Caught in the Mud

The rest of the cocktail party was awkward. Derek could not take his eyes off me, and I could not stop fidgeting.

After the party, Iris showed me to my bedroom—the one I would be sharing with Enrico. I took a much-needed cold bath and changed into the nightdress my mother had gifted me for my wedding night. I missed her so much already. I missed my old life.

Enrico returned late at night. I was already dozing off when he entered the room, and I was woken by the sound of the door.

I watched him in the dark as he took off his shirt, his back to me. His tie and jacket were already off before he entered the room.

My eyes widened at the sight of the lion-head tattoo on his back. I didn’t admire it for long before he turned around and his huge chest and mind-blowing abs came into view.

Oh my God. This man was so damn sexy. He must live at the gym! Look at those biceps!

“Undress,” he growled, startling me and interrupting my ogling.

I didn’t bother pretending to be asleep. He already knew I was awake because I’d foolishly gasped at the sight of his body.

I sat up and undressed slowly. My breasts were full—about C-cups—so they held attention when they came into view.

Enrico drew in his breath and climbed into the bed. I was so scared. This man killed his wife—how was I sure I wouldn’t be next?

“I’m nervous,” I whispered, trembling as he pulled me to him.

“Deal with it,” he ordered and pried my legs apart. “After tonight, I’ll never touch you again. I’m only doing this for tradition’s sake.”

I felt so hurt by what he said. I should be relieved that it was only going to be once—but I wasn’t.

He felt so hot—both in temperature and in other ways. I let out a shaky breath when his rigid erection poked my bare tummy.

He looked at my face for a moment, then got down from the bed.

“Put your clothes back on,” he commanded.

For a moment, I was shocked—and at the same time, I felt unwanted. It seemed like the sight of me didn’t move him at all.

Maybe I’m not as attractive as the dead wives, I thought, and gradually put on my nightwear.

He removed a pocketknife from the drawer and, before I could understand what was happening, he cut his arm. Blood dripped onto the bedsheets. He stared at me with a deadly look before leaving the room.

I went into the bathroom and cried quietly.

As much as I was scared—it being my first time—I still wished he had touched me. He hates me, I thought. I thought he was attracted to me.

---

I woke up the next morning with my eyes so heavy. I searched for my husband, who was nowhere in sight. The sheets were already changed and sent to my parents as tradition required.

I dressed up for breakfast with the help of my maid. I wasn’t quite comfortable with someone dressing me, but it was something I had to get used to.

At the dining table, there was total silence.

The sight of Enrico and Derek together nearly gave me a heart attack. I tried to act normal and not as nervous as I felt.

“Look who’s finally joining us for breakfast—our beautiful bride,” Iris said, delighted to see me. I smiled at her.

“How was your night, sweetie pie?” she asked as I sat beside her.

“Good,” I answered and glanced at Derek. He looked like he’d had a bad night—his face was pale and his eyes sad. Enrico was completely focused on his food, not even sparing me a glance as he ate.

“I’m sure you did,” Iris winked, and I felt uncomfortable knowing she was referring to Enrico and me having sex.

Suddenly, Derek got up and left the table.

“What’s with him?” Iris asked, but there was no answer.

I was too nervous to say anything. After breakfast, I decided to take a walk around the mansion.

---

I found Derek by the gardens. He sat on a swing, plucking petals from a sunflower. I walked closer.

“Hi, Derek,” I tried to act nonchalant.

“He fucked you last night,” he said, clenching his jaw.

“He’s my husband,” I told him. It was all I could say.

The swing stopped moving, and Derek stood up.

“I met you first. I loved you first,” he snapped.

“Derek, please. You have to stop this,” I pleaded.

“I still love you. I… thinking of you getting fucked by my brother, it’s…” He stammered and exhaled. He looked so hurt—and I caused it.

Derek walked to me, took my hands in his, and kissed them.

“Derek, this is not safe. Your brother—”

“I don’t fucking care,” he whispered, and then he kissed me.

Enrico was downstairs with my parents—he could be looking for me! He could be looking for Derek! He could catch us!

I was already pulling away from Derek when my phone rang. It was Nora.

“This isn’t over,” Derek said and left before I picked up.

“Nora, you wouldn’t understand, but thank you for calling…”

“Listen, Sofie, there’s something you should know,” Nora said in a worrying tone.

“What’s that?” I asked, already anxious.

Nora sighed and paused—her silence was agitating.

“Someone else saw you and Derek kissing.”

“What!?”