A Criminal Kiss [Max Verstappen]

chapter fifteen

Annalise P.O.V

The sun streamed through the tall windows of the drawing room, the golden light catching the intricate patterns woven into the curtains. My father stood near the fireplace, a glass of wine in hand and a pleased expression on his face. I knew that expression well—it meant he was about to ask something of me that I wouldn't want to do.

"Annalise," he began, his voice warm and indulgent. "There's a gathering soon evening at the Lockhart estate. The Viscount and his family are hosting, and I think it would do you good to attend."

I bit back a sigh, smoothing the fabric of my skirt. "Why? What purpose would it serve?"

His brows furrowed slightly, but he maintained his composed demeanor. "It's important to keep up appearances, my dear. The Lockharts are an influential family, and the guest list will include many of your peers—young men who would make excellent matches."

There it was. The real reason. Every event, every meeting, every carefully planned outing had the same goal: finding me a husband. He'd been subtle about it at first, but as the years dragged on, his patience had worn thin.

"I'm not interested in attending," I said flatly, turning my gaze to the window.

What if I want to find my own husband?

My one true love.

My burning desire...

"Annalise," he said, his tone firm now, "you can't avoid these things forever. This is your duty."

I bristled at the word. Duty. It had become the chain that locked me to this life, to the suffocating expectations and relentless pressure to fit in. I wanted to argue, to tell him how little I cared for the dances and pleasantries, but I knew it would be futile.

Instead, I nodded absently. "I'll think about it."

He seemed satisfied enough with that, returning to his drink and changing the subject to estate matters. I pretended to listen, nodding at the appropriate moments, but my mind was already elsewhere.

-

Later that evening, I paced the confines of my room, torn between guilt and excitement. I knew I should stay, should attend the gathering and appease my father. But the thought of another evening spent among stiff conversations and calculating smiles made my stomach turn.

I wanted to be somewhere else—anywhere else.

I wanted to see him.

Max.

The name alone sent a rush through me that I couldn't quite explain. There was something magnetic about him, something raw and real that had drawn me in from the start. He wasn't like anyone I had ever known, and the more I got to know him, the more I craved his company.

Before I could second-guess myself, I grabbed a plain cloak from my wardrobe and slipped it over my dress. The heavy fabric fell over my shoulders, obscuring the fine details of my attire. It wasn't much of a disguise, but it would do.

I crept down the back staircase, my heart pounding with each step. The staff were occupied with their evening duties, and I managed to slip out unnoticed. The cool evening air greeted me as I stepped into the garden, the scent of blooming flowers mingling with the faint chill of autumn.

-

Most of the shops in town had closed for the night, their windows dark and uninviting. A few lanterns flickered in the distance, casting soft pools of light on the cobblestones.