Page 31 of His Forced Bride

The main entrance opens into a foyer that could belong in a palace.

Slate floors reflect light from crystal chandeliers while tapestries and oil paintings line the walls, but the beauty of it all feels cold and sterile.

This is a house without warmth, without love, without any softness that might make it feel alive.

I stop in the foyer, refusing to move when Pavel gestures toward a corridor.

He says evenly, "The guest wing is this direction. Your accommodations have been prepared."

He speaks like a butler when I know he's a soldier.

The gun on his hip proves it.

"Accommodations?" I laugh bitterly.

"You mean a cell. I'm not some guest you're welcoming. I'm a prisoner, and we both know it." My voice quavers, but I hold his gaze.

"I think you misunderstand," Pavel replies in a very flat tone.

"This isn't a prison. You will be treated well."

"Treated well? You took my phone, dragged me here against my will, and now you're locking me away. That’s not treatment—it’s captivity."

My hands clench at my sides.

"I want to leave."

He points again toward the right.

"The guest wing, Ms. Mirova. Until Mr. Gravitch speaks with you, this is where you’ll remain."

This time, his eyes darken to a soulless color.

I stand my ground, fury rising in my chest, but the certainty in his tone leaves no room for choice.

When he starts moving, I have to move too.

I follow him down halls lined with more artwork and antique furniture.

The guest wing is separated from the main house by a heavy door that clicks shut behind us with the sound of electronic locks engaging.

The message is clear.

I'm not a guest.

I'm a prisoner in a gilded cage.

When we stop by an open door, he turns to face me, standing outside with his hands folded.

I peek in and see more of the same expensive furniture and decorations, and he nudges me into the room.

"Dinner will be served at eight," Pavel informs me.

"Someone will come to escort you."

The door closes with another electronic click, leaving me alone in my beautiful prison.

I rush to the windows and try the latches, but they don't budge.