“I hope those are okay. Cassius asked me to make a list of what I thought you’d want to read,” I hear Tenley say from the doorway.
I look up and give her a genuine smile as I rise to my feet. “These are wonderful,” I say appreciatively.
She steps into the room, and her eyes dim as she takes in my blackened eyes. “I’m sorry about what happened to you.”
I shrug. “It was a hasty decision on my end, and I guess I didn’t really think it through.” I look at her sincerely. “I’m just glad that I wasn’t able to talk you into going with me.”
She looks at me solemnly. “As I said before, it’s safer here.”
“Maybe,” I say, not really wanting to admit that she’s right. I look around the room. “So, a beating earns me new things?” I muse.
“Looks like it,” Tenley says. “Cassius began working on your room once you were rescued. I think they’re realizing that placing you in solitary isn’t accomplishing anything.”
“Well, I’m glad to no longer be confined to this room.” I walk to the bed and tentatively sit down. I’m already feeling tired.
“Are you…okay?” Tenley asks with concern as she steps towards me.
“I’m just groggy, that’s all. I’ll be fine. So tell me what happened. How long did it take for Cassius to regain consciousness?” I ask.
She walks over and sits down beside me. “He was out for a few minutes. Evie was freaking out.”
I grimace. “Sorry.”
“Everything worked out—at least on our end.” She looks at me hesitantly. “All Cassius would tell me was that you were being held captive somewhere, and that Lethe was working to get you out of there. How…bad was it?”
“Bad enough,” I say as I try not to shudder. Even in my drugged sleep last night, I still swear I could hear the echoes of the tortured screaming.
“I’m sorry that things didn’t go according to what you wanted for yourself, but I’m also happy that you’re back,” she offers.
“Thanks.” I look around the room, and even though I hate it, it’s a lot more appealing than the cell I’d been locked in. My gaze rests on the dresser drawers. “I don’t suppose Cassius brought me some real clothing?”
“Real clothing?” Tenley echoes, looking bewildered.
I glance at her clothing and see that she’s wearing a floor-length summer dress. Her naturally wavy hair has been pulled back into a wispy braid. “Do you like the clothes that they buy you?” I ask curiously.
She touches the fabric of the dress and smiles. “I do.” Her smile fades. “I didn’t have nice stuff back in my old clan.” Then her expression shifts, and she looks at me with interest. “You don’t?”
“I’m used to jeans and tees.”
“I’m sure if you put in a request, Cassius will buy them for you,” she offers.
I look at her and shake my head. “That’s the thing, Tenley. I should be in charge of my own clothing. I’m not in control of anything here.”
“Evie buys her own clothing. You could too,” she points out.
“But I shouldn’t have to ask,” I reply. “I should be able to buy and wear what I want without asking first. I just…” I draw in a deep breath and try to calm the frustration that’s rising within me. Tenley’s not going to understand what I’m trying to explain, and the more I talk about it, the more I want my freedom. I long for it, even though what I want is likely no longer possible.
Tenley’s quiet for a moment, and then she brightens. “Are you hungry?”
“Starving,” I confess.
“I’ll go make us something. Any requests?”
“Anything is fine,” I assure.
She rises to her feet. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”
“I’ll join you after I change.”
“No, just rest,” she insists, and her green eyes roam over my face “You look exhausted.”
“I’ll camp in the living room for a bit. I just don’t feel like being surrounded by four walls right now,” I say lightly.
“Okay.”
After Tenley leaves my room and closes the door to give me privacy, I walk to the dresser and pull open the drawers. Nope, no change in my wardrobe. With a resigned sigh, I choose satin lounge pants that are supposed to match a camisole. Instead of the camisole, I grab a long-sleeved, dark shirt that’s definitely not my style, but it’s better than the camisole. I am in desperate need of a shower, so I decide to clean-up first. Then I’ll keep Tenley company as she makes our meal.
Twenty-eight
Lethe
Tonight, I’m in the mood for a distraction, and I find myself watching the strippers instead of the Death Pit. The room is packed as usual, and men call out and whistle as the current stripper parades around completely naked. We don’t do shit halfway here. It all comes off, and if the men want more than a show, they can go upstairs and pay for a hell of a lot more.
Even though the woman on stage is beautiful and has a perfect body, I feel nothing as I watch her toss her chestnut hair and swing around the pole. Instead, my mind is on Arista as I sit in a private booth and brood. It’s been a few days since Anton released her from medical, and I’ve still been at a loss over how to handle her. I’d tried being nice when I’d visited her in the medical room, but she’d been distant and had made it clear that she still wanted nothing to do with me.
It’s not like I’d expected her to throw herself at me, but I was at least hoping we’d have some sort of breakthrough.
“Another Mr. Cassavettes?”
My thoughts are interrupted, and I look up at the pretty woman standing by my table. She must be new, because I don’t recognize her. “No thanks.”
“Can I get you anything else?” she asks, and her eyes hold mine as she deliberately bites her lower lip—a sure sign that she’d let me screw her in my office or the restroom if I wanted. She’s tall, busty, and a brunette. I’ve always had a thing for brunettes. Not long ago, I’d be ushering her out of the room and in search of somewhere private, but not tonight. I have too much on my mind.
“I’m good,” I tell her curtly.
Her pretty face falls with disappointment, and she turns to walk away.
“Wait a moment,” I say as a new thought comes to me.
She turns back, her blue eyes hopeful.
I study her now with interest. “What do you want most from a man?” Her expression turns sultry, and I speak again before she can respond to my question. “Besides good sex,” I amend.
Her eyes turn thoughtful. “Respect,” she replies.
“Respect?”
She nods. “Of course, faithfulness and all that. But respect—it’s important.”
I slowly nod. “Thank you.”
“Is that all?” she inquires.
“Yes. Thank you for your time,” I murmur.
She turns and walks away, her hips swaying as she turns her attention to a nearby table.
I lean back in the booth, rubbing my jaw as I glance at the new stripper that has stepped onto the stage. Her talent is no match for my thoughts, and I soon forget about her.
I’ve been going about this entirely wrong. I’ve been so focused on what I want, that I haven’t cared what Arista wants. Freedom is obviously never going to happen, but what else would she want in order to feel comfortable with the clan?
I start thinking about the woman that she is, and her personality. Arista probably won’t be happy spending her days lounging around in the women’s quarters when we’re not having sex. Hell, I haven’t given her any reason to want to be with me, and there lies the problem. I have to tempt her with something that she wants, and that’s clearly not me.
Maybe it’s time I try being honest with her. Would knowing about Davina help her understand the pressure I feel to mate with her as soon as possible? Would any of that matter?
Twenty-nine
Arista
It’s been a few days since I’d returned to the women’s quarters, and I’m currently rinsing let
tuce in the sink. There hasn’t been much to do around here besides read. The other night, Tenley had suggested I use the hot tub to ease any sore muscles that I might still have from my captivity, but I’d declined. I don’t like the idea of using anything that might have Cassius thinking I’m growing accustomed to this life.
I’ve also been avoiding Evie. I have never met anyone so bratty or as self-entitled as she is. She’d even hinted the other day that I deserved the bruises on my face for trying to run. Honestly, I feel sorry for anyone that decides to take her as a mate. It’s too bad Lethe wasn’t more interested in her. They’d make a perfect match.
I shake water from the lettuce and set it on the cutting board. As bored as I am here, I try to keep in mind that my situation could always be worse.
“Arista?”
I’m startled, and I turn to look towards the doorway.
Cassius stands there, looking at me expectantly. “Lethe would like to see you.”
I sigh inwardly. I’d known this was coming sooner or later, but I’d been hoping that it’d be much later. Without a word to Cassius, I walk to the paper towel dispenser and dry my hands.
Tenley enters the kitchen from the pantry with several tomatoes cradled in her arms. When spies Cassius, she breaks into a warm smile. “Evening, Cassius.”
He inclines his head, smiling. “Tenley.”
I glance at her. “Lethe’s requested my presence. I’ll be back in a bit,” I tell her dryly.
She gives me a deliberate look, and I know it’s a reminder that I can’t do anything about my situation here, so I might as well make the best of it.
I’m moody today, so I give her an eye roll before walking towards Cassius. He’s silent as he leads me into to the foyer and over to the elevator. Once we’re inside, silence falls over us, and I begin to feel awkward. I look at him and realize I probably owe him an apology. It’s not wise to be making enemies within these walls. “I’m sorry I hit you,” I mutter. Yeah, it’s a lame apology, but it’s as far as I’m willing to go with it. It was terrible on my part to leave Tenley and Evie unprotected, but I still feel that my gut instinct had been correct. I’m not meant for this lifestyle. I don’t want to be living in an expensive prison, I just want to live.
“You left Tenley and Evie unprotected,” he says disapprovingly.
My lips press together, and I refuse to apologize a second time.
The doors open on the second floor instead of the first, and I’m confused as Cassius escorts me into a hall. Lethe’s study is on the first. Crap. Now that I’m beginning to heal, am I finally going to face punishment?
“Where are we going?” I ask.
Cassius ignores my question as he leads me down another hall, and I look around warily. I feel like I’m being led to my death. We approach a double set of doors, and Cassius curtly knocks before opening them. He looks at me expectantly as he waits for me to cross the threshold.
Feeling uncertain, I reluctantly enter the room and look around with surprise. I’m unmistakably in Lethe’s private quarters, and I ignore the man himself as I inspect the new surroundings.
The walls are painted a light gray, and track lights in the ceiling softens the room’s lighting. The floor is hardwood, but beneath the large bed is a huge, plush rug that’s similar to carpet. The bed is high, and it looks more than inviting with soft, gray bedding. Beside the bed are two dark wood nightstands with simple, matching lamps. A doorway in the corner likely leads to a private bathroom, and along the length of the main wall spans a mirror.
My head turns, and I scan the opposite side of the large room where there’s a black sofa set. This faces a flat-screen TV and an impressive display case which is the only real décor in the room that betrays Lethe’s tastes. It contains over two dozen different types of deadly knives, and I’m not the least bit surprised to see that he seems to have a fascination with pointy objects.
What does have me feeling wary is the table where a meal has been set up, complete with candles and wine. What is going on?
The doors close behind me, and I know that I am now alone with Lethe. For the first time since entering the room, I focus my attention on him.
He’s dressed in his usual attire, a dark-colored tee that hugs his muscles, and jeans. I watch as he walks over to the table, and his expression is unreadable as he gazes at me. “I thought we’d have dinner together while we discuss a few things.”
My eyes slide back to the bed. “This evening isn’t going to end with me in your bed,” I warn before I focus my attention on him once more.
His dark eyes hold my gaze. “No, it won’t,” he says steadily. “You’ll be taken back to the third floor so that you can think over our discussion.”
“There’s nothing you can say that will make me change my mind.”
“Then there’s no harm in enjoying our meal.” He pulls out a chair and looks at me expectantly.
He’s up to something, and I have no idea what this new scheme of his is. Unfortunately, I won’t know more until I hear him out. Without a word, I silently step forward and sink down into the chair. As he moves away, I gaze at the plate in front of me. I think I recognize steak, and are those mushrooms?
“It’s steak with mushrooms and blue cheese roasted potatoes,” Lethe tells me.
It smells mouthwatering, but I’m hesitant to pick up my fork.
“Aren’t you going to at least try it?”
My eyes lift, and I see that Lethe is sitting across from me, a wine glass in his hand. “I’m not hungry,” I lie. I wouldn’t put it past him to try to drug me. With Lethe, I never know what to expect.
He sighs and calmly sets his glass on the table. I watch as he lithely rises to his feet and walks over to me. I stiffen in the chair as he leans into me slightly, his masculine scent sweeping over me as he picks up the silverware next to my plate. He cuts a piece of steak and brings it to his mouth. As he chews, he stares steadily at me before he also tries the mushrooms and the roasted potatoes. Lastly, he lifts my wine glass to his lips, and he takes a drink before setting it next to my plate. His eyes lower to mine, and he quirks an eyebrow. “Satisfied?”
“Yes.” I pick up my fork as he moves back to his chair and takes his seat once more.
We both eat in silence, and even thought the meal is delicious, I still feel on edge.
“Do you have siblings?” Lethe asks, breaking the silence.
I glance at him, and a frown tugs at my lips.
“I’m aware of the information that you’d given in your interview when I…decided to bring you here,” he says tactfully, glossing over the fact that he’d outright bought me. “However, there’s a chance that you were lying—which is completely understandable.”
My eyes narrow. “Are you hoping for another woman to add to your harem?”
He sighs. “No. I was just curious if you knew if you had any brothers. I’m sure you have family out there somewhere.”
I’ve always wondered, but I haven’t been curious enough to try to dig for more information. Judging by the way the clans raise their young, I’m content with never knowing. “I don’t have any family, at least as far as I know. I only had the woman who raised me, and she wasn’t related by blood.”
Curiosity flickers in his gaze. “Will you tell me about her?”
“No.” I pick up my fork, making it clear that I won’t discuss Nany with him.
“I have one brother, Maverick. And I have a sister, Davina,” he offers.
I look at him sharply, my fork going still halfway to my mouth. As his words sink in, I set the fork down. “You have a sister?”
Lethe nods. “I can see the questions in your eyes.” With a grim twist of his lips, he settles back in his chair, his meal forgotten. “My original clan is in Bulgaria. When my sister Davina was betrothed to a man twice her age, there was nothing Maverick or I could do to prevent it from happening. To make a long story short, my brother and I, and those that we were closest to, fled the clan and came here to t
he United States. My intention was to build a new clan, a stronger one. Someday, Maverick and I would like to bring Davina back here—without the mate that abuses her daily,” he explains.
This new information that he is so willingly divulging has me staring at him. Lethe actually has a sister? Then suspicion flares. Why hasn’t he mentioned her before?
Lethe must be able to read my thoughts, and he gives me a look. “Why now am I just telling you this? Because we haven’t ever had a real conversation.”
“And you think this information is going to sway my opinion on the matter?” I ask derisively.
“No. But I thought it would be wise to be honest and share my agenda with you. If I’m stronger, I can bring my sister home. She’s the reason we’re here in the first place. I’ve worked hard to make a safe stronghold here in California, and I would like to share it with her.”
I’ve learned that Lethe can be underhanded and sneaky, so I’m not sure whether this story about his sister is actually true or not. Even if it is, it’s still not enough for me to give him what he wants. I’m quiet as I pick up my glass and take a sip of the wine.
“I’ll admit, I’ve handled this situation between us entirely wrong,” Lethe says quietly.
I nearly spit out the wine in my mouth, and I cough into my hand. Did Lethe just admit he’s been wrong?
He gives me a deliberate look. “Don’t expect me to repeat that, either.”
My meal is forgotten as I lean back in my chair, studying him. I have no doubt that this entire conversation is nothing more than a manipulation.
Lethe holds my gaze. “Let’s be honest with each other. You’re not going to fall in love with me, and I certainly won’t with you. Yet, you’re the key to bringing my sister home, and in order to do that, I need you to agree to be my mate. I think we should look at this situation as a business arrangement of sorts. I get what I want, and in return, I’m willing to consider all requests except for any foolish notions that you can survive on your own without my protection.”
Captive (Igniting the Flame Book 1) Page 17