The Bad Guy

He slowed as we crested a small rise along the tree line. Turning the ATV, he stopped and switched the motor off.

I took his hand, and he helped me up. The house looked like something from a Bronte novel, all stone and glass, with a façade that spoke of hidden passageways and history. A small herd of deer grazed near the woods along the far side of the lawn.

“What are we doing?” I tilted my head back and inspected the stars that glittered through the blackness.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and tapped away for a moment, then stowed it again. “Come here.”

I melted into his embrace, my back to his chest as he directed me to watch the house.

“Wait for it.”

The lights inside the house faded, leaving the structure shadowy and foreboding. Then something magical happened. White lights sparkled across the eaves, the roof, along the windows, and straight down the corners of the house. Every cornice, every stone outcrop was lined with the twinkling lights that reminded me of holidays spent at home, but on an even grander scale. Like a vista from a snow globe, the lights promised a happy holiday with loved ones.

“It’s all for you.” He kissed the crown of my head.

A tear slipped down my cheek. “It’s beautiful.” Somehow my voice made it past the knot in my throat.

“I knew you’d like it.” The simple joy in his voice threatened to break my resolve. But I couldn’t give up on my plan. Not now.

We stood for a little while longer, watching as the lights glowed into the cold night.

He kissed my neck. “Let’s get you inside before you freeze.”

The ride back to the festive house was over in a few short moments, and he hustled me inside and helped me strip out of the coat and hat. The ATV remained on the front lawn, and I watched from the corner of my eye as he pocketed the key and then hung up his coat next to mine. I hadn’t planned for such an easy getaway, but I’d take whatever opportunities I found. Of course, I wouldn’t get far on just an ATV. I ran my fingers over the small packet hidden in my jeans pocket. I’d need to use it if I had any hope of leaving the grounds.

The scent of dinner wafted down the long hallway.

“Rita made a feast and plans to make another one for tomorrow.” His dark hair fell into his eyes as he smiled down at me.

I brushed the strands away and had the urge to get on my tiptoes and kiss him.

“You can.”

“I can what?”

“Kiss me. You always glance to my lips when you think about it.”

“Psycho.” I bounced up on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for the lights.”

“You’re welcome.”

We walked to the dining room and took our usual places at the table as Rita served more food than a small army could possibly consume. Turkey, dressing, rolls, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potato with a pecan crust, and more.

Despite the feast, I picked at my food. My stomach roiled, and I wondered if I could go through with it. But I had to. I kept reminding myself that there was no other way. The only way out of this was the one I had to make for myself.

“What’s wrong?” Sebastian took a sip from his glass of red.

“Nothing.” I speared what looked like a delicious green bean, but it tasted like ash in my mouth.

“Something.” He took my hand. “You can tell me.”

It was now or never. I grabbed my wine glass, stood, and stepped over to him. He pushed back from the table, and I sat in his lap.

His easy smile, the one that was true, spread across his lips. “To what do I owe this affection?”

“I just wanted to tell you that I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. The library, the greenhouse, the lights, that night in the city.” My heart swelled with unsaid feelings and smothered thoughts. But this would have to be enough. A simple thank you.

“If any of it made you happy, even for a moment, it was worth it.” He kissed me, slow and soft, a seductive dance that he was far too good at.

I could have stayed there, given in to him, and accepted my fate as his captive. It would have been so easy to just accept it. A dark voice inside me pleaded with me to do just that. Instead of listening to it, I broke the kiss and stood. But when I did, I juggled my glass and dropped it, the shattering sound rocketing around the large dining room.

“Watch it.” Sebastian lifted me and set me on the other side of the table, away from the broken glass.

Rita rushed in and immediately began cleaning up my mess.