The Secret Arrangement

by Vanessa Waltz

  “When am I getting out of here?”

  “No idea,” he says flatly. “I can’t spirit you from here.”

  “You brought me in easily!” I shove past him, dragging the bag behind me. “As the general’s son, you should have more leeway.”

  “It’s complicated.”

  That sounds like bullshit. “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “If you’re miserable I’ll set you free. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life with someone who hates me.”

  I don’t hate you. The words sink into my heart. “Good.”

  “Look, I’m sorry. I thought—I thought you loved me. I assumed it would be enough.” His voice lowers. “I was wrong.”

  I turn from his hurt. He doesn’t get to blame me for not being thrilled with my new environment. His dad is a mass murderer.

  None of this is fair.

  “It’ll take finesse, but you need to understand something.”

  I wheel around, sputtering through the ball lodged in my throat. “What?”

  August yanks at his stiff collar, exposing a length of tanned skin. The buttons snap as he moves down, opening his shirt. “I can’t leave.”

  “That’s crazy. Of course you’re allowed.”

  “No.” He chokes on bitterness. “My father can block me from leaving the country—and has many times. That’s why I couldn’t visit earlier. I had to convince him the trip was for sightseeing.”

  He’s trapped here like me. Now it makes sense.

  I’m such a moron. “I’m not here because I’m the love of your life, am I?”

  Horror dawns on August’s face.

  “I’m here because I was the first idiot to fall for you. You don’t want me; you’re just bored.” The lies crack through the thick shell I’ve surrounded myself with ever since I found out I was stuck here.

  “It’s not like that.”

  It is. Anguish daggers my chest. “I trusted you.”

  “Have I been lonely? Yes. That doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings for you.” August softens. “Lily, you know that I—”

  “Stop right there. I know nothing about you, and I don’t want to.”

  “Lily—”

  “He threatened me, August.” I glare at him through pearls of mist. “Maybe being raised by that man rendered you incapable of understanding how I feel.”

  A stunned silence follows my words. “He’s bluffing.”

  “I’m glad you’re so sure.”

  August grabs my bicep, yanking me. I swallow a yell before it bursts from my lips, frightened by the intensity in his stare.

  “If he hurt you, he knows I’d kill him.”

  I blanch at the conviction in his voice. “You wouldn’t—”

  “I would.”

  In that case, it’d be hubris over love. He’s already proven that.

  He releases me.

  I hurtle through the halls and descend the stairs. I left the bag with all my belongings with August, but I don’t care. This has to work. Staying here isn’t an option, not with that lunatic father of his. I won’t be someone’s entertainment.

  My feet take me down the paths to August’s garden, where I know there’s a weakness in the barrier closing off the jungle. I can slip through. Disappear.

  All I have to do is follow the perimeter and stay under cover of the bushes. I’ll find the road and reach civilization. I’ll charter a bus out of here. Whatever it takes, I’ll do it.

  I push the kissing gate. The steel groans loudly. I run through, flying through the damp grass until I crash through a familiar path with a sign—NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. The ground becomes hard-packed earth. I jog near drought-resistant shrubs and eucalyptus. The medicinal scent stings my memory, of palm-lined roads and rolling hills.

  California. Home.

  I sprint into the dense forest. A crack in the facade appears. I’m thin enough to squeeze by.

  Thank God.

  My torso edges through, and I fall onto a bed of wet leaves. I’ve made it through. I grope upright, hissing at a sudden pain at my side. A thick tube twists from my hip with a curious diamond pattern. Is it a stick? I grab it, feeling scales and dry, reptilian skin.

  Then I notice the glowing, yellow eyes.

  Snake.

  I pass out.

  15

  I smell eucalyptus.

  I’m home.

  Strong hands lift me into a man’s chest. He smooths my hair, rocking me. “Lily.”

  A hand touches my jaw. “Lily. You’re okay.”

  My spine hits something warm and soft. The arms lower me onto a bed. Humidity chokes my throat.

  My memory returns. Then the pain. “August?”

  A stubbled, high cheek-boned face looms overhead. Handsome, dark eyes meet mine. The roughness hasn’t left him, but it’s tempered with concern. He caresses my head, brushing away bangs.

  His arm helps me sit. “You’re safe. Everything’s fine.”

  So delicate. He’ll be an amazing dad someday. The unbidden thought makes me blush. “August. How did I get—”

  I gaze at my surroundings, finding myself in a small windowless room. I’ve never been here. The furniture looks old but handcrafted. It’s nothing like the modern décor in August’s compound.

  A cold compress rolls off my forehead. “Where am I?”

  “In the servants’ quarters. I didn’t want my father discovering this.”

  Agony stabs my side. I look down, horrified by the blood soaking my jeans. “Oh my God.”

  “Shhh. Relax.”

  Those acid-yellow eyes swim in my vision. “But I’ve been bitten!”

  “Consider it a right of passage. The snake wasn’t venomous.”

  He sounds certain. “How do you know?”

  “I’ve lived here my whole life. I recognize most species.” An edge creeps into his voice. “But if it had been poisonous…well.”

  He draws a line across his neck.

  “Not funny.”

  “I know. That’s why I’m resorting to crude jokes to make my point clearer. The jungle is dangerous.”

  I’m not looking forward to another lecture.

  “I need to clean the bite.”

  I brace myself. “Okay.”

  He unzips my pants, tugging on the waist to expose a length of hip. He snags my panties, pulling them to loop my cheek. The ache throbs as he trails my skin, igniting every nerve.

  “Keep still. This will hurt.”

  He wraps a muscular arm around my legs. It’s intimate. Hot. Honestly, I’m not thinking about the pain. That changes when he presses a wet gauze to me.

  I jerk from the sting, but August holds me. “What you did was brave.”

  My teeth clench as he wipes. “Walking into the forest?”

  “No. That was stupid.” August snorts. “I’m talking about what you said to my father.”

  Not my smartest move. “You mean how he was wrong about everything?”

  “No one ever challenges him.”

  “That’s because I don’t know any better.” I hiss at the burn of alcohol. “And I have nothing to lose.”

  “Yes, you do.” He lays a strip and blots me, digging his thumb in. “Pride. Dignity. Self-respect.”

  I yank my thigh away. “Damn.”

  “Stop wriggling.”

  “I’m trying.” I can’t believe this happened. “How’d you find me?”

  “I gave you a decent head start and followed.” He tears the tape with his mouth. “You screamed, and I came running.”

  “If the bite was harmless, why did I pass out?”

  Amusement twinkles in his gaze. “You were scared.”

  The adhesive tugs at my skin as he slides it on, smoothing its edges. “Fuck.”

  A rapid pulse beats in my neck. “You’re not allowed to swear right now.”

  “Sorry,” he says. “The wound’s still bleeding.”

  “You were mistaken.” My throat thickens as my worst fear is confirmed. “It was poi
sonous.”

  “No, we just have to sit here for a while.” He disappears for a moment, opening a fridge. He returns, pushing a glass in my hands. “It’s water.”

  I drink deep, savoring the coolness. “Better.”

  “Good.” August pours a whiskey for himself, downing the liquor in one gulp.

  “Shouldn’t you be sober? You’re supposed to be my nursemaid.”

  “It takes a lot more than this to get me drunk.”

  “Wow, tending to me is that bad?” I tease him, winking. “A former soldier should be used to blood.”

  “You think that’s why I’m on edge?” His eyes make a blazing path down my stomach and exposed thighs. “You’re naked.”

  “Don’t change the subject.”

  “Fine.” He presses into the bandage with an apologetic smile. “I forgot what we were arguing about.”

  I strain my memory for what spurred this whole fight, searching the place for a hint. A faded black and gold flag on the wall conjures an image of the officer. “Alex.”

  It’s like a raincloud suddenly passes over him. “What about him?”

  “Who is he to you?” Because there’s got to be history between them. “This is the second time you’ve singled him out.”

  August’s lips flatten into a white line. “He’s my half-brother.”

  The air leaves the room. “You never mentioned you had a brother.”

  “I hate talking about my family. It’s hard for me.”

  A ripple of anger runs through me. “You know what’s difficult? Admitting to a complete stranger how poor and destitute you are.”

  He tosses back another drink. “I don’t expect you to understand.”

  How could I? “I don’t have a sibling. That’s why I was in the dark about every-fucking-thing.”

  “We didn’t grow up together,” August says. “We aren’t close.”

  “Really? Because you sure as hell have a rivalry.” I swing myself off the bed, tired of sitting down. “Why don’t you like him?”

  “Because he’s so far up my father’s ass, he can’t see the daylight. He reports to my dad about everything I do. Brown-nosing fucker.”

  I digest that morsel of information. “He’s spying on you?”

  “He is.” He rips his pant leg, showing me the self-inflicted scar. “This is what I had to do. Alejandro is under my dad’s thumb.”

  I think of the kind man who convinced me to join the party, whose gentleness exceeds August’s. “That’s sad. Doesn’t he want out?”

  “Honestly, I’m not sure. We don’t talk much. I don’t trust him. Especially around you.” His gaze penetrates me. “He’d love to take you from me.”

  “That will not happen.” August swept me away—he’s the one who spent countless evenings whispering in my ear. “I—want you. Only you.”

  I’ve never seen him like this.

  August pushes me onto the mattress, eyes suffused with greed. He wedges a knee between my thighs, careful to avoid my hip. He slips down my waist, yanking my panties down. “One of these days, you’ll learn to stay put.”

  At the moment there’s nowhere else I’d want to be. Ecstasy runs through my body as August nuzzles my neck, stripping me. His hand rolls over my throbbing mound, the ache sharp with desire.

  A finger strokes my clit.

  All resistance melts. I dig into his collar. “August.”

  A fierce pressure enters me. Two fingers. I clench over him, gasping as August kisses my throat. His lips stamp my cheek, inching forward to claim my mouth.

  I need him. I need all of him.

  His cock strains against his slacks. I trace the outline as he fucks me, relentlessly driving as deep as he can. He stops when my breathing reaches a fever pitch, a sure sign I’m close.

  “Please.”

  He smiles. “Why should I let you come?”

  Cruel bastard. “Because I’m asking nicely.”

  “You disobeyed me.”

  “I didn’t promise to listen.”

  He seizes my jaw as he thrusts in and out. “Do it now.”

  “Never.”

  He tuts at me, massaging my clit in a slow circle. His pulse taps my chest, but he pulls away. I drag him to my waist, but he shakes his head, smiling. August flips me on my side and spoons me, leaving me little doubt to wonder how aroused he is.

  He kisses the shell of my ear, whispering, “Don’t forget who you belong to, Lily.”

  Chat Archive (7/23/17)

  Lily: Sorry this took so long. Honestly, I didn’t know whether I should keep in touch with you. But it turns out I’m hopeless at severing all contact. The truth is—I don’t care if you’re not real.

  Lily: You could be a five-hundred pound guy living in his mom’s basement. Your name could be Ashley instead of August. You could be a convicted felon.

  Lily: It doesn’t matter.

  Lily: I’m a better person for knowing you. Meeting you was the kick in the ass I needed to get my life on track. You reminded me of everything I want, and you’ve given me hope. It’s not too late.

  Lily: Anyway. Thank you. I owe you for helping me through my slump. I’ll always be grateful for every time you picked up the phone. But as much as I love our chats, I think they should stop. You will always be out of reach. A photo isn’t enough to keep me satiated.

  Lily: I’m sorry. I need more, and you can’t give it to me.

  August: Hey! That got less heartwarming as you went on. :/

  August: I don’t blame you for resenting me, because you’re right. In your eyes, I’ve been leading you on. I don’t follow through. I’m an enigma who you might never, ever meet.

  August: Nothing could be further from the truth.

  August: I want more. If you knew what I want to ask you when we meet…This isn’t enough for me, either. But I won’t bring it up again if you want.

  August: I don’t want to hurt you, Lily. You’re the best part of my day.

  16

  Countless gowns hang on racks that blend into the darkness. A light switch illuminates rows of wedding dresses. Mermaid styles. A-lines. Some with long trains and traditional gowns with sleeves. Backless and strapless. Endless variations of periwinkle blue, champagne, and eggshell white colors on every fabric imaginable. Tulle and chiffon. Cotton. Silk. Should I get a sweetheart silhouette?

  I’ve never been presented with so many options and felt like I had so little choice.

  Alex looks out of place. His black uniform is a stark contrast to the pastel dresses. He sits, leg jigging restlessly.

  Poor guy is bored. But I had to bring him along. After August confessed their relationship, I have millions of questions. I don’t trust August to give me straight answers.

  I grab a sleeve from the nearest one, glancing at the embroidery without interest. “What do you think?”

  Alex glances over his phone. “Pretty.”

  Sighing, I let the dress fall. This wasn’t how I imagined. I didn’t fantasize about this day, but I never would’ve guessed I’d be shopping with my fiancé’s brother.

  “I have no idea where to begin.”

  “You won’t receive any help from me.” He stands, shoving his hands deep in his pockets. As usual, he strikes an imposing figure with the military fatigues. “Why did you invite me?”

  “According to August, I need protection wherever I go.” The thought is still a foreign concept. “I’d rather it’d be you.”

  I can tell by the shine in his smile that he’s flattered. “I want to ask about your brother.”

  “I don’t consider him family.” He watches me rifle through the rack, bemused by my halfhearted search. “What’s your question?”

  “Am I safe with him?”

  “You are,” he says, looking like he wished the opposite was the truth. “And with me.”

  “I have to know what he’s really like.”

  “And you trust me?” His eyebrow lifts. “Wouldn’t you find out for yourself?”

  “
I would, but I’m supposed to walk the aisle with a complete stranger in a week.” I fidget with the hem of the modern dress. “They won’t be able to fill the bride’s side. All my friends are home.”

  He walks closer. “Do you miss it?”

  “Yeah.” Most of my time is spent ignoring my homesickness. “I’ll try this one.”

  He follows me to the fitting room, talking through the door. “What’s it like in California?”

  “Depends where you live. Where I came from was hot and dry.” I peel my clothes, pulling the slim dress over my hips. “Lots of cars. Polluted.”

  “Hmm.”

  “If you’re into the outdoors, it’s the perfect place. Everything you want is within driving distance. What I love about it the most, I guess, are the people. There’s so much diversity, and I loved having access to dozens of different cultures.”

  “I see.”

  “I’m ready.” Fully dressed, I exit the room and face a mirror. “Wow, it’s not bad.”

  The lustrous satin sweeps to my feet. I twirl, revealing the diamond-shaped cutout. The sleek gown moves like water, flaring into a long train. I pile my hair and examine myself.

  Alex watches behind me. Longing is written over his gaze.

  I bite my lip. “What do you think?”

  “Bonita.”

  I whirl, heart pounding at the caress in his voice. “Alex.”

  “What?”

  “I’m engaged to your brother, for Christ’s sake.”

  “Am I supposed to call you ugly?” Alex strolls between racks of dresses, sighing with disinterest. “Pick one. I’ll show you where I grew up.”

  After trying three more, I choose the vintage, ivory empire waist. After taking my measurements, the owner promises to have it in a few days.

  We leave the shop, walking into a sunlit square filled with people. Two more guards flank our rear as we stroll down a sidewalk teeming with boutiques. It reminds me of open-air shopping in San Jose.