Taken

Chapter 20

I stood in front of the mirror looking at myself in the evening gown that had been laid out on the bed. I groaned, hating that it felt like a second skin. I turned from side to side checking the way the dress fit. Occasionally tightening the corset like side making sure it wouldn't come undone. My hair was lightly curled and my makeup was natural but with a dark winged eyeliner and bright red lipstick.

I groaned again when there was a knock at the door. I awkwardly turned, moving the bunched bottom of the dress with me as I spun. All of the men walked into the room, including Max and Erik. Each of them were dressed up in their formal suits and ties. I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from sneering or making a rude comment at the formality.

Henry walked over to me and gently spun me, the fingers from his left hand tickled my waist as I turned.
"You look absolutely stunning." He kissed my forehead and walked me from the mirror and deeper into the main room. Everyone stopped to look at us and most of them smiled.
I looked to Erik and Max who stood off to the corner watching me silently.

"The car is prepped and ready. Are we ready to go?" Alex said walking into the room and looking around. Henry nodded but I pulled back.
"I don't have my shoes on yet." I whispered quickly walking to the cupboard and grabbing some stilettos and walking back over to the bed.
I grappled with the dress, struggling to pull it up so that I could get my shoes on.
Henry stopped me and gently pulled the shoes on and did them up. Running his hands down my leg as he did so.

"Everyone can go to the limo; I just need to speak with Anna quickly. Max." Henry said, standing up and looking at everyone. Without saying anything they all turned and left the room except for Max.

I watched and waited for everyone to leave the room, watching Max for a moment before I realised that he was not leaving. Henry gently pulled me up and stood back looking at me.

"You look beyond stunning Anna." He said again. Looking me up and down.
"Thanks" I whispered; glancing at myself in the mirror again.

"I want to speak with you about tonight." I nodded at him, giving him my full attention. Max came and stood by Henry and looked down at me.

"You will be with me at all times. If you are not with me you will be with Max, or one of the others and you are not to leave their side. As you know, there will be a lot of families at this event. They will be watching and absorbing everything they see. Please be compliant and be happy."
I nodded again; looking down to the ground. Henry lifted my chin so that I was looking at him again.
He quickly slipped a ring on my left hand ring finger. My heart hammered against my chest but also felt as if it had also stopped completely.

"Whaa." I gasped staring at my hand. I tried pulling it up so that I could see it but Henry grabbed my hand and held it down while he continued to talk to me.
"It's just for show. I need them to know that we are serious. Can you imagine the unstoppable powerhouse that our families would be if they were combined? I need to show strength tonight and I need your help to do this."
I was completely lost for words and I just stared at Henry.
"If anyone asks. You're engaged to me."
I pulled away, my trance broken.
"I'm what?"
"Engaged to me." Henry said holding my hand. I shook my head.
"This is bullshit. I don't want to be engaged to you even if it is pretending." I said pulling my hand away and trying to pull the ring off. Max moved forward and grabbed my hand and stopped me.
"You have to do this. The rest of the guys are aware of how this is and this is the plan." I stared at Max, my eyes welling with tears.
"Would you rather be 'engaged' to me?" Max asked staring at me. I gently shook my head.
"It's just for show." Henry said, moving in and gently wiping my stray tears away with his thumbs as he cupped my cheeks.
I nodded and looked down and away. Henry gently grabbed a shawl and draped it over my shoulders and walked me to the limo.