Page 29 of Lord of Ruin
Once inside, I couldn’t help myself, turning in a full circle. If I were in some musical, I’d throw my arms out and start singing. But this was no happy place. I envisioned scores of people killed inside the grand abode.
I was assuming about his life, but what else did a man with enemies do?
There were more flowers, large bouquets of them and they were all fresh, beautifully done in arrangements, including on the massive glass-topped foyer table. Once I was led through a huge opening, the view outside the arched top, triple wide floor-to-ceiling window was breathtaking. There was a vast amount of green grass flanked at the rear by gorgeous older trees. But the fireplace drew my attention, the Mediterranean design also ornate with exquisite decorative tiles in a rich shade of cobalt blue.
The hardwood floor was made of lighter wood, the vibrant graphically designed rug under the two leather couches and three chairs with ottomans keeping my attention. On the right was a spectacular bar with barstools, a television positioned on the all glass wall. And the pinpoint LED lights added a serene setting to the fading afternoon sun.
“You have a beautiful home,” I told him and I meant it. Why lie about something so simple? “It’s exactly the kind of house I’d like to live in one day.”
He was suddenly right behind me, his oppressive heat warming the cold chill that had slithered through me constantly on the trip. When he brushed his fingers ever so gently over my shoulder and down my arm, I couldn’t help but shudder. My core felt heated to around a thousand degrees, which didn’t bode well for me trying to hate him.
“I wish I could take the time to show you the rest of the house. I promise I will. However, I have a meeting with my brother to go over the details of my trip. Right now, I’ll take you to your room where I think you’ll be comfortable for at least a little while.”
What could I possibly say to the man? “Okay.”
He led me up the curved staircase to the third floor, leading me down a beautifully decorated hallway complete with wall sconces already glowing and flickering as if lit by real candles. I was surprised he took me to the end of the hall, opening the door and waiting until I walked inside.
The space was just as insanely gorgeous, the king-sized bed covered in soft pillows, a beautiful, upholstered chair positioned by another arched top door leading to one of the small balconies off the back of the house.
There were bookshelves lined with books, a small refrigerator and wet bar in one corner. I noticed the doorway leading to the bathroom and I could only imagine how lavish that was.
“There is water, soft drinks, and juice in the refrigerator. If you would like, feel free to open a bottle of wine. There are glasses, a wine opener, and even snacks at the bar. While at this point, I didn’t have time to have anyone on my staff provide you with anything else to wear, I can certainly provide you with a pair of my drawstring shorts and a tee shirt if you’d like. I should only be about an hour. Then I’ll show you around and we can enjoy drinks and dinner.”
Was this man kidding me? He kidnapped me, taking me hundreds of miles away yet he believed us to be on some of date? He had lost all his marbles.
“Thanks. I’ll wear what I have on.”
“Suit yourself, mageménos.”
If the man used the term enchanted one a single additional time, I was going to do more than just slap him across the face.
Stavros backed away, turning just as he stood inside the doorway. “Keep in mind that I am the reason you’re alive. Have some respect for myself, my house, and my employees. Is that clear?”
“Crystal,” I said as I folded my arms.
He nodded, smiling as if accomplishing a huge task before closing the door.
And I’ll be damned if he didn’t lock me inside.
“Bastard. Prick. Asshole. Son of a bitch. I’ll get you for this.”
CHAPTER 9
Stavros
Hearing Jenna’s words of hatred only made me grin. I’d had one of the staff switch the locks to the other side of the door. I hoped I wouldn’t need to lock her in on a regular basis, but the truth was I had a tiger by the tail.
I was uncertain what I was going to do with her.
The rationalization for capturing her had been spot on. The reality of what I’d done something else entirely.
Kidnapping.
I’d done a lot of sordid shit in my life, a dozen or so things I wasn’t necessarily proud of, but this had to take the cake and then some.
“Fuck. Fuck,” I hissed, unable to think clearly.
I trotted downstairs, heading for my private den off the office at the back of the property. I had a particularly gorgeous view of my entire grounds, the landscaping something that had been admired in the community’s newsletter and in one of the local magazines. They were always trying to get me to agree to a photography session where I posed like some fucking model.