“Easy for you to say. You can marry anyone you want.”
He looks sad for a moment. “Not anyone. Heads of families have rules to follow too. There is no one in this world who can do absolutely anything they want.”
I give him a warm hug before heading into the house.
“Love you,” I say before I shut the door.
He gives me a smile. “Love you too, little one.”
After I shower off the night, I find myself lying in bed. Instead of sleeping like I should be doing, I can’t help but replay the night's events. Most of the night was terrible, but for one brief moment, I forgot where I was. When I was in that hall with Kai, I felt like I was stealing a piece of my life back. A moment that was just for me. Something I could cherish for years to come.
The feel of his body against mine. The press of his lips. His intoxicating scent. All of it only for me.
I know he has probably had many lovers and will have many after me, but maybe, just maybe, for one moment, I can imagine that he was mine. That he would show up here, demanding my father accept his offer for my hand.
For one night, I allow myself to dream about him and the life I imagine we would have. No more worries about being attacked. A man who is strong and protective, but caring and passionate as well.
The way my body lights on fire when he touches me.
Letting myself fall into the fantasy, I imagine what it would have been like had Greer not shown up. How he would have kissed me harder, pressing me against the wall.
The throbbing between my legs pulls me out of the dream, aching to be touched.
Groaning, I punch my pillow, trying to get comfortable.
“Sleep. I need sleep,” I whisper to myself as I fight the urge to touch myself.
* * *
The next morning,I start the day off like I do every day. Staring out into the sunrise today though, I feel anything but peaceful. Instead, I feel dread. A black cloud hanging over me for what today will bring.
Today, my father will start to comb through the offers he received for me. He will decide which one will benefit him and the organization most. He will hand me away like a possession, possibly never seeing me again.
Today may be the start to the end of my life as I know it. Who is to say that my husband will allow me to visit my family? Killian. I may never see Killian again.
Then again, maybe I won’t make it long enough to see Killian. If I end up married to Ivan, I may end up in an accident like his other wives. Only after I produce an heir, of course.
I shudder at the thought.
I’m lost in my thoughts when Killian joins me. He leans against the bar of the balcony, looking at the scenery.
“‘Morning,” I murmur as I stare across the grounds.
“I hope you slept well,” he says softly.
“Cleo, I want you to know I love you very much,” he says after a moment of silence.
My stomach drops at that. Does he know something I don’t?
“I love you too, Kill.”
“Good. I need you to trust me. Can you do that?”
I nod. “I trust you with every fiber of my being.”
He nods. “Let’s go inside. I have an announcement to make.”
I look down. I run my hands over my clothes, making sure I look okay. My heart races as I pull my hair to one side. Anxiously, I look around, but not making eye contact with anyone.
