“I thought you were with Eleven?”
“I am… sort of,” I say. “I won’t marry Ronan. I just have to find the appropriate way to tell Dad.”
Teal meets my gaze, but she remains silent. “Dad needs that alliance with the Astor family. Earl Astor has the best title amongst the voting committee and if he pledges to Dad, everyone else will follow his lead.”
“I know that.” That’s why it hurts so much, and my brain is working in overdrive.
“If you know, why don’t you act?” she asks with genuine curiosity as if all of this is too easy.
“I can’t do an arranged marriage when I already have someone else in my heart.”
“That’s why it’s better to have no one in your heart. Those who show weakness lose.”
“It depends on who you show that weakness to, Teal.”
She gives a sharp nod and sidesteps me to walk towards her room.
I’m tempted to follow and ask her why she’s been in such a pissed off mood today — more than usual — but I choose to give her space.
Besides, I’m too caught up in my own head right now.
My phone vibrates.
My heart jumps with joy at Aiden’s name.
Aiden: Come out the back entrance.
I don’t even think about it. I jog down the hall and straight to the back door used by the staff.
The moment I step outside, a strong hand wraps around my mouth. I gasp, but the sound is drowned into the skin.
The hard, strong skin I recognise.
My gaze meets Aiden’s for the briefest second, and excitement whirls into my bones.
I barely get a glance before he picks me up and throws me over his shoulder like a caveman.
Squealing, I hold on to his back with both hands. “W-what are you doing, Aiden?”
“I’m kidnapping you, sweetheart. It’s been long overdue.”
26
Elsa
I’m being kidnapped.
How does someone react when they’re kidnapped?
It’s not like I have the manual or something. Considering my relationship with Aiden, I should’ve probably bought the thing.
Deep down, I knew he’d do this someday. I knew he’d give the world his middle finger and whisk me away on his black horse.
Like an old-fashioned kidnapper, Aiden tied my hands in front of me so they’re lying on my lap. He also covered my hands with a blanket so no one would see what he’s done.
I should be thankful he didn’t strap my mouth with duct tape. But then again, that will draw people’s attention and Aiden is too smart for that.
The car speeds into the distance like a wrecking ball. Aiden’s complete concentration is on the road. There’s no tick in his jaw or a twitch in his left eye.