Chapter 26

“Also… you are not allowed to leave this house. You may take a stroll around this place but you will not step a foot out of that gate. I already informed my men of that.”

I was honestly not surprised by that. I expected that he would give me rules while living in this birdhouse. As I was looking for the kitchen, I noticed several of his men guarding the house. It simply means escaping was not an option.

What would I do if I did escape? Hide and risk my friends’ lives? How selfish of me.

I nodded silently in understanding.

“Good.” He then eyed my body. Eyes travelling from head to foot. It was not that of lust. I doubt that since I was wearing my t-shirt and jeans as usual. There was nothing sexy about that.

“You’re my woman. I prefer you wear a dress.” I stilled. “I’ll have someone buy you new dresses.”

“I am comfortable with these clothes.” I stated with a frown.

“But I like to see you in dresses. You’re beautiful. Flaunt it.” I was stunned at his declaration.

I wasn’t able to retort cause he suddenly rose from his seat. He bent down and took a kiss from the corner of my lips which took me by surprise.

I glared at his gesture. “I’m off to work. Behave.” He warned before leaving.

I stilled in silence, hunger passed as my stomach churned from agitation. My life completely took a definite turn.

Before the event, I was just sitting in my office still trying to redeem myself. When the Veselov’s event came, it somehow became my way to prove that I was still great at my job despite being laid off for a few years. I was happy with that.

And then there was Nile. Our relationship was complicated. We had been cozy with each other not knowing what we were to each other.

I sighed remembering that we had not seen each other since our argument. He kept calling me but I ignored it. Nixon, too.

And now there’s no way I could contact them now.

The sudden depression swept me away like a flood. My hands immediately covered my face resisting a cry.

I won’t. No. Don’t, Kura. be strong. This is your future now. I will endure Jacob and this place.

Who knows. Maybe someday I might accept him.

---

Jacob’s house was huge and I noticed it was really far from downtown. Everytime I looked at the view from the window, I would see trees and endless greens. There were a couple of houses away.

I don’t think he was planning to buy a house in the first place. This house doesn't look new at all. He seemed to be the owner of the house for a while now. Everything didn’t look new and everyone knew the place well. He really was trying to make an example of Quinn.

The night was getting colder indicating the summer is over. It made me think of the times I spent Christmas with my friends. It was either with Belle or the Anderson’s family. Though Quinn’s dad was pretty strict, he respected me. He admired his daughter and I’s relationship and therefore treated me as one of his.

And now I can’t even go to Quinn’s wedding.

“What are you doing?”

His sudden voice didn’t startle me. It was his hands that were languidly placed in my waist, caressing the curves possessively.

“Looking for something to read.” I was scanning for a book in his study. There were bookshelves that filled with a lot of books here. And since I’ve been bored of thinking what to do next, I decided to look for something to read.

I wasn’t fond of reading nor do I hate it. I was simply not interested in it and didn’t have the time. But now I have all the time in the world. I was already done touring around this place anyway, memorizing the labyrinth until I know where to go.

“You look good in this dress.” He whispered against my ear. His hands were still caressing my waist.

He then whirled me around facing him. He pressed me gently against the shelf. His lips went down to mine, kissing me softly until it became rough and passionate. When his hand went to my breast, I caught his wrist stopping him.

“Don’t.” I said as we parted.

“I won’t go all the way as promised.”

“We won’t go beyond kissing. That’s what I at least asked.”

He sighed while stepping back, distancing himself from me. His sigh was that of frustration and disappointment.

“If I let this one thing pass, you will do another one again.” His face was showing a scowl. “Please. I won’t reject you as long as I’m ready. But please let me have the time to adjust. Everything came too fast.”

His exhale was heavy. “Alright.” He steps forward again. His hand found its way back to my neck, angling it towards him so we could kiss again.

I’ve been allowing him to kiss me but never beyond that. The first time he kissed me, I didn’t push him away, already expecting that he’ll do something like that. After all, he branded me as his woman.

When he suddenly became too rough and forceful, that’s when I rejected his advances and pleaded for his leniency. I’ve been nothing but good and understanding so in return, he was also good to me and let me adjust. I promised him that when I’m finally ready, I will sleep with him willingly.

During our kisses, I just think that he’s handsome to drive away the disgust I was feeling. Kissing someone else was nauseating. I was lucky enough that Jacob was good looking and that helped ease away the feeling.

“You’re a good girl.” He suddenly said, stopping our kiss. “I’m happy that you’re giving us a chance.”

He lifts my chin letting him see my face and eyes. “You’re beautiful. You're more beautiful than any woman I know. With your character and charm, you will be a great mother to our children.”

I scoff.

“Why?” He asked. His face showed curiosity rather than anger with my reaction.

“Do you think a drug lord would be a good father?”

“Why not? My father was very good to me. He taught me all the things I know. He was strict, enough to discipline me and love me.”

“You inherited this from your father.” I stated rather it was leaning more to a question.

“Yes.” He crosses his arms, letting me go. “I am his son. Everything he has naturally becomes mine.”

“Where is he?” I asked suddenly curious of his family.

“As much as I want to introduce you to my family, my parents are both dead. The question doesn’t lie if a drug lord could be a good father. It is possible. But will he have a long life to see his children grow up? This is a dangerous world after all.”

“Then you’re not a good father or person if you risk someone’s life to stay in this world.” I retorted, almost snapping at him.

“Are you pertaining to yourself, love?” He then closes his body to mine. I tried to step back but I was already pressed against the shelf behind me.

He growls. “I want you. And no one will stop me from having you.”