Captured Miracle (5 page)

I snorted. “Whatever you want.”

“Nova,” my name was a warning on his lips. “Let’s make our first day together something to remember.”

I couldn’t help the widening of my eyes as I stared at him in awe. How in the world could he think I would ever forget this day? The day of my abduction?

Calix spoke again and his tone held something that resembled a plea. “Let me get to know you.”

Chapter 4

“I thought you already knew everything about me.”

He shook his head on a sigh. “I know a lot about you, Nova. I never once said I knew everything.”

I looked away from him quickly. I was afraid that if I continued to look at him, I would act out the motions I was envisioning in my mind. One of the many images I’d entertained, was of me grabbing a plate from a nearby table and slamming it over his head. Repeatedly.

My lips curled up at the corners as the thought replayed in my mind. I wondered what he would do. Apart from hurting those I loved, how would he react? Would he hurt me?

Calix squeezed my hand, his body pressed close to mine as he walked, guiding me toward the back of the restaurant. I noticed his men seated around the diner and my skin felt tight as my eyes settled on the man who’d held my mouth shut as he tugged me from my bed. In the light of the day, he wasn’t any less frightening than he’d been in the darkness of the night.

Calix’s men were all muscle, their bodies constantly alert and ready, their eyes sharp and all seeing. They looked like an army team dressed in suits. They frightened me.

“We’ll take this table.” Calix instructed. The table was an intimate setup for two. A little vase filled with sunflowers sat in the middle of the rustic wooden surface. I sat down obediently, the chair creaking beneath my weight. Calix stood beside my chair, watching me settle into the seat. His hand rested against my shoulder, its weight heavy and burdening.

I looked up at him pointedly. “Are you planning to stand the entire meal? Or are you going to take your seat?”

He cocked a grin. “I’ll take a seat when you tell me what you were thinking while we were walking.”

“I wasn’t thinking anything.”

“You were.” He stated matter of fact. “You’re fingers fidget with your clothing when you think.” He cocked his head. “So, I’ll ask again. What were you thinking?”

Jeez, what was his middle name for goodness sakes? Perception? “I was thinking of hitting you over the head with a plate.” I stated bluntly. He demanded and I saw no reason not to tell him the truth. “Repeatedly.”

Those penetrating blue eyes widened and I felt a small burning of satisfaction. I’d shocked him! “What stopped you?”

My heart dropped. The flickering flame of satisfaction was snuffed out before it found real life. “You know what stopped me, Calix.”

He smirked. “You’re right. I do.”

And again, I was reminded of how much I disliked him.

I stared into the seedy center of the sunflower as Calix removed his hand from my shoulder and I tried not to notice the absence of his touch against my skin. From my peripheral vision, I watched as Calix moved to his side of the table. He lowered himself gracefully into the seat and I felt his eyes on me. The need to cry swelled anew within me and I bit back my tears. I couldn’t do this here. I couldn’t allow my emotions to wander when there was so much relying on their stability.

Calix leaned into the table, his voice low and commanding. “Stop thinking about them, Nova.”

“I don’t know how.”

“Think of ways to hurt me.” He offered and my eyes darted to his in surprise. “But do it fast. Our waitress is on her way over.”

God, I wanted a plate. And I wanted it made of iron.

A middle-aged woman stopped by our table, smiling warmly down at us. “Welcome, darlin’s.”

“Good morning,” Calix’s voice was smooth. I watched as her eyes settled on him with appreciation as she regarded him slowly. I knew what she was thinking. I knew it like I knew the sun would retire to the moon tonight. She thought he was beautiful - probably the most beautiful man she had ever seen. And she was right. Calix was beautiful. But he was evil. He was a beautiful, arrogant, sadistic bastard.

“Well,” she breathed out a deep breath before looking to me. Her eyes scanned over my face, and to my surprise, she smiled warmly at me. “Don’t you two make a gorgeous couple?”

“Thank you,” I could feel Calix watching me as he spoke. “You have no idea what I had to do to get her attention.”

My eyes swung to Calix’s and my mouth dropped open. The waitress spoke before I could find my voice. Her words were eager and her smile was large and filled to the brim with romantic hope. “Do tell.”

When Calix spoke, his voice was deep and serious. “That ring is about the only thing she hasn’t fought me on.” His eyes were on me, intensely. “From day one, I vowed to make her mine, forever. She’s made a conscious effort to fight me on everything, but when I slipped that ring onto her finger, there was no fight in her eyes.”

The woman slapped her hand over her heart, sighing heavily. “You vowed to make her yours forever?”

Calix nodded, his eyes on mine. “I did. And I will.”

“Oh, child,” her hand grabbed mine where it was sitting on the surface of the table, her misted eyes inspecting the sparkling ring. “Lordy, babe, you’re one lucky girl!”

My lips trembled as I forced them into a smile. “Thank you.”

“Now, I know its nerve wracking to plan a weddin’ and all that,” she misunderstood my hesitation as my being overwhelmed. My heart sank. “But with a man like this one standing at your side, honey, I assure you, there’s nothing you can’t overcome. Love is power, darlin’.”

I nodded hating the situation Calix had forced me into. “I’m very fortunate.”

The waitress frowned at my lack of enthusiasm. Her eyes darted between Calix and I. Thankfully Calix spoke. “I think we’ll order now if you don’t mind. My fiancée is anything but enjoyable when she’s hungry.”

The waitress nodded. “What can I getcha?”

I glanced at the menu I hadn’t opened when Calix spoke again. “Do you have fresh blueberries?”

“We do.” She nodded.

“Good.” Calix smiled gently in response to my frown. “If you could bring a bowl of blueberries and milk out with brown sugar, it would be very appreciated.”

“Okay,” she nodded unsurely. “Is that everything?”

“No, I’ll get the swiss spinach omelet and two glasses of orange juice.” He handed her the menus. “Thank you.”

She nodded, glancing unsurely to me. I wanted to snicker at her. She’d thought he was so perfect until he went and ordered for me. Little did she know, that blueberries with milk and brown sugar was my breakfast of choice. What I wanted to know was how the hell Calix knew that.

“I would like a coffee as well, please.” I spoke softly and she nodded.

“Will that be everything?”

“Yes.” I offered a tense smile and she turned away, quickly moving to the kitchen. I looked back to Calix and found he was glaring at me. I snapped, “What?”

“You need to work on your acting skills, love.”

“Oh?” I cocked my head. “You mean she doesn’t think we’re in love?”

He tensed. “Are you trying to test me, Nova?”

His eyes were so stern and cold, I had a feeling I was only inches from pushing him off the cliff. If I did that, he would take my sister with him. I knew this with certainty. And it was that certainty that had me clutching to his fingertips, pulling him away from the ledge.

I reached out to pet a soft pedal of the sunflower in the vase. “How did you know I liked blueberries?”

He didn’t even crack a smile and his reply was dry. “You eat them every morning.”

“Not every morning.” He glared at me over the sunflowers and I added. “Just most mornings.”

“I don’t want to fight with you, Nova.” He rubbed his brow. “It’s been a long night and there are still things we need to discuss. I have expectations of you, and you will fulfill them.” I opened my mouth and he continued, cutting me off. “Have I made myself understood?”

“What do you expect from me, exactly?”

Calix didn’t reply as the waitress reappeared with our juice and my coffee. “Anything else I can get for you?”

I shook my head and she promptly left us alone. I tore open a packet of sugar and dumped it into the blackness before adding a half a creamer. Calix watched me intently as I stirred my coffee before bringing it to my lips. Now he knew how I took my coffee - if he hadn’t already known.

“We have another four hours until we’re home.” Calix stated.

There was that word again. Home. “I see.”

“My grandmother lives with me.” He stated bluntly and I felt my eyes widen. “You will show her nothing but respect and kindness. She deserves it.”

I set my coffee on the table. Circling my hands around the mug, my skin soaked up the warmth. “Does she know about me?”

His eyes focused on mine. I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like his answer. “Yes.”

My heart clenched in my chest. “Sh, she knows you,” I paused, gathering my thoughts. “She knows you took me and she’s okay with it?”

I watched as his shoulders tensed and he leaned into the table. His voice was stressed and filled with warning. “She knows. That doesn’t mean she approves, but she will not stand against me.”

“I don’t understand.” My words were a whisper that was ignored as our waitress reappeared with our breakfast.

She set the dishes in front of us and before she could ask if that was all, Calix waved her away. Not once did his eyes leave my face. The woman stuttered a few moments, before turning on her heel and walking eagerly away.

She must have thought us to be the most odd couple she’d ever encountered. Considering our circumstances, I wouldn’t be surprised if we were in fact the oddest couple to ever have dined at this establishment.

“I’ve told you once, Nova, that this is bigger than just me and you.” He cut into his omelet. “I am growing tired of having to repeat myself to you.”

I shifted in my seat, feeling uncomfortable. “What could possibly be bigger than our lives, Calix?”

“Someone else’s life.” His eyes flashed with pain. “Two to be specific.”

“What?” I breathed. “I don’t understand.”

“And you won’t.” He replied coldly. “Unless I want you to understand.”

I shivered violently. “Why wouldn’t you want me to understand why you’ve taken me?”

His blue eyes were dark as a command charged from between beautiful lips. “Eat.”

“Calix,”

“I’ve told you to eat, Nova.” His grip was tight around his fork. The white of his bones prominent beneath the skin stretched tight over his knuckles. “If I have to do it again, you will not like me.”

“I already don’t like you.” I mumbled through shaking tones. “I hate you.”

“So you’ve said.” He pointed his fork to my bowl. “Now, do as you’re told.”

***

I hadn’t spoken to Calix since the restaurant. I did as he told me and ate my blueberries. I smiled when it was appropriate and Calix paid our bill before guiding me back to the prison that was the limo. I’d closed my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest, wishing for the thousandth time in the last ten hours, for a blanket. I didn’t get one, but I wasn’t asking for one either. I didn’t know what else Calix had stored within the confines of the limo, but I’d be damned if I asked him for anything. Ever.

After a few hours, I curled into myself, leaning my head against the plush leather seat. I was exhausted. My entire body was beginning to feel the effects of my lack of sleep and unlike before, I was able to close my eyes. But I still couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t stop thinking of my family. The worry they would surely feel in regards to my disappearance. Had they called the police? Would there be a search party?

My body shifted and I fought the desire to open my eyes. I didn’t want to look at Calix. I didn’t want to see him, but at another bump in the road, I opened my eyes. Peeling myself from the leather, I sat up. “Where are we?”

“Almost home.” Calix answered gruffly. I could feel his eyes on me, but I couldn’t look away from the scenery outside the limo. It was - stunning. Magnificent mountains stretched into the sky, their rough peaks capped in white despite the warm spring air. Groups of trees stood together in scattered clumps over the stone expanse. Constant shades of gray glittered in the sunlight while pulsing veins of purple streamed through the rock.

I had never seen anything so large and completely hypnotic. My breath had escaped my lungs as soon as I caught sight of the mountainous range, and I hadn’t yet found it.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Calix’s voice shattered through my thoughts and I found my ability to breathe again.

“It is.”

“Have you ever seen them?” He looked out the window, staring warmly at the rugged land.

“No.” I murmured. “I haven’t. I haven’t really left Seattle.”

His brows raised and I knew this was something he hadn’t known about me. “Why not?”

“Mom doesn’t have all that much money.”

His face hardened. “And your father?”

I shrugged. “I don’t really know the man. He has next to no part in our lives.”

“I see.” His words were clipped, but behind his eyes I saw confusion. “We’re almost home.”

“We are?” I felt my mouth drop as I stared, once again, out the window. I realized then, that I hadn’t felt the sorrowed panic I felt every other time Calix told me where home was. I might not like the life Calix had planned for me, but at least he had chosen a place of immense beauty.

“We are.” Calix’s tone demanded my attention, and before I could deny him, my eyes had swung to meet his. “You like the mountains?”

“How couldn’t I?” I asked. “They’re amazing.”

“I’m glad you’ve found something positive about this.” He nodded more to himself than to me. “That’s a start.”

I tensed. “I’ll never accept what you’ve done to me, Calix. Not even something as breathtaking as the mountains can change that.” My words turned quiet and I laced my hands together into a large fist. “What you’ve done is unforgivable.”

His jaw hardened as he clenched his teeth. “It is what it is, love.” He shrugged, but I knew I’d gotten to him. “There’s no changing the past.”