with the gown. Everything fit perfectly, including the satin underwear I wore underneath. Nolan hadn’t spared any expense; that much was clear. Only it wasn’t what I would have chosen.
“Thank you,” I said with a weak smile as she handed me a bouquet of white lilies.
I hated lilies. To me they were the flower of death. How appropriate.
My head jerked up when the hard door knock came again. Jones stepped inside unceremoniously, and raked his gaze over me.
“Not too bad. You’re a bit too skinny for my taste; I like my women full and voluptuous. Some meat on their bones to hold on to.”
For a fleeting moment, I wanted to burst out and laugh. Jones’s revelation was far more information than I’d ever expected from the serious, badass dude I’d become accustomed to. I relaxed just a little, letting my shoulders drop a fraction.
But before I could even comment, the hard mask had slipped back over his features. The moment was gone as suddenly as it had appeared. Yet it made me realize that no matter what we portrayed to the outside world, no matter how tough we appeared, we were all only human. Even Jones.
For the second time in a matter of minutes, Jones surprised me by holding out his arm to escort me out. My bodyguard was keeping me close. Smart man.
His ominous voice spoke in my ear. “I wouldn’t do anything silly if I were you. Smile and act like a blushing bride as if your life depends on it. There are cameras waiting.”
My heart pounded and my mouth went dry. I had no option but to slip my arm through that of the burly man because my knees were shaking so hard I was afraid I’d be unable to stand through it all.
Jones started walking toward the door. Sofia shuffled closer, and lifted the train of the dress off the ground. It was time to do this.
Chapter 39 — Eva
The bright sunlight reminded me that I hadn’t been outside in days. I blinked a few times and my eyes watered as I fought back a sneeze. I wondered what it was about the bright sun that caused a person to have such a strong reaction. I must Google it.
My mother had always said “bless you.” How I wished she was there to rescue me. She would have seen right through Nolan and put a stop to this.
Funny the stories we make up in our heads when we don’t want to face the harsh reality of what was happening to us.
“People survived the Holocaust by keeping their minds strong. Remember that, Eva.” My mother’s voice spoke in my head with every step I took closer to my ill fate.
Becoming aware of movement in the distance, I squinted and saw a few people out on the lush lawn—all wielding cameras. What if I told them what was happening to me? Would they believe me? Help me?
What if they thought I was crazy?
Maybe I was.
I nearly stumbled over a stone on the pathway. I cursed under my breath as pain shot from my toes through to my ankle. Jones’s grip tightened as he jerked me upright and held on to me. “Be careful and watch where you’re going.” Irritation was clear in his voice.
“My foot. It hurts.”
“Walk, dammit.”
I had nothing left to bargain with; I had nothing left but the smallest sliver of hope that something, someone would end this freaking nightmare.
“Jones, don’t make me do this. Please, I beg you.”
“Shut up and walk.”
“I’m not talking about my damn foot.”
“I know. Keep moving.”
Trembling, I wrapped my hand around his arm and tightened my grip, my nails biting into his flesh. He flinched for a second, but didn’t say another word. Every step was like a thousand needles stabbing my foot.
“Miss Ryder,” a man called as soon as he saw me, hastily making his way toward us to get the scoop of a lifetime. Flashes went off like lightbulbs, blinding me for a few seconds. I’d seen the media mob many famous rock stars, but I’d never imagined it would happen to me.
The sun was low in the sky, painting the horizon pink and orange. A red carpet lay before me leading to a flower-laden arch at the end of it. In front of the arch stood the groom, his chest puffed out and his straight back making him seem just a little bit taller than usual. The smile of victory that spread over his face made me want to