Forced To Love You

Bonded For Life

After my food was brought to the room, a thought popped into my head. The doors directly across from the couch had to lead somewhere. Even if it wasn't a way out, it at least meant fresh air.

I set my tray of food on the floor before I climbed down beside it. Getting on my hands and knees, I pushed my book and the tray toward the doors. It wasn't too difficult or painful until I reached the doors.

The handle was a bit higher than I was expecting. I raised up on my knees and managed to pull down on the handle and get it to open. The doors had been locked but luckily I was able to turn the lock without needing any keys.

The doors led to a balcony that overlooked a fountain and a garden of flowers. I could only see so much from my angle but it was beautiful. There were two large lounge chairs on the left side of the balcony with a round table in between them. On the right was a table with two folding chairs. It was the perfect place to hide for a while.

It took several minutes but I was able to get myself and my belongings onto the lounge chair. I put the tray on the table beside me and began to pick at the grapes Madison had brought me. At least she had the courtesy to ask what I wanted rather than forcing me to eat something I may or may not have liked.

I read my book as I slowly grazed at my food. I'd asked Madison to switch me from water to something more appealing like teas or juices. This time, she'd brought me a peach tea to go with my lunch. I was just finishing it when I heard the door open behind me.

"Blair?"

I set my book down in my lap. "I'm out here."

Madison walked through the living room and stopped in the doorway to the balcony. "Blair, you're not supposed to walk on your foot, remember?"

"I didn't walk. I crawled out here. Believe me, I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize my chances of getting out of here as soon as I can."

She sighed and her shoulders fell. She walked around my chair and sat down on the lounge chair to my left. "Why do you want to leave so badly?"

"I have a life in North Carolina. I'm in school. I have a job." As I said the words, I realized that leaving unnoticed was most likely going to result in me getting dropped from my classes and being fired from my job. All because Christian thought I was someone to him.

"You can do all of those things here. And... you have Christian here."

"Even more reason to leave."

She groaned and it was the first time she ever seemed to open up and relax around me. I welcomed it even if it was to my dismay. "Oh, come on. Christian's a great guy and he really cares about you."

"I'm sure there are plenty of girls in this town that would love to date him. Sounds like you like him, too."

She stuttered over her words. "I-I don't..."

I nodded. "Right."

She pursed her lips before she leaned closer to me. She put her hand on my knee. "You need to give him a chance, Blair."

"Why? Why should I?"

"A mate is someone you're bonded to for life. That other person is going to care for you and love you more than anyone else. Their world revolves around you."

I rolled my eyes. There was no way she believed that. "That's ridiculous."

"My parents are mates. They have an unconditional love for one another that I only ever see when a mate bond is present."

I thought about my parents and how much they loved each other. They fought sometimes but I'd always catch them making up over a pint of ice cream. They knew things about each other that no one did. I always wanted a love like that but figured it would never happen.

Her voice was softer when she spoke next. "I know this is a lot to take in right now. You just got here and we're dumping this on you so suddenly. But please give Christian a chance. Try to see how much he really cares for you."

"How can I when he kidnapped me?"

She sighed. "Try to forget about that part. Don't let it taint your feelings for him."

I laughed. "My feelings for him? I don't even know him."

She stood and picked up the empty tray between us. "Then get to know him. Put in an effort, Blair."

I glared at her as she walked back inside. I heard the door to the hallway open and shut as she left me alone once more.

I didn't want to admit that maybe she had a point. As hard as it was to forget that he'd kidnapped me, maybe there was a logical reason for doing so. I couldn't see it since everything he'd told me sounded like an insane lie. But just maybe...

I shook my head and went back to reading. Of course, Madison picked out books that were romantic. It was filling my head with ideas that I didn't need to be having. At least, not about Christian.

Not when I was planning to leave the second my ankle healed.