Collateral (Collateral Damage 1)

I walk back outside and look down at the empty patio, then out to the sea at the sliver of light in the far distance.

The sun is rising, and I think how much I want to swim. What I would give to swim. To dive into the pool or, better yet, into the salty water of the sea and let myself float. Just float. Let my ears fill up with the sound of water. I remember how peaceful that always felt. Floating with my ears beneath the surface.

I miss it.

I used to love swimming, but now, even the thought of it scares me.

I go into the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. My stomach growls. I’d kill for a cup of coffee, but I push the thought aside. Instead of choosing one of the dresses he’s bought me, I put on the pair of jeans and a T-shirt I’d brought with me and go out to the balcony to sit on one of the two chairs and watch the sunrise. I think it’s the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen.

A sound from my left startles me and I turn to find I’m not alone.

Stefan is standing on the balcony watching me.

I’m confused for a moment, but I remember the closed doors I’d glimpsed yesterday. I hadn’t given it a thought, but I realize now we share the balcony.

His hair is wet, and I think how he looked a little while ago when he was swimming naked.

“Get a good look this morning?” he asks as if he read my mind.

I feel my face flush as I stand and look away. I clear my throat when he approaches.

I glance inside at the chair lodged under the doorknob and feel so stupid. I probably hadn’t imagined that he’d come into my room last night. I wasn’t imagining the aftershave at all. He probably was in here. Again, while I slept.

“How did you sleep?” he asks.

I fold my arms across my chest, and I don’t miss how his gaze momentarily drops to my hand. He’s probably confirming I’m still wearing his ring. His mark of ownership. I don’t admit to myself my relief that I hadn’t been stupid enough to take it off.

“Badly,” I say, even though I slept fine.

“You were out when I checked on you.”

I grit my teeth.

“Have fun with your friends?” I ask, my voice higher than I want it to be.

“I did, thank you for asking.” He smiles, all cocky and sure of himself. He looks me over. “It’s warmer here than you’re used to and too warm for that. Change into one of the sundresses.”

“I’m fine.”

“But I’d like to see more of you.”

“Didn’t you get an eyeful of the woman with the irritating laugh last night?”

“Careful, Princess, or I may think you’re jealous.”

“I’m not a princess and I’m not jealous.”

He brushes past me, disturbing the air. I wish I found the subtle scent of his aftershave intrusive. Offensive even.

He walks directly to the door and removes the chair without a word. “You like the room?”

“I did until just now.”

“Well, soon you’ll be sleeping in my bed, so you won’t be in it for long.” He checks his watch. “Millie will be preparing breakfast. You can go downstairs to eat. Swim if you like. Lounge around. It’s what you’re used to, isn’t it?”

It takes all I have to bite back my words when what I really want to do is tell him to go to hell.

“You have your first fitting at one o’clock.”

“What fitting?”

“For your wedding dress, Gabriela.”

“Do I get a say in any of this?”

“I chose the dress. I think you’ll like it. It’s perfect for a princess like you.”

“You don’t know who I am. You have no idea. You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know enough and can guess the rest. Our engagement will be announced tomorrow night at a party. Your father hasn’t RSVP’d yet, but I’m sure he’ll be there. He can’t not show up, after all. You’ll also be fitted for a dress for that.”

“Why are you doing all this? I mean, everyone knows this isn’t for real.”

“It’s very real, Princess. The sooner you wrap your brain around that, the easier this will be for you.”

“Do you want it to be easy for me?”

He walks toward me, and it takes all I have not to retreat.

With his finger beneath my chin, he lifts my face. Having him this close feels strange. My chest tightens and it’s hard to breathe around him.

I watch his eyes skim my face, my lips, my throat. I wonder if its bruised. He’ll probably like that. Another mark of ownership.

“Whether or not you’re my enemy is up to you,” he says.

“Aren’t I already simply for being who I am?”

“You’re right about what you said last night. You are a pawn. My pawn. But believe it or not, your misery isn’t what I want. When I bury your father, you don’t have to go down with him. I don’t want to put you in that hole with him.”