Chapter 5 Aurora
AURORA
When the first rays of sunshine dance through the room, I’m wide awake once more. I barely slept all night, only dosing off here and there when my racing mind allowed me to.
Not only am I physically and mentally uncomfortable being shackled to the bed while lying next to a man I know nothing about besides the fact that he is very dangerous. I also can’t stop thinking about my uncertain future.
I know the kind of man Liam is. One who takes what he wants, no matter the cost. He is going to use me to get to his end goal, whether I want to or not. The real question is, what will he do with me when he is done?
So far, he hasn’t hurt me yet. He didn’t force me to have sex with him, though he easily could have. Maybe he has some kind of moral compass after all, or he likes to play mind games, which is probably more likely. Either way, I have to tread very lightly.
I come to the conclusion that the best plan is to cooperate with Liam, keep him happy, and get close to him. He seems to know a lot about me, but I know nothing about him. That alone puts me at a disadvantage. I need to observe him and my surroundings before I can even think about getting away.
My never-ending thoughts are interrupted by Liam stirring next to me. With a soft groan, he stretches his arms out above him.
“Good morning. I hope you slept well, wifey,” he muses with a smug smile plastered on his face.
“Just dandy,” I murmur.
“I myself slept great,” he announces, before kicking the blanket off and getting out of bed.
I watch his large naked body move through the room with a purpose, like he is so sure of everything he does. His muscles flex with each step he takes, reminding me of how much physically stronger he is compared to me. Another advantage for him.
Liam grabs something from the top of the dresser before coming to stand on my side of the bed. I catch sight of something small and shiny in his hands, realizing it’s the key to unlock my restraints.
He lifts the bottom of the blanket, exposing only my legs, before opening the lock to unclasp the shackles. The second I’m freed, I feel much better, more human, and less like a captive.
“We have a busy day ahead of us, so why don’t we save some time and take a shower together?” he asks, but I have a feeling this is more of a request.
Despite my assumption, I can’t help but at least try to get out of it. “I would rather wash up alone.”
Liam’s lips curve up as he gives me a challenging look. “I’ve already seen you naked, and my shower has two heads. Besides, if we don’t hurry, we won’t have time for breakfast, and you don’t want me to be grumpy all morning because I’m hungry.”
“Of course, we wouldn’t want that.” I force a smile and climb out of the bed, deciding this is not a battle worth fighting.
As Liam just pointed out, he has already seen me naked, yet I still feel uncomfortably exposed when his heated gaze sweeps over my body. Ignoring those annoying feelings, I lift my chin and walk toward the bathroom with all the fake confidence I can muster up.
Liam follows close behind, and I’m hyperaware of his nearness. Having my back turned to him makes it ten times worse because it puts me in such a vulnerable position. I can almost see the danger sign flashing in front of my eyes.
Once we’re inside the bathroom and I’m able to see him in the mirror’s reflection, my anxiety eases up just a little. Liam walks past me and turns on both showerheads.
While we wait for the water to turn hot, I wonder if he is going to tell me more about what’s going to happen today. I hesitate to ask, but curiosity gets the better of me. “You said we have a busy day ahead of us. What exactly are we doing?”
Without answering, he steps under the water and motions for me to come in. I get into the large shower space and move under the hot spray.
I already abandoned the hope of a response when Liam gives me one after all. “I’m taking you to see your father’s lawyer. We’re going to fast-track his last will and testament, making you the new owner of all of the money and assets dear old dad left behind.”
“Are you sure I’m even listed as the benefactor?” Knowing my father, I very much doubt that he left everything to me.
“Positive,” Liam says confidently while reaching for the soap closest to him.
I look at the built-in wall shelf next to me and find fancy-looking bottles of body wash, shampoo, and conditioner.
“I hope the selection is to your liking, princess,” Liam teases.
“I’ll make do,” I say like I’m unimpressed that he seemingly thought of everything.
I wash and rinse my hair before lathering it with the conditioner that smells heavily of vanilla and roasted coconut.
While I wash myself with the shower gel, I try my best not to look over at Liam doing the same.
Unfortunately, my eyes have a mind of their own and keep sneaking glances at his large hands roaming over his firm body.
“You know you’re allowed to look at me,” Liam offers, his tone playful. “I sure as hell am looking at you every chance I get.”
I’m not sure if I should take his comment as a threat or a compliment, so I simply store it away to analyze later. Closing my eyes, I tilt my head back and let the water cascade over my hair until the conditioner is washed out.
After I’m completely rinsed off, I turn the water off on my side a few moments after Liam finishes up his shower. He steps out first, grabbing two oversized white towels from the shelf. He hands me one before drying off himself.
I wrap myself in the fluffy towel, appreciating having my body covered. Liam stares at the fabric wrapped around me like he wants to shred it to pieces, but doesn’t act on it.
The vanity has two sinks. Liam stands in front of one and starts to get ready for the day. While he lathers shaving cream over his face, I move in front of the free sink. On the counter, I find a cup with a toothbrush and toothpaste, along with some lotions as well as hair products.
“This must be the most luxurious prison ever,” I say more to myself, before reaching for the toothbrush.
“I’m expecting there is going to be an investigation, and I need it to look like you have been living here with me,” he explains while running his razor over his jaw.
Of course. I should have known he doesn’t actually care about my comfort. This is all just part of his meticulous plan.
I brush my teeth quickly. Liam opens two drawers, showing me makeup, and a hairbrush. I fix my hair and apply some light makeup until I’m presentable.
Liam left me alone in the bathroom for the last fifteen minutes or so, but he didn’t close the door, and I can hear him moving around somewhere close by. When I walk back into the bedroom, Liam is already half dressed in charcoal gray slacks and a crisp white shirt, still unbuttoned.
“The right side of the closet is yours,” he says, pointing to a door across the room. “You should probably wear something black, since you’re mourning and all.”
Ignoring his jab, I pad across the smooth hardwood floor and make my way into the massive walk-in closet. Of course, it’s just as over the top luxurious as the rest of the penthouse. The left side is lined with suits in different dark colors, shelves of shiny black shoes, and tons of drawers.
I go through the clothes hanging on my side, finding an array of business and casual wear in my size.
Opening the drawers, I scan over the underwear and grab a comfortable-looking set.
Dropping my towel, I quickly step into the panties and put on the bra.
Choosing a black pencil skirt dress, I slip into it before grabbing a pair of matching high heels.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that everything fits like a glove. They took down my father’s security system. Hacking my online shopping history was probably the warmup.
When I’m dressed from head to toe, I give myself a once-over in the floor to ceiling mirror. I’m almost shocked that I look no different than yesterday. Everything has changed for me overnight; my whole life has been turned upside down. Shouldn’t the reflection looking back at me change too?
“Here, put this on.” Liam’s deep voice startles me. How someone as big as him moves so silently is beyond me. I spin around just in time to catch the small velvet box he throws my way.
I flip the box open and look at the beautiful princess-cut diamond ring set Liam presented to me like an afterthought. Like the obedient wife I am, I slide the sparkly rings onto my finger and set the now empty box aside.
“Let’s go,” Liam urges, like he is growing impatient.
I follow him out of the bedroom, down the hall, where I memorize every door we pass, creating a mental map of this place. When we pass a picture hanging on the wall of me in a wedding dress and him in a tux, posing for a fake wedding day, I can’t help but scoff.
“Nice Photoshop skills,” I say under my breath.
“Surprisingly cheap too. People should start to do this instead of spending all that money on a photographer.”
We enter the main living space, which consists of a huge sectional in front of a fireplace, a modern kitchen, and a dining area that seats at least ten people.
The table is already set for two, and there is an older woman in the kitchen preparing plates.
She is short and heavy-set, with gray hair pulled up in a neat bun.
Liam takes the seat at the head of the table and motions for me to sit down next to him.
I take my seat and watch the woman approach us, holding two full plates of food.
“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Knight,” she greets us with a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes as she serves me my food.
“Thank you, this looks wonderful.” I make a point of complimenting her.
She looks at me like she is surprised about my friendliness, but quickly changes her expression to neutral. Giving me a curt nod.
“Thanks, Maggie,” Liam dismisses her, and she scurries back into the kitchen.
The savory smell of bacon and eggs has my stomach rumbling. Picking up the fork, I notice that there is no knife set out for me. I guess I’m not trusted around sharp objects. Spearing the crispy bacon, I bring the salty goodness to my mouth and start eating.
I’m halfway done with my food when Liam breaks the silence. “I expect you to be on your best behavior today. When we’re in public, you will present yourself as my loving wife.” His tone is sharp, his words spoken like a threat without actually threatening me.
I slowly finish chewing my food, not in a hurry to answer him. “Don’t worry, I’m an expert at pretending,” I finally say, unable to hide the bitterness in my voice.
“Great, then this should come easy to you.” He checks his watch. “The car will be ready in five.”
I take a few more bites before washing everything down with a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice.
Liam suddenly gets up, motioning for me to do the same. I get on my feet and follow him to the elevator. Blocking my view of the pin pad with his body, he types in the code that makes this thing work.
The elevator takes us all the way down to the parking garage, where a black SUV is waiting for us.
Liam ushers me into the backseat before sliding in himself.
The spicy scent of his cologne fills the space as the car starts moving.
We stop at a gate that is opened by an armed guard. Only one? I almost roll my eyes.
As we pull out into the street, I look out of the window and try to memorize the surrounding area. If I manage to break out of the penthouse, I will have to make a quick getaway. I definitely won’t have time to stop and ask for directions.
“You won’t get a chance,” Liam suddenly says.
“Huh?” I give him an innocent look.
“You won’t get a chance to leave the penthouse,” he clarifies. “The elevator is the only way out, and you don’t have the code.”
“Seems like a fire code violation to only have one exit,” I point out, but don’t mention that it would also be pretty stupid not to have another way downstairs. What if the power goes out? There has to be a staircase or a ladder somewhere.
“Don’t waste your time and energy trying to get away,” he says like he is giving some friendly advice.
“Then what should I do with my time and energy?” I snap before I can stop myself.
A sinister smile spreads across Liam’s face.
He lifts his hand and places it on my bare thigh, gripping my flesh firmly.
I do my best not to react to his touch, but my whole body is on high alert.
“I can think of a few things to keep you busy,” he coaxes, squeezing my thigh lightly, sending a shiver down my spine.
His hand disappears as fast as it appears. The ghost of his touch lingers on my skin like a burn mark.
Clearing my throat, I ask, “How long?”
Now it’s his turn to act innocent. “How long what?”
“How long do I have to play your loving wife?”
“Who said there was an expiration date?”
The car comes to a halt at a traffic stop, and so does our conversation. Instead of answering him, I go back to staring out of the window.
Of course there is an end to this. There will come a point where he doesn’t need me anymore, and since I witnessed him and his crew commit countless felonies, I highly doubt he or his friends are going to let me walk away.
If I stay with him, I’m as good as dead.