MARRIED TO MY ENEMY’S SON

THE TRAP

I quickly looked away. Damien asked again, "Are you sure you are alright?" I looked at him, forced a smile, and nodded. He offered his arm again. After a moment’s hesitation, I took it; I couldn’t even explain why.

His hand was steady beneath mine; it was warm, real. A dangerous contrast to everything I was feeling was that we moved forward together. I didn't even notice everyone’s gaze was now on us until I looked up again. Fear washes over me when I notice Richard Blackwood is walking towards Damien and me.

He said son! Damien replied with a forced smile, Father! They shook hands like business partners, and typically they were. They exchanged pleasantries.

“This is my girlfriend, Ava.”

My smile vanished.Girlfriend?I turned towards Damien.He didn’t even look at me.The lie left his mouth as smoothly as his own name.

I was about to say a word before he helped me back, and talked over me. His father excused himself as many other important guests were entering the mansion.

Damien stood in front of me, in a low and controlled voice. I need to speak to you, He said the urgency in his tone shifted something in me, the contradiction unsettled me more than anything.

We moved away from the crowd, towards a quiet corridor lined with tall windows, only when we were out of earshot did he stop and turn me to face him fully.

For the first time since we met something shifted. The calm was gone not completely, but it was enough I stared into his eyes looking for a reason, and I found none.

I’m not here for a social visit, he said with a panicked look on his face. It wasn't visible, but it lasted enough for me to catch it.

I replied feeling confused neither am I! He said yes you we not

He exhaled slowly while putting his hands into his jacket pocket. He pulled out a folder. It was thick. I hadn't even had a look at it, but it was already so unsettling. His hand movement was controlled, deliberate.He handed me the folder,I opened it. My breath stopped.

“No.”

Damien didn’t look away.

“Yes.”

And suddenly I understood why he had brought me to the Blackwood estate.Nothing about tonight had been an invitation.It had been a trap.