A Wrong Assumption

Serena’s POV

A knock sounded against my door that evening and I sighed, pushing back the blanket against my leg before standing up.

“One minute,” I called, walking to the mirror to straighten my hair and make sure I didn’t look miserable before opening the door, because for all I knew, it was Galatia at the door and the last thing I wanted was to let him see me that way.

After I was satisfied with my look, I walked over to the door and unlocked it. I then pulled it open a crack to reveal a Dahlia. Relieved, I opened the heavily carved door fully.

“Good evening, Ms. Harp. Mr. Berk asked that you come down for dinner.” She said.

I folded my arms across my chest, giving her a surprised look. I didn’t think Galatia would want to see me after what happened this morning. “Why? I can just eat my dinner in here.”

Dahlia hesitated for a fraction of a second, and that alone told me this wasn’t a casual invitation.

“I was told to get you for dinner, Ms. Harp,” she said carefully, the kind of careful that meant there was no room for negotiation. “He was… quite specific.”

Of course he was.

I let out a slow breath, tilting my head to the side as I studied her. “Did he also specify whether this is a peace offering dinner or a last supper situation? I’d like to prepare mentally.”

I mean, I couldn’t put it past him, after all, he had kidnapped me, so he could as well just decided it was the end for me.

Dahlia’s lips twitched before she could stop herself. “It’s just dinner, ma’am.”

“Oh right, I guess that’s reassuring,” I muttered. “Very reassuring.”

I turned away from the door, dragging a hand through my hair as I paced once across the room. This had to be a trap. Or worse, he was ready to call my family to negotiate my ransom. And I wasn’t entirely sure which one I preferred.

“Is he already downstairs?” I asked.

“Yes, Ms. Harp.”

“Is he armed?”

Dahlia blinked, giving me a surprised look. “I… don’t believe so?”

“That sure isn’t comforting enough,” I said under my breath, then sighed. “Alright. Fine. If I don’t come down, he’ll probably just send someone to carry me there, and I’d really like to preserve what little dignity I have left.”

She chuckled, and nodded, but stood there waiting.

“I’ll just change and come downstairs.” I said, and for a moment, she just stayed there as if he had specifically asked her to drag me down, then she nodded again, turned and left.

Sighing, I quickly closed my door, pushing my back against it and closing my eyes for one second. Then I pushed off it and went to get myself ready.

By the time I reached downstairs, I came to an abrupt stop.

Galatia was standing at balcony at the edge of the patio, facing the night sky, the light from the house bouncing off his back. He looked… what was the right word to use… striking.

He hadn’t seen me yet. He stood, his hands braced against the banister rail, his forearms corded with ridges of muscle as he stared out into the night sky.

Quickly, I looked away before he caught me staring to where dinner had been laid out buffet-style on a side table that was pushed against the wall. One of the loyal bodyguard I had met that first day at the airport hovered near the dinning room entrance, and Dahlia appeared at that moment, carrying a tray of different fruits.

Galatia took that moment to turn, and I found myself frozen, and pierced by the fierce gaze.

He started to take a step toward me, and I wasn’t even kidding when I say that my nerve almost gave out.

Almost.

I quickly settled myself. He had after all, promised not to harm me. A quick glance showed that Dahlia was right behind me. Which meant that I had an audience, so he wouldn’t do anything to me, or would he?

I was still thinking about that when an idea formed in my head, and I smiled inwardly.

I fluttered my lashes as Galatia still approached me, and I said. “Oh, sweetheart. You’re down here already.”

At that, he froze.

Gotcha!

Before I could even enjoy my small victory, he lifted his head sharply… like a predator catching a scent… and those metallic eyes of his flashed. Then he stepped toward me.

Panic kicked in instantly, and I scrambled backward.

“Sorry,” I muttered as I bumped into Dahlia, but the contact grounded me a little. There was safety in numbers… or at least I liked to pretend there was.

Galatia continued forward, slow and deliberate, like he had all the time in the world.

“Good evening, Ms. Harp.”

I straightened slowly, brushing imaginary dust off my sleeve as if I hadn’t just nearly tripped over my own feet.

“Good evening,” I replied, offering him a polite smile that was just a little too sweet to be genuine. “You’ll be happy to know I made it here without breaking into any more restricted areas, sweetheart.”

If he wanted to play with me, kidnapping me without making his intentions known, then two can sure play the game.

His expression didn’t change, not even by a flicker. “I’m relieved to hear that,” he said evenly, though something in his tone suggested the opposite. “It seems progress is being made.”

I clasped my hands behind my back, rocking slightly on my heels. “Oh, absolutely. I’m learning all sorts of things. Boundaries, for instance, which is a very important concept.”

His gaze lingered on me, like he was trying to decide whether I was being deliberately difficult or if this was simply my natural state.

“Are you?” he asked, pushing up his brows.

I tilted my head, meeting his stare without backing down this time. “Well, I assume so. You did threaten me this morning. I figured I should take it as a learning opportunity.”

Dahlia shifted quietly beside me, and I could practically feel her wishing herself anywhere else.

Galatia, however, remained completely still, composed to an almost irritating degree.

“If you had learned,” he said, his voice low and controlled, “you wouldn’t feel the need to test those boundaries again so soon, sweetheart.” He said, emphasis on the word sweetheart.

I lifted my shoulders in a shrug, at the same time Dahlia walked away.

“Come sit.” Galatia said, gesturing towards the dining table and I followed him, glancing at the bodyguard to make sure he wasn’t leaving as well.

He pulled out a chair for me, and started to go to the chair at the head of the table when we heard someone. “Where is he, Dahlia.”

It was a female’s voice, and I could have sworn I saw Galatia’s face lit up.

Squinting my eyes, I furrowed my brows, just as a woman walked in. She walked to Galatia who was now standing with his arms open widely, a fond smile on his face.

Wait a minute? Was this woman his…

Oh hell, no. This man had a girlfriend and he had me here?

Oh well, I didn’t even need a second to decide. If fate was handing me a weapon wrapped in silk and confusion, I was absolutely going to use it.

I cleared my throat, pushing my chair back as I rose to my feet, smoothing my dress.

At the sound, Galatia and the woman turned to look at me.

Perfect.

I put up a soft smile on my face, the kind that had gotten me out of trouble more times than I could count.

“My love,” I said sweetly, tilting my head at Galatia as if the word had always been mine to use. “You should introduce me to your guest, don’t you think?” I said.

The effect was immediate and the woman’s smile slipped, confusion taking its place as she looked from me to him, her brows knitting together.

“My love?” she repeated, her mouth falling open slightly.

I smiled with a nod. “Yes. I’m sure Galatia didn’t tell you about me. He’s mine.” I smiled, walking to him and looping my arm with his, smiling up at him.

I could feel him instantly stiffen but I didn’t care. I was going to make him regret ever kidnapping me.