Page 65 of Jordan

“They’re happy. They learn to accept their lives and what they have. Everything you named is possible. You can have it all—and more.”

“Even children?” I ask.

“Especially children.”

The way he says it makes it seem like he wants it too. Like he’s already thought about this. Planned it all out. Has he?

For the first time, against my will, I wonder if being here is the worst thing to happen to me. I mean, I was going to marry Zach. The guy was cheating on me for how long? Imagine if I’d been stuck with him? At least Enzo knows how to please me sexually. He’s hotter than Zach. Way hotter. More fun to be around too.

“I still have so many questions,” I mutter.

“Like what?” he asks carefully.

“Will I always be trapped in the house? Will our children be allowed to leave? Am I in danger? Will they be? And what about Rafael?”

“I will never allow harm to come to you or our children. Ever.” He holds my gaze for a long moment. “As for the rest of it? That all depends.”

“On what?”

“On you.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Jordan

After dinner, I go to my room. I lie in bed and stare up at the ceiling as I think everything over. I’m warring between fighting and accepting my fate.

I guess I could do both. Accept this is my life. That I will always be fighting for my freedom and that’s it.

That’s just it.

I could be happy though. If Enzo gives me children, at least I’d have them. But it isn’t enough. I want all of it, not only children. I want a loving husband. Someone who cares about me. I don’t want any of this arranged marriage crap. I don’t want to force myself to be happy. I want it to be natural.

I can’t give up so easily. I’ve barely tried. This is only the first interaction I’ve had with Enzo that was somewhat cordial. I have to keep chipping away at the stone wall he has around himself. This won’t be easy, and it won’t be quick. This could take a long time. But if I keep up with it, maybe one day I’ll be free.

That’s what I need to tell myself.

So sure, I may have to marry him. I may have to have sex with him. I may even have a child with him. But I’ll keep fighting for my freedom because it’s what I deserve. I deserve to make my own choices and decisions. I deserve to be able to do whatever the hell I want in life, because it’s my life. I won’t allow him to dictate what I can and can’t do. I’m a grown woman. I’ll do what I need to survive, all while knowing my goal is to leave. The moment I can, I will.

This is by far the best plan I’ve had since I’ve been here. Why fight him? It takes too much work. I need to give in without actually giving in. It’s not just about distracting him with my body, it’s distracting him with everything. It’s going with the flow and moving with the motions to make this seem natural. Make it seem like what I want. One day, he’ll let his guard down, and that will be the day I’m free.

I toss and turn in bed, unable to sleep, so I get up and leave my room. I go to the kitchen to grab a snack because what else is there to do so late at night?

After my meltdown and medical emergency, Enzo made sure there was food in the house I liked. Of course he told me I had to eat healthy meals in order to enjoy the junk food I want. Whatever.

I grab the package of cookies and make my way through the parlor toward the home theater.

I can’t remember the last time I watched TV or a movie, but it’s something to do. I’m living in this house, I may as well enjoy everything it has to offer.

When I open the door, I don’t expect to find the giant TV on. I certainly don’t expect to find Enzo on one of the couches. He looks up at me when I walk in but doesn’t react otherwise.

“Sorry,” I mutter and turn to leave.

“You can stay,” he says. I stop, close my eyes and take a breath.

The last thing I want is to spend time with him, but it’s smart. This could be an opportunity to build some trust. Starting will be the hardest. Once I’m in, everything else will come easily and it’ll be like riding a bike.

“I was leaving anyway,” he adds, grabbing a few folders beside him.