Kidnapped to love

chapter 74

Elijah guided her gently into his house, settling her in the living room. He sat beside her, tending to the cut on her hand with careful hands, though he couldn’t help the conflict stirring inside him. The pain she was in made him focus on the task, but the thought of her being Dimitri’s fiancée lingered, a sharp edge of jealousy mixed with frustration.

“Ow! That hurts,” she muttered, wincing.

“Relax, relax… We’re almost done,” he replied softly, though he found himself watching her more than the cut.

“You don’t know what you’re doing,” she said with a huff. “Call Dimitri; he knows how to do this right.”

A flash of irritation crossed his face, and he muttered, “I know better… let me show you.” His voice held a trace of jealousy as he resumed his work.

Elijah’s jaw tightened as he continued. How can she compare me to him? I’m far better… at least I’m not cheating like he is, he thought bitterly. After a few more moments, he finished up. “There. It’s done,” he announced, pulling back.

“Take me to Dimitri now,” she demanded, her gaze meeting his.

He paused, holding her gaze. She seemed to expect him to move, but he only said, “Sit.”

“What?” She blinked, surprised.

“Sit,” he repeated firmly. Reluctantly, she obeyed.

“We’re not going to him,” he said, a finality in his tone.

Her face paled. “Why?” Her voice trembled, on the verge of tears.

“Because he doesn’t deserve you,” he said, his tone unyielding.

“But I want to go to him,” she pleaded, panic creeping into her voice.

“Not now. Maybe not ever,” he replied, his voice lowering with a strange intensity.

Her hands shook slightly as she whispered, “Why? Why not?” Her breathing quickened, her face reflecting a mix of confusion and fear.

One of Elijah’s guards stepped in, observing the tension. “Sir, should we take her back to the basement?”

Elijah shook his head. “No. Take her to one of the guest rooms.”

He stood up, ready to leave. She reached out, her hand brushing his, her touch soft and pleading. “Please… Take me to Dimitri.”

For a moment, he froze, feeling the warmth of her hand in his. Her eyes, desperate and wide, looked up at him, stirring something he didn’t want to acknowledge.

He glanced at his guard and gave a short nod. “Take her,” he ordered.

The guards gently led her away, her gaze lingering on Elijah, but he forced himself to turn away, stepping out of the room.