Dark Captor (Dark Syndicate 2)

Chapter Twenty

Isabella

My hand lingers on the handle of the door.

I thought so much about getting through this door on my own that it feels strange now that I’m allowed to.

It’s not just that though, or rather being able to go through this door. It’s the first time I’ve been able to go around freely without being watched or under supervision.

I’m an adult and I’ve lived my whole life like a child.

Whenever Sacha allowed me freedom, I was like Cinderella knowing she’d have to go back to her life at the stroke of midnight.

I’m fully aware if there were a way for me to leave the island Tristan wouldn’t have allowed me this small mercy, and the island itself is like one big prison. But being able to walk around is different to being locked away in my room.

On that note I open the door and take my first free steps through it.

I woke up a little while ago and got ready to head out to the beach. I just want to walk along the shore and watch the sea roll in.

I walk the same path I did the other day, heading down the corridor then down the steps. I look at the room I was taken into to see Sacha and cast my gaze past it to the kitchen. Inside are Candace and Tristan’s brother. Both look at me as I stare back. Candace gives me an encouraging smile and I return it.

Turning away I face the opened door ahead of me and walk through it. The sun kisses my skin as I step outside into the bright light.

The weather is beautiful, and the deep blue sea ahead looks like something you’d find on a screensaver.

The picturesque scene beckons me closer, so I walk to the white sand and sit on the beach. That’s where I stay for hours. I just sit and watch the waves roll in and out, thinking of what will happen next.

I have no idea what the plan is now Tristan knows I can’t help him. I’m guessing that means he still needs me. He probably still thinks I’m leverage.

My father wants me to marry Dmitri only to continue the legacy, but I’m certain if he was placed in a position where he had to save me, I’d be a small sacrifice.

The same as my mother. He loved her and then he killed her.

Feeling eyes on me I glance over my shoulder and see Tristan off in the distance gazing at me. I don’t know how long he’s been standing there.

Instead of coming over he turns and walks away. As he does, I get the feeling he doesn’t want to speak to me. Maybe we crossed another line yesterday by sharing too much.

I know I did. I opened up to him and spoke about Eric and my mother more than I have with anyone.

At least after my mother’s death I had therapists. There was nothing like that after Eric. I had to bring myself back and move forward.

I watch Tristan until he turns the corner, and I can’t see him anymore. It’s probably time to head back inside anyway. I’ve been out here for a while. I make my way back in and run into Candace.

“Hey, I was just about to see if you wanted lasagna,” she says.

“Thanks that sounds great.”

“Cool, I love making it. I convinced the maids to let me cook today.” She chuckles.

“Could I help?” I offer. It would be nice to stay downstairs for a while and have something to do. It would help me get used to my surroundings.

“I’d love that.”

We go into the kitchen together and start gathering the ingredients.

“Did you enjoy the beach?” she asks. “It’s gorgeous isn’t it.”

“Beautiful, and yes I loved it. It was nice to just sit on the sand and look at the sea. Do you come here often?”