Rage

Chapter 3

Chapter Three

Wren

I ’ve just kicked off my shoes when there’s a knock on my front door. Today has been hellish, and getting up is a struggle. My knee aches as I walk , a harsh reminder of what happened a year ago today.

The thought has me pausing. How is this the first time I’ve thought about that day? For months, it was all that consumed my mind. The kidnapping. The torture. The man with the kind eyes who saved me. My breath hitches. I can still hear his cries as he died in my arms. Moments later, I was rescued by my father’s men. If they had been there a minute sooner, Boris wouldn’t have died. I did my best to find out about the man who tried to save me but didn’t come up with much. Heck, the coroner’s office wasn’t even sure Boris was his real name.

Another knock brings me out of the troubled thoughts of my past, and I hurry to the door. I open it without looking through the peephole, thinking it’s the Chinese food I ordered. A large body pushes through my doorway before I have time to process what’s happening.

“Sorry about this, ma’am.” He says as he grabs my arm, spinning me so my back is to his chest.

Something sharp pierces the skin on the side of my neck right before everything goes dark.

I come to with a pounding head.

“Shit,” I grumble as I sit.

It takes me all of three seconds to remember what happened. I reach for my neck as if I’ll still find the needle and syringe there. All I find is tender skin, which is likely bruised since I bruise so easily. The pain morphs into panic as I look around. I’m locked in an actual cage. It reminds me of the kennel my mother used to keep her cocker spaniel in. Four walls with iron bars keep me inside. The top and bottom are solid and there’s not enough room to stand. No, I’d have to be on my hands and knees to get out…

“I see you’re awake.”

I turn toward the voice to find Gideon Rossi sitting in a chair that faces me. It’s right next to a massive bed. Am I in his bedroom?

“Why am I in a cage?”

His lips lift. “Strange that the cage is your first worry.”

“Oh, there’s plenty more on my list, but the cage is preventing me from slapping the shit out of you.”

He laughs, and I bite back a silent curse because that’s a sound I could get used to.

“Thank you for being honest, little bird.”

“Little bird?” My pulse thrums in my neck. “You’re the one who’s been sending me the texts.”

I don’t mention the video, even though it’s what I think of first. Heat creeps up my neck, and I pray he can’t see it.

He says, “You are correct. I’m the one who’s been texting you.” He leans forward. “I’m also the one who’s been watching you. I know everything about you, Wren, and now that you’re here, we can move to stage two of my plan.”

“Plan? What does that mean?”

“You’re about to find out.”

He stands, going to the door. When he opens it, a man in a suit steps in. My lips part.

“Father O’Malley?”

“Good evening, Wren, and congratulations.”

“Congratulations? What are you talking about? Help me!”

He can see I’m in a cage. Why isn’t he helping me?

Father O’Malley ignores me and turns to Gideon. “Mr. Rossi, it’s a pleasure to serve you tonight. I’m sure somewhere, both of your parents are smiling down at you.”

Gideon snorts. “Doubtful, but thank you for the words, Father.”

“Where shall I stand?”

“Wherever you’d like,” Gideon says as he comes to a stop next to the cage.

Two more men enter the room, closing the door behind them. I recognize one as the man who shoved the syringe in my neck. I glare at the man, and he lifts a shoulder in a shrug. What a jerk!

Father O’Malley turns, so he’s facing us. “We are gathered here today to witness the marriage between Gideon Rossi and Wren Copeland.”

A loud buzzing fills my ears, and everything around me spins. I hold on to the bars, trying to steady myself.

“This is where you say, ‘I do,’” Gideon says, though it sounds like he’s far away.

“No.”

“I wasn’t asking.” His voice is closer. “If you don’t do this, your father dies.”

“Please don’t make me do this.”

“Say it, Wren. Say you’re willing to be my wife.”

Blinking, everything comes into focus. “I do.”

“Such a good little bird.”

Father O’Malley says, “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride, Mr. Rossi.”

Gideon smirks. “I think we’ll skip that step, Father. Did you bring the paperwork?”

“I did.”

He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a document. Gideon takes it, signing his name. He hands it to the two men, and they sign, too.

When he turns to me, I shake my head. “You can’t make me.”

“Father, have a look out that window over there.”

Father O’Malley does as he’s told without questioning Gideon.

Gideon turns to me. “You’re going to learn that my word is law. I understand that this is new, but when I tell you to do something, I’m not asking, and the longer you stall, the worse your punishments will be.”

“Punishments?”

“Yes, my little bird, all pets must be trained. Tamed, even.” He reaches into the cage, tucking a piece of brown hair behind my ear. “It’s up to you how painful that training will be.”

“Why are you doing this, Gideon?”

“Sign the paper, Wren. Make things easier on yourself.”

My gaze searches his icy blue one. “Will you tell me why you’re doing this if I sign?”

“Yes.”

I hold out my hand. He hands me the paper and a pen. I skim the document, even though I already know what it is. A wedding certificate and marriage license. I add my name next to his and hand it back to him.

“Will you tell me now?”

He moves away from the cage. “Gentlemen. Father. I thank you all for being here for my wedding. Mrs. Rossi and I would like some time alone if you know what I mean.”

Father O’Malley is the only one who laughs at the poor joke. The man who stabbed me with the syringe hands Father O’Malley a thick envelope and leads everyone from the room, leaving just me and Gideon.

Gideon turns to me. “Now, let’s get you some answers.”