My eyes were wide as I struggled to take in every intricate, over the top, sophisticated detail. Some people seriously have too much money, I thought to myself.
“What do you think?” Calix asked, and I smirked. Sometimes, he really did ask questions at the wrong time.
I replied honestly. “I think you have to much money.”
He frowned, but didn’t reply. Instead, he steered me past the dining area, past a large kitchen, and down a set of stairs that also had an option to go upstairs. I asked, “What’s upstairs?”
“The cooking and cleaning staff will be staying upstairs and Neil and Jared will be staying downstairs across the yacht from where our bedroom is.” Calix explained matter of fact - and at the mention of our bedroom, my heart started a rhythmic beating in my chest.
“Oh.”
He guided me down the beige carpeted stairs to a very dark, very beautiful living room where a television had been mounted against the wall. Pointing to a door to our immediate left, he added. “Neil and Jared will be staying through this door which leads into a Jack and Jill bathroom.”
Again, I replied. “Oh.”
Calix eyed me then carefully and I knew he could sense my nerves. “Are you alright, love?”
I nodded, but I felt short of breath as I did. “Umhmm.”
He placed a large hand on my waist, pulling my front against his. “Nova,” he sighed. “Don’t be nervous with me, love. We’re taking our time. I’m in no rush.”
Well, he certainly got right down and dirty to the point, didn’t he?
I blushed furiously. Painfully. “Okay.”
“Nova,” Calix spoke softly. “Talk to me. If you’re uncomfortable, I want to know.”
What on earth happened to the man who’d kidnapped me only fifteen days ago? What happened to the controlling, take what he wants whether I’m ready or not, man I thought I knew?
“Calix.” I breathed his name uncertainly. “I,”
“Talk to me.” He commanded gently at my pause.
“I don’t know how.” My reply sounded desperate - but I felt desperate.
“What do you mean?” He asked, tipping my chin up to force my eyes to meet his.
“I’m afraid to tell you how I’m feeling.”
“Why?”
“Because,” I closed my eyes and heard his sharp intake of breath as he waited. “I can’t predict your reaction.”
“Love,” he sighed. “I won’t hurt you.”
“My family,” I breathed.
“Not them either.”
My eyes opened and I felt my body tremble. “What?”
“I have you now, love.” Calix said softly. “You’re my wife. You’re here with me - you’ve assured me you won’t leave me. Do I have need to continue with my threats toward them?”
“No.” I breathed assuredly.
“Then why are you afraid.”
“Do you still have men watching my family?”
His face darkened and I knew he did. “Yes.”
“Why?”
“Insurance.” He replied tightly and I felt my body sag against his.
I repeated, “Insurance.” My eyes blinked rapidly as I stared up into his handsome, devilish face. “What kind of insurance?”
“Love,” Calix sighed. “Do we need to discuss this now?”
“I,”
“I won’t hurt them, Nova. I will, however, continue to maintain tabs on them.”
This all seemed so screwed up to me. He was keeping tabs on my family even after he’d decided he wouldn’t hurt them? Why not simply forget about their existence?
“Can I contact my mom?”
His jaw clenched and I watched the muscle in his jaw twitch. “Not tonight.”
“Tomorrow?” I asked hopefully.
“Not tomorrow.”
“When?” My voice sounded broken, but there was no shock in that. Whenever I discussed my family with Calix, I felt broken - never mind sounding broken.
“When I allow it.” He said firmly and I knew this discussion was over.
The monster hibernating within the man had awoken and I had no desire to push him past the point of his calculated control. Tonight, Calix had assured me that he wouldn’t hurt my family. Tonight, he had given me the gift of the knowledge that they were safe from his hound dogs. Tonight, he had given me peace of mind. I knew better than to think I could have everything all at once. And for the first time in what felt like eternity and a day, I felt hope blossom. I felt hope that I would soon be given the permission I needed to contact my mom. I ached so deeply for that day - because no matter the ways I had to bite my tongue, I would, by the end of the call to her, have convinced her that I was happy. And it wouldn’t be all that difficult because the shocking reality of it all was that I really was happy. In Calix’s arms, I was both safe and content.