, joining the chorus.
Exploring the property was the only thing keeping me sane.
I’d not seen Cassius since yesterday.
We’d both been avoiding each other. Or so it seemed.
Running my hand along the wall, I tried to find another way in. With its stained glass windows and modest steeple, this had to be a chapel.
“What are you doing?” a voice snapped from behind me.
I jolted with surprise, my heart pounding at the scare. Fascination must have flashed over my face to see Cassius wearing a Brioni suit, all tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome.
I tried to pretend I wasn’t affected by him.
“I’m trying to get in here. Only there’s a padlock.”
“What are padlocks generally used for?”
“To keep people out.”
He gave a look that told me that’s what this was. “I was looking for you.”
“It’s not like there are that many places to hide around here.”
He glanced back at the maze. “Well, clearly, you didn’t look hard enough.”
“Where is everyone?”
“I let the rest of the staff go. Thought it best you and I got to know each other better without interruption over dinner.”
Which meant there was no one here who could get a message out for me. Frustration welled as I mulled this over. “What about your security guards?”
“Gone.”
“Everyone?”
“I’ve kept two men to guard the property. They have strict instructions not to interact with you.”
“In case they find out I’m here against my will?”
“In case you mess up, and they have to shoot you.”
I ignored that cruel barb. “Why do you keep this place locked?”
“Because that’s where I sacrifice young virgins on the altar.” Without a drip of sarcasm. “Interruptions can ruin a good ritual.”
I stormed away from him, pissed off that he thought saying something like that to me would be considered funny. I mean, he could be a devil worshiper for all I knew.
Sprinting into the house, I hurried up the staircase toward my bedroom. Hurrying along the hallway to outrun him.