𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑| ✍

Chapter 24 • Grow A Pair •

A\N: I don't quite understand where this book is going and I'm trying to get myself a proper writing plan for this story which you can see in chapter.

I also think I'll be switching POV's for a while just to see which fits me better. Enjoy

Panic. That was all I felt as I skimmed my eyes over the white dress. In Demi's other hand was a translucent white veil.

Demi giggled, lowering the dress onto the bed, along with the veil before throwing me a warming look. "This is the first one out of 15 especially made for you."

I stood frozen to the ground, withered in fear. Fear of the future. Demi sensed it and stepped forward, placing her hands on my shoulder as she towered over me. "I know it must be scary, Nicole. But, if you both love each then what are you waiting for."

Love each other. I let out a scoff, earning a weird glare from the tall girl. "I mean...He hasn't even gotten me a ring yet." I prevaricated my worries.

"Does it even matter?"

I forced a smile on my face, moving to the dress. "You're right." I picked the dress up by its hanger. "I shouldn't be worried about such simple things."

I glanced back at her, seeing as she was convinced, I changed the topic. "So, all I'm doing is choosing the dress. The rest is handled?"

She nods. "Yeah, Evora is taking care of everything." I suck in a breath of air at the sound of her name. "I know every bride wants to be the true designer of her dream wedding, but just trust her on this."

Another fake smile along with a nod. "Even the date?"

"Yep. We don't know when she wants it to happen. Maybe next week, next month, or even next year."

My heart dropped, realizing that I might never actually leave this place. Anguish surged over me as I dropped the dress, back to my frozen standpoint. It's been almost two weeks since I haven't left this bedroom.

The only people I would allow in, other than Aiden, were Demi who came every night with a platter of food that would last me till the next daylight. Fucked up, isn't it? Was I just being paranoid and crazy? Probably.

It was just something about Evora that didn't sit right with me. I already how crazy this family was, Aiden being their true prodigy.

Funny being how Aiden was the only person who kept me sensible in here. Even though I would only see him late at night or early morning when he'd leave, the midnight cuddles and morning kisses seemingly help.

"Nicole..." Demi's voice fell on sealed ears. "Hey, what's wrong."

Silence

"Should I go get Aiden?"

I peered at his name. "He's here?" I asked, clearing my throat.

"Yeah, he arrived just before I came in here."

"Please." It was the only thing I could form out. She nodded sympathetically before turning to leave.

Being left alone with my thoughts made everything worse, as it's been for the last couple of days. Constant overthinking and internal bickering with myself left me with one question. Why did I give up so easily?

I acted like I didn't have a life before this happened. I threw my purpose away without even realizing it.

All and all, this place was pushing me into a deep cycle of pessimism. I hated it.

The door opened wide as Aiden stepped in, carelessly striding in while I was amassing an inner dread.

A broad grin on his face, Aiden invaded my personal space. I stood there silent as he brought a finger to my chin, scanning my face. "Just pale as always. I don't see why Demi was so worried."

I swatted his finger away, scowling at the comment before taking a seat on the bed. I wordlessly reached for the wedding dress and the matching veil, showing them to him.

"Yeah, the dress wouldn't go well with your tone" That was all he said.

I sneered, shutting my eyes in bitterness. "It's not about the fucking dress." My voice got subconsciously louder with each word. Opening my eyes, I stare at the man in front of me. His lower lip was in between his teeth as he bit back a laugh.

I don't know where this new humor of his came from, but it was fucking with me the worst way possible.

He took a seat beside me as I dropped my head, unable to gaze at him.

Clearing his throat, Aiden asked. "What's wrong?" He asked seriously.

"Everything. Everything is wrong, Aiden." The fabric balled in my hand as I felt another incoming breakdown wash over me. "Your family, Aiden." I pointed out. "This house and–and us even. It's all wrong. Staying here is driving me crazy. I can't live like this and the constant thought of something happening to me. It–It." I shut my mouth as the stuttering got the best of me.

Breathing in, I continued. "I just can't."

I gazed up at him, foreseeing a look of sympathy and compassion. Nothing. What did I expect? "Well, say something."

"What do you want me to do?" That was all I got.

"Wow..."

"Look, I want to be here either. You of all people should know that but think about it. The best way to get ourselves out of here is to wait for the wedding."

Just when I thought we had gotten somewhere. I scoffed with my attitude now on the full array as I completely turned towards him. "Or you grow a pair of balls and go confront Evora." I snapped.

I guess he snapped along with me because before I knew it, his hands were around my throat in a split second inducing me to heap for air. He pulled me closer with his tight crip.

"I suggest–"

I cut him off. Using the bits of oxygen I decided to fuel him even more. "You know what I think." My vice was barely even audible. "You're stalling. Waiting for her..." He knew exactly who I was talking about. "But she isn't coming back. Not while I'm here. I'll make sure of it."

Using only the grip on my throat, Aiden threw me further onto the bed as gasped for the air to return to my lungs.

I watched as he slowly paced around. I smiled seeing how deeply my words had affected him as I slowly retrieved my consciousness. He paused and turned to me. I halted as well, fear triggered by the grin that raced over him. What the fuck.

"You're a sick little fuck, you know that..." He remarked as I gaped at him, not knowing how to react. "It almost turns me on." His voice dropped at the last part.

I don't know why but I gleamed back.

He didn't give me time to concede, instead, snatch the dress from the floor and jerked it at me.

"What the hell?" I questioned, looking down at the fabric.

He glanced at the time. "Everyone in in the dining room right now. We can move through the back. C'mon." He peered back at me. "You can get dressed in the car. Get up." He stressed.

"Where are we going?"

The sickening smile returned. "We're going to get married."