My whole body feels heavy, and it’s a struggle to even open my eyes. What the heck happened to me? I lift my hand to try and rub the sleep out of them, but it’s difficult. The smell of flowers fills my nose, and it’s not one I’m familiar with. When my eyes finally come to focus, I’m staring up at a white canopy over the bed. I've always wanted one of those, but it only reinforces my belief that I'm not home. Maybe I’m at Frost’s house?
I sit up and glance around the room to see fresh flowers sitting on the nightstand. The bedroom reminds me of one that would be found in a giant mansion, one that’s older but kept up to date. I swing my legs over the side, and with a quick sweep of the room, I know this isn't Frost’s home. While this is historic, the room doesn't fit right.
Holding on to the bed, I try to get my bearings as a blank spot fills my mind. I spent the day with Frost and it was magical. Everything about it was perfect, and I’d gotten to see Frost in a new light. I’d even let my walls crumble because I knew it was too late. Frost has his hooks in me, and I want to keep them there. After that special day, there was no protecting my heart anymore.
Big, heavy curtains cover the windows, and I walk over and pull them aside. Staring out, I see only darkness and nothing else. This isn't Frost’s house at all, and I jerk back around when I hear a door open. When I see Nathan standing there, a chill creeps down my spine. It’s then I see he’s not alone. The woman I saw with Frost, Chel, is beside him, and I stare at her. How can I not remember what happened?
I try to back up, but there isn't anywhere to actually go. It’s clear that whatever is happening can’t be good. From behind Nathan, Frost’s mom pushes him to the side and comes into the room. She is as polished and put together as the first time I saw her, and she emanates old money. Nothing about her appearance is out of place, and there isn't a wrinkle on the woman's face either. Her expression never changes, which is the most terrifying part.
“What is wrong with my sons? They have the worst taste in women.” Frost’s mom purses her lips as her eyes scan over me.
“They like them on the plump side,” Chel chimes in, scrunching her nose. Nathan doesn't say anything, he just keeps staring at me. But the look in his eyes has my blood running cold.
Then flashes of what happened come rushing back. I’d gone to the bathroom in the restaurant and I ran into him. He tried to talk to me, but I don’t remember what he was saying before I felt the needle he put into my throat. After that, everything went black.
I’ve been kidnapped. Holy shit. I’ve actually been kidnapped.
“What do you want?” If they wanted me dead, I’m guessing they could have killed me outright. My stomach drops at the thought.
“This falls on your shoulders, Cookie, and this doesn't have to be difficult. You might even make it home for Christmas,” his mother says, and I feel sick.
I didn't think my stomach could drop any more, but it does. Christmas is still a few days away. They’re planning to keep me for a few days?
“You stay here and out of the way. Frost will marry Chel, and once that’s done, I’ll release you.” She makes it sound so simple, but there’s no way she’s going to force Frost to do anything.
“To me,” Nathan chimes in as a creepy smile forms on his face. The same one I’ve been seeing every time I run into him.
How the heck are these three people working together? Frost’s mother must have dug into my past and found him. He looks all too willing to be a part of their plan, and I still can’t believe this is happening. I don’t want to think what would happen to me if she handed me over to Nathan like a toy.
“Go stand with her, Nathan. I want a few pictures,” Frost’s mother orders.
I stiffen the closer he gets to me. How did I ever let myself date this jerk? He pulls me close, and I push against him as I try to get away. I’m not strong enough and panic starts to close in on me.
“Enough.” Nathan gives my ass a squeeze before letting me go.
I catch Chel glaring at Nathan, and I wonder what the hell I’ve gotten mixed up with.
“That should be enough to put some fire under Frost. Make sure you’re ready, Chel. I’m sure you’ll be getting married tomorrow.”
With that she leaves, but Nathan and Chel don't move.
“You didn't have to get so handsy with her,” Chel hisses at Nathan. “Are you in love with her?”
“What the fuck? You’re marrying someone else tomorrow.”
I notice he doesn't deny it as Chel huffs a breath, showing her displeasure. I think these two should be together and leave the rest of us alone. It’s awkward to watch two people fight. More so when you’re a part of their problem.
“What’s so great about her?” She motions to me. “If you ask me, she needs to lay off the cookies.” She tries to make a play on my name but fails. I think Chel fails a lot in life.
“She’s sweet,” is all Nathan says at first.
I think once upon a time I was sweet, but then it hits me that Frost isn't getting my sweet. Nathan soured me on love and relationships, and I’ve let him have way too much control over my decisions. I changed after him and stopped dating after that. We aren't even together anymore, and I’ve given him that control.
Not anymore.
Frost has been paying for Nathan’s sins, but I won’t let it keep happening. Tears sting my eyes because even through all of this, Frost never stopped trying. He kept pushing to get close to me, which only makes me love him more.
“Sweet.” Chel rolls her eyes. “I was supposed to get both of the Ranov men. Now I only get Frost. Although I do think he’s the better of the two.” I hate that I agree with Chel on something.
“You were going to be with both of them?” Nathan asks. I kind of want to ask if she’s ever been with Frost. Jealousy is eating me up inside at the thought of her marrying my Frost.
“That was the plan,” she admits as the corners of her mouth pull down.
“You really get around the block.” Nathan’s face turns to disgust.
“Back it up, Nathan. You’re a whore, so don’t slut shame.” They both turn to look at me as if they forgot I was here.
Crap. Why am I drawing attention to myself?
“You enjoyed going around my block this morning.” Chel lifts her chin higher as she says it.
Between her heels and already being as tall as Nathan, he has to look up at her. He once told me that one of the reasons he asked me out was because I was short. I thought it was an odd reason, but the truth is he never wanted anyone to look down on him. Right now he’s not getting that.
“I’ll be enjoying a virgin soon enough.” He turns his head to lock eyes with me.
The urge to vomit hits me. I was already pretty close to it because I could still smell Nathan's cologne on me. Chel grabs his arm to get his attention.
“She doesn't belong to you yet.” I think she’s only protecting me because she doesn't want Nathan to have me. The jealousy is in her eyes. Nathan and Frost are so different—how could she want both?
“Soon.” He shakes off her hold. “Very soon.” He licks his lips as his eyes roam over me. Then he turns and leaves the room, with Chel following him. I hear the lock click into place, and my heart sinks.
I don’t think they truly understand what they’ve done here. They are playing with the Ranov men, and they should know better. Frost will be coming for me, I have no doubt about that.
My only fear is what might happen to me before he gets here.