Anastasia

You were beyond stressed out, and as your phone vibrated for the 2316th time (little exaggeration) you snatched it up, and powered it down. You didn’t have to look to know who it was; the Marquis Vincent de Gramont was an aristocratic pain in your ass.

Your aunt and uncle made custom tailored suits for the Uber wealthy all over Europe. Last summer, you had worked as an assistant for them, and it had been one of the best summers of your life. You’d traveled all over Europe, visiting castles, meeting elites and dining with actual royalty. One such person was the Marquis.

Flashback

As the car pulled past the massive gates, and made its way down the longest driveway you’d ever seen, you strained to see the home all this was for. When the sprawling French chateau came into sight, it did not disappoint.

“Now I must warn you, this client is very high maintenance. Anything can set him off so do not look at him and if he asks you anything, be very polite. He is a Marquis, with more money than God and used to always getting his way.” Your Aunt informed you.

You nodded nervously as your car came to a stop. You were greeted by servants and lead to a room that looked like its sole purpose, was for suit fitting. You assisted your aunt in getting everything ready, and realized you’d forgotten something in the car.

Excusing yourself, you sped walked to the car, only to discover it had been moved. Cursing yourself for being distracted, you made your way back to your aunt, hoping she could go without. As you tried to find your way back to the room, you soon became lost.

Unable to resist admiring the works of art on the way, you noticed a famous piece by your favorite artist, and nearly fell over. Walking up to what you thought could be the original, you stared at it slack jawed, in complete shock.

“I might be cross that you are wandering around freely, if you weren’t making such an amusing spectacle of yourself.”

You turned to find a tall, extremely attractive butler or something approaching you. He was wearing far too eccentric clothing, to be anything else but a uniform. “I got lost and then I saw this piece and completely lost all sense of reality. It’s incredible to me that some people have enough money to put a masterpiece in a random hallway.” You said as you continued to stare at the painting.

Sighing you turned to the man and really looked at him. He was breathtakingly attractive. Quite young and obviously European. He was looking at the painting with a thoughtful look on his face. “Are you an art fan?”

He cocked an eyebrow at you, “art fan? You must be American?”

You grinned at him and nodded. “Guilty. You must be French.”

He looked slightly confused. “I think you are the missing niece they are looking for, no?”

Your eyes went wide and you grabbed his hand in yours, “oh my God! They’re looking for me? God bless America! Please can you tell me how to get to the fitting room. My aunt is a tailor and I’m supposed to be assisting her, not chatting up men about art.”

The man smirked and pulled you along by the hand, back to where you should be. “You must not be too hard on yourself, this place can be quite the distraction.”

“I can’t even imagine what it must be like to live here. Could you imagine running and sliding down these hallways in socks?” You giggled.

By the look on his face, you could tell he had no idea what you were talking about. You stopped in your tracks and looked up at him incredulously, “you’ve never slid in your socks? Such a travesty! Okay you be my lookout. Make sure nobody important is coming.” You told him as you kicked off your shoes and jogged down the hall. You turned around and gave a thumbs up. The man hesitantly returned it, so you sprinted a bit, before planting your feet and gliding past him in your socked feet. “You try now!”

He looked at you like you were crazy, but you’d have none of it. After some convincing, he’d taken his shoes off and was at the other end of the hall looking unsure. You gave him the thumbs up and he took off before gracefully sliding by you, like he’d been doing this his entire life.

You ran up and gave him his shoes and you both laughed at yourselves as he lead the way to your aunt. Upon entering the room, your aunt gave you a dirty look before she noticed your helpful new friend and bowed respectfully. “Marquis de Gramont! I thank you for returning my niece. This will not happen again! I assure you!”

You felt like you were going to pass out. This is the Marquis? But he’s so young!

He’d gotten your info and had actually called you several times, taking you on outings that you’d never normally experience. He’d remained respectful always, but had been extremely displeased with you for returning to school and leaving Europe.

It had been surreal, to say the least, and you had half a mind to drop out of school and stay there forever. But you weren’t one to leave things unfinished, and you had put a lot of time and effort into getting your education.

Realistically, you were going to school for a career you were very passionate about, and this was your last semester. If you had spent all these years in school, only to fumble at the very end, you’d never forgive yourself.

Turning your attention back to your work, you were quite annoyed when there was a knock at your door. You huffed and stood, and stomped over to the door before swinging it open.

Standing before you with a man standing beside him, holding the biggest bouquet of flowers you’d ever seen, was the Marquis himself. He was dressed impeccably, and looked so remarkably out of place in your college dorm, it was almost funny.

“I do not like it when you ignore me.” He said as he breezed his way past you into your room. “Put the gifts down and get out.” He commanded his servant.

“You cannot just show up whenever you like, I have exams!” You said as sternly as you’d dare.

The Marquis pursed his lips as he considered you. Then he stepped forward and pulled you into his arms. “My little American scholar. So determined. So steadfast. Allow me to bask in your light for just a moment before sending me back across the sea to my lonely chateau.”

You giggled and immediately softened. He was irresistible and you adored him. “Ok fine. But just because you use such pretty words.”

PART 5: When your friends don’t know best

Tw: cursing, sadness, kidnap, imprisonment

You knew Robert was different from the first day you met him. He actually looked at you and he looked worried.

He worked in the stables and trained the horses for various disciplines and techniques. You weren’t an equestrian, so you knew about a few styles such as; hunter jumpers, western style, and something called dressage where the biggest, strongest looking horses, learned to sort of dance.

You spent a lot of time with the horses, helping out and getting to know them. Most of the stablehands and employees avoided you like the plague. They took care of your needs and came when you summoned them, but they would not have a conversation or answer the majority of your questions. But Robert was different. He actually spoke to you, and never seemed annoyed with your presence.

“You know her name might be Angel, but she’s quite a dangerous horse, you might want to tend to another one.”

You turned around to find robert standing there, watching you tend to Angel. “She’s not dangerous, she’s just not putting up with anything she doesn’t like.”

“Well she doesn’t much like anything, but she also never lets anyone pet her either so you must have a good heart. Horses can sense that.” He said before turning to go

“Why is Angel like that?” You asked, not expecting to get an answer. “Were you abused mama?” You asked the horse as it watched you pet its side.

“I think she actually likes you.” Robert said to your surprise. “As far as why she’s the way she is? It’s just her personality. She’s an Andalusian, which is normally a much more agreeable breed. She’s from a champion bloodline too. That horse cost more than many people’s homes.”

“Are all the horses here the same kind?” You asked.

“Oh no ma’am. There’s many different breeds of horse here. All are from the finest bloodlines, mostly warm bloods in these stables. All champions themselves, or bred from champions. The Marquis takes his horses very seriously.”

You looked at him like he was crazy. “Are you trying to pull my leg here? All horses are warm blooded aren’t they? Only lizards and fish are cold blooded I thought.”

“Well warm blooded in horses is more a reference to their temperament.” He explained. “The calmest, most docile breed of horse is also the biggest. Draft horses are gentle giants.”

“Like the Budweiser horses?”

He chuckled and signaled for you to follow him. You spent the rest of the day, learning all about the various horse breeds and the personality of each of them.

It was the first time in months you felt like a person again. Robert almost made you forget you were prisoner.

Over the next few weeks this became your routine most of the week. You learned a lot about the horses and he never made you feel like a burden.

One day you’d built up the courage to ask him about Annie. You hadn’t had much hope in getting any concrete answers, so when he said he’d look into it, you figured that would be the end of it.

A few days later when you had been helping one horse with an injured stifle, he’d appeared and asked if you’d come to the tack room to get a different lead.

You’d put the horse in his stall, and had gone in the tack room surprised he had classical music blasting from a stereo. When he saw you, he signaled for you to come choose a lead.

You turned to see your guards observing you from a few paces outside the room, through the door. Neither of them seemed to like your newfound hobby and often gave you tons of space.

You walked over and stood next to Robert facing the wall. As you looked over the different leads he spoke, “the music is to cover our conversation from your guards, and since I know cameras and bugs are hidden throughout. The Marquis is very paranoid, especially when it comes to you. I found out what happened with Annie. She apparently attempted to seduce him and he took great offense and sent her back to the United States where she has been committed to a mental hospital. She was warned not to speak of you and she did not listen. That is all I know.” He chose a lead and presented it to you.

You shook your head and chose another, holding it up. “How can you work for him?” You asked as you made it appear you were asking about the lead.

Robert shook his head, and took the lead from you and handed you another. “He pays well and I never had to really witness what he did to people. He’s very fair with the horses. I must warn you. You must never try to escape him. You’re such a lovely, kind girl. I’m sorry this has happened to you, but there is no where you can go to escape him. He will never rest till he has found you again, and he will find ways to punish you. So please do not try. It would pain me to see you hurt further.”

With shaking hands you reached out and took the lead from him. Tears streamed down your face as you tried to get it together. Your sight was blurred from your tears in your eyes, but you blinked them away and forced a smile. “Thank you Robert. You are my only friend.”

With that, you swiftly walked out of the tack room and didn’t stop walking till you were once again in your room. Leaving your guards in the hall you went into your bathroom and turned on the shower. Stripping off your clothes, you got into the shower and finally broke down.

You cried for Annie. You cried for yourself. You cried for your hopes and dreams and your freedom. You cried for your parents and your friends you’d likely never see again. You cried for your past self. And you cried for your future.

By the time you got out of the shower your eyes were puffy and you just wanted to go to sleep. You didn’t even bother putting any clothing on, just walking out of the bathroom, dripping water, naked as the day you were born.

You crawled into the bed and soon fell fast asleep.

In the corner of the room, a figure stood and approached your bed. Taking a seat, they affectionately tucked your hair away from your face and watched you sleep for many minutes.

You were not aware that he did this nightly. Spending time with you while you slept, trying to figure out a way to make you care for him. He was not blind. He knew you hated him, but he couldn’t bear to let you go. He didn’t know what had upset you so badly, but he also knew your situation was not ideal.

Making his way out of your room, he gave your guards a nod of acknowledgment, and made his way to his office. He had to think of a way to make you care for him.

Maybe if he brought your loved ones here? Everyone has a price. Provided for your family financially so they would favor him? Donated a large lump sum of money to a charity you liked? Saved some refugee children from some god awful country or situation? Maybe even let you choose a few of them to keep? Buy you anything you like? Take you wherever you want to go? Save the rainforest? Get you a panda? Show you the vault of family jewels and allow you to wear anything you like? Then maybe take you to the ballet? Or an F1 race? Perhaps go somewhere on one of his yachts? Or perhaps spend some time on his island.

The saddest part about “Life as a House”, was when he gave away the house.

(And as a side note, the taxes on that house would have been about $75k annually in that area on the ocean. )

Home insurance in that area is outrageous. To insure that size home in 90275 it would be about $8k per month.

So with the utilities, that lady would need to come up with about 15k per month. And that’s not including fuel, car, food, doctor etc…

So while it seemed like a nice idea, it was actually likely sold anyways.

Part 4 WHEN YOUR FRIENDS DONT KNOW BEST

TW: cursing, violence, holding against their will

You sat on the beautiful velvet sofa by the window staring out into the night. You weren’t looking at anything in particular, you just couldn’t stand to look at all the wealth and luxury surrounding you. None of it held any beauty anymore. You hated this place.

You hadn’t seen the Marquis for a week since he told you what he supposedly was, and no one would answer any questions, just telling you there was nothing they could discuss with you. They weren’t allowing you to leave, and you hadn’t been allowed to see Annie in three days.

DO NOT be fooled by part 3, shit is about to get all kinds of not ok!!! Gotta make the name of the series make sense.

The canon history of Seto Kaiba is he was an exceptionally intelligent, gifted, troubled boy. He is suspected of abusing substances.

When he was younger his father died, and then his mother couldn’t handle the loss, dying when his little brother was young, leaving him responsible for his care.

Look at this dramatic bitch

He has an evil cold rich stepfather that is exceptionally hard on him. He violently forces him to become his idea of an heir and leave Sam Monroe behind, now only known as Seto Kaiba.

until he snaps and pushes stepdad out a window to his death, everyone thinking it was suicide, but there’s a few that wonder. Luckily his stepdad Gozuburo Kaiba was so universally hated, no one cares.

Now Seto Kaiba is a billionaire cold eccentric drama queen that dresses like a goth kid would if he was rich as fuck.

So bullet points

Both lost their parents

Both had a cold wealthy replacement father figure

Both were always kind to their little brother

Both were chaotic as fuck

Both were questioned about sexuality

Both were super dramatic

Both were exceptionally attractive

Both had a gothic sense of style

Both were self destructive

Both had unhealthy coping mechanisms

They are the same person.

When your friends don’t know best - part 3

Warning- cursing, nudity, violence etc 18+

“Oh my god! I’m so sorry! Are you okay? I had no idea…” you said as you practically ran up to Annie, looking her over.

"it could be worse," Annie said with a shrug as she sipped her champagne. "I mean he could be ugly."

You stared at your best friend like she’d completely lost her mind. “How can you be nonchalant about this? You're the one in danger if I misbehave for fucks sake!" You seethed at her. She was currently clad in a bikini laying out by the pool, like you were on vacation at a resort and not being held against your will.

“where do you think he goes all day anyways?" Annie signaled one of the bodyguards for more champagne and went over to the edge of the pool, dipping her feet in. "However he pays for all of this, is likely time consuming. He is insanely wealthy which comes with a lot of responsibility. Personally I think it's kind of romantic in like a dark way."

"you're insane." You bit out. You were having a hard time not hurting your friend yourself! Why was she on his side? “Why are you taking his side? Do you think I should actually take him seriously after what he,”

“Listen princess,” she cut you off once again,”I know this isn’t what you wanna hear, but you’re gonna have to accept it. If anyone comes looking for us, and if they actually find us, what are they going to do? I hate to break it to you, but this guy has the title and the type of money that laws don’t apply to them. Even if the police listen to our loved ones, the Marquis has an army. They’ll get themselves killed. If we escape, where will we go that he won’t find us? How will we get our papers and book flights to leave without him finding us? If anyone is insane, it’s you! So like I said, at least he’s not ugly.”

You knew she was right but you couldn’t admit it yet. You’d never felt so helpless and trapped in your life. You could feel the tears coming on, but before you’d let anyone see them, you spun on your heel and marched into the house. A few steps behind you were you're faithful guards, always staying close. Only giving you privacy in the bathroom, where they'd wait outside the door. You decided you'd take a bath and think.

You made your way through the massive estate, blind to the priceless antiques and art around you. At first you’d been impressed with his vast collection of priceless artifacts, until you’d realized he’d collected them all, just like you. Now whenever you looked at a famous painting or ancient vase, you imagined your face inserted into the scene. You imagined the Marquis in the background just out of sight, pulling the strings. It made you mad enough to spit.

Coming to the room that you'd been given, you informed your guards that you'd be bathing and they didn't say anything as usual. They just stood to each side of your bathroom door, staring straight ahead like you didn't exist. The first few days you’d been here, you’d begged them to help you escape, but they just ignored you.

You supposed they weren’t terrible since you didn’t think they’d told on you, but they didn’t help you at all either. You’d asked a maid to help you, and she’d told the Marquis. He’d told you this, by hooking Annie up to electrodes and shocking her until she’d thrown up all over herself.

That had shut you up until today, when you finally got to see Annie again, only for her to be on his side. You suppose you’d likely say the same to her, if the roles were reversed. She was practically a whipping boy and if you felt helpless, she must feel even worse. You needed to apologize after you had some time to gather your thoughts alone.

Making your way in the bathroom, you turned the water on and threw a bath bomb in the water. Undressing and taking your hair down, you stepped into the purple tinted water and tried to clear your mind so you could face your best friend and that man.

You gazed out the window at the setting sun and wondered if it was dinner time. You contemplated what you would wear, and what you could say to make Annie feel safer. It was your fault she was here.

So lost in the warmth of the water, and your thoughts, you didn't notice someone had entered the bathroom.

"it must be my birthday." The Marquis said in a low husky tone.

You're eyes shot open so fast that you wouldn't have been surprised if they had popped out of your skull. You sat up quickly, causing a large rush of water to spill out of the bath across the floor. You tried to cover yourself as much as possible, but when you locked eyes with the Marquis all your panic seemed to melt away.

"you're ok. You can trust me my love." He stated as he made his way to the side of the tub.

You couldn't explain it, but you believed him, and even though something in the back of your mind screamed danger, the longer you stared into his eyes, the less you felt like he was anything but safe.

You lowered your arms to reveal your chest and his eyes lit up in interest. You tried to think why he'd be interested in your chest but got nothing. You couldn't think and you couldn't look away, but you knew that something about that wasn't right. Your father had always said you were the most stubborn child alive, when you thought you were right, and you knew that was true.

A look of determination crossed your face and the Marquis couldn't help but chuckle. You could see the devotion and admiration in his eyes and it was flattering. This beautiful, wealthy powerful man wanted you, and you couldn't think of why that was a bad thing. Not with him right there.

Wait a minute. What were you thinking such nice things about him for? You forced your eyes away from his and stared down into the water at your toes.

Your toenail polish looked terrible. It was all chipped and your nails needed a trim. You also needed to shave your legs and underarms, but had not bothered keeping up with your appearance since you didn’t want him to like you.

You snapped your head to the side, remembering he was in the bathroom with you and wondered how you could possibly forget his presence like that.

Your eyes widened at the sight of a very naked man climbing into the large bath with you. When had he taken his clothes off? You closed your eyes, and searched the last few minutes and could only see his handsome face. When you opened them again and found he was only inches away from you, you didn’t handle it well.

You screamed.

You began to fight him but neither of you could find purchase in the slippery soapy water, so you both just tumbled around. You attempted to stand but fell on top of him twice, and realized he was laughing.

You tried to hold yourself off of him, but slipped again and he was no help since he was laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes. Finally becoming irritated you snapped, "what is so damn funny?"

He took another few seconds to calm before pulling you on his lap and snuggling up to you affectionately. "In all my years on this earth, no woman has been so silly as you. I have always been successful with women, so I suppose I find the futility of it all, very amusing." He smiled into your skin before kissing you on the forehead. "I've had more fun with you this last week, than I've had the past 100 years."

"why do you say shit like that? You're not old, nobody is that old." You snapped. You were getting really sick of his strange comments.

He smiled a huge toothy smile and you noticed he had fangs. Rolling your eyes, you reached out and poked his fang, only for it to cut your finger. "Jesus! Did they file those down sharp enough?" You shouted, putting your finger in your mouth. You’d heard of people having their teeth filed down to resemble predators, but you didn’t think someone of his status would participate in such a trend.

You glared at him only to be met with yellow eyes, with slit pupils like a snake. Your breath caught in your throat as your mind tried to find a logical explanation for green human eyes, to shift to yellow snake eyes but you were coming up with nothing. You could feel your fight or flight mode kicking in, but you just stared at him wide eyed and frozen.

"Do you see mon Cherie?" He whispered.

You shook your head that you did not, and he closed his eyes and chuckled. When he opened them again they were their usual green again. You wondered if you’d hit your head when you had been trying to get away from him, and then contemplated if he wasn’t somehow slipping drugs into your food.

You looked down so you didn't get trapped in his stare again and looked up again quickly. You weren't sure how you forgot you were both nude, but now you'd seen his dick and it was hard. Should that even matter at this point? He had fucking snake eyes for fucks sake, and you're scared of a dick?

"tell me what you are thinking." He purred.

You tensed at the sound of his voice. Frantically running through different responses, you finally settled on one “What are you?"

The silence was palpable. As the seconds, turned into minutes, you finally turned to look him in his eyes and ask again, only more firm, "tell me what you are Vincent."

You were worried you’d forget yourself again if you stared into his eyes too long, so you made to get up and put some space between you two. His arms reached up and pulled you close to him. You knew you couldn’t overpower him, so you allowed yourself to go limp and huffed out a long sigh.

He sighed too, and just as you began to try and get up again, he spoke into your ear. "I am a vampire. I have lived 400 years, but only 8 of them are worth mentioning. Those blissful years I spent in the company of my soulmate Arielle, whose soul now lives within you.”

Your mind came screeching to a halt as you searched for something to say. All you could come up with was “how?” You weren’t sure what you even wanted to know but were relieved when he began speaking again.

“Arielle wished to be a mother, and only those born vampire, are able to produce offspring. Since she was born human, she wanted to have children before she would allow me to turn her.” You pulled your face back to look into His face. “She was killed when she was 8 months pregnant with our daughter. She was burned alive by her own brother. She had told her family the truth about me, even though I advised her not to.”

“What did you do?” You asked in spite of the fact you were sure it was a terrible fate that fell on Arielles’ family.

“I destroyed them of course. Not only them, but every person that saw her burn and did not stop it. Every villager, servant and beggar that did not even question why such a perfectly pure soul, was destroyed, and I am not sorry.” He looked you in the eyes, “I’d do it again.”

And you knew without a doubt, that he was telling you the truth. You knew he was capable of destroying an entire village in his rage, and you thanked god, that he thought you looked like Arielle. “So I look just like your wife?”

“No you have many differences in appearance. Same color hair, but her eyes were a soft brown and she was not so tall. She was not so lean as you are either. She was beautiful as you are, just in a more common way.” He explained.

Your brows knitted in confusion. “Then why do you think I have her soul?”

“Because I can recognize it.”

“ my soul?” You asked again.

“Souls are very ancient living things. They are unpredictable. I can’t begin to tell you exactly how it works. Some you never see more than once, while others bounce from life to life without a pause between. I do not know why or how they choose to live, but I can recognize them, just like you can recognize your friends and family. When you are a vampire, there are additional senses you acquire over time.” He explained.

“So you have powers?” You asked.

“Maybe,” he smirked.

His eyes darkened and he’d never looked so attractive as he did now. He bit his plump lip and slowly brought his face closer to yours. “May I kiss you?”

“Only if you promise, not to bite me.”

His brow shot up incredulously, and he wrapped his big hands around your waist and sensually spoke into your ear, “I promise.”

You nodded, and before you could blink you were out of the tub and in the bedroom, in the Marquis strong arms.

The Marquis laid you on the bed gently and then got on his knees between your legs. “What are you doing?” You asked nervously, as he pushed your legs apart so he could fit between them comfortably.

“I’m giving you a kiss.” He smirked up at you, before leaning forward and taking your sex in his mouth, and devouring you like a man starved.

Clutching the sheets so hard that the corners came loose, you couldn’t help but to fall apart. Never had anyone made you feel this way, and you wondered if this was possibly one of his powers. While you wouldn’t call yourself a slut, you’d had your fair share of lovers over the years, but none came close to what he was doing. Maybe it was the hundreds of years he’d been alive. How many pussies had he eaten?

Your climax slammed into you so hard, and sudden you screamed for the second time that day. Your head spun and your legs shook uncontrollably. You’d read about legs shaking from orgasm, but had never thought it was true till this moment.

Suddenly you felt lips pressed to yours in the gentlest kiss. You’d reached up and ran your fingers through his hair as you pressed him into the kiss. You couldn’t help but taste yourself on his lips, but it didn’t gross you out. You wondered if he was going to fuck you now and were surprised when you realized you wanted him to.

“I was supposed to be getting you for dinner.” He mumbled, breaking the kiss. “Annie is waiting.”

“Oh my gosh, it’s been forever!” You shrieked as you wriggled out from beneath him and rushed to the closet. “I wanted to apologize to her and I’m making her wait now too?”

The Marquis chuckled as he watched you rush around the room getting dressed like the house was on fire.

You ran in the bathroom and picked up his clothes, rushing back to the bed and tossing them down beside him. Grabbing his underwear, you began to put them on him. “I must say, not many women have ever put my clothes on.” He mused.

“Stand up,” you ordered. He obeyed and you got his boxers in place. Grabbing his pants you shimmied then up his legs, before grabbing his undershirt. Slipping the shirt over his head and tucking it, you reached for his button down shirt and pulled it on, pressing it down, attempting to remove as many wrinkles as possible. You buttoned it and tucked it into his pants, before securing them with his belt.

“My god you have complicated outfits, but you always look amazing so I guess it’s the price we must pay,” you said as you smiled up at him. He was looking at you with the strangest look on his face, but you were in too much of a hurry to think about what it could mean. Grabbing his vest, you put it on, followed by his blazer. There were still a few accessories on the bed, but you figured you’d done well enough when you fastened his ridiculously expensive watch into place. “Okay, you’re not perfect, but good enough for me. Let’s go eat! I’m starving.”

You didn’t notice the look of amusement on the Marquis face as you dragged him out of the room barefoot as you were. The fact you’d chosen a $10,000 dollar Zuhair Murad beaded mini dress, and threw it on like it was an old hoodie, made you that much more endearing. He wondered if you were even aware of the couture designer. He was a personal friend of his and he tried to imagine the man’s reaction to witnessing one of his creations worn by a barefoot girl, dragging a French aristocrat through his home like a naughty puppy.

Warning: cursing, controlling obsessive behavior

"Doesn't this all seem a bit too much?" You asked as you both made your way to the elevator.

"We’ve been invited to a charity ball at the estate of one of Paris’s most eligible bachelors, that looks like a model I might add. We are living the dream. Shit this is practically the way most Fairy tales begin, and you want to be paranoid. I love you girl, but sometimes it's so good you have me, or you'd blow the best opportunities." Annie’s eyes sparkled with her usual mischievous, fearless charm, making you second guess your hesitancy. "Just trust your bestie. I won't let anything bad happen and I promise that as soon as you want to leave within reason, we will go."

You smiled at your friend and felt lucky to have her in your life. You knew that you'd miss out on so many adventures if Annie wasn't there to talk you into them. If nothing else, you were excited to get a real Paris evening gown, shoes and matching purse and was certain that Annie knew just where to go.

Hours later, the driver let you out in front of your hotel and informed you that your beauty team was waiting on you in your suite. He would send all your things up, and for you to trust in the professionals to prepare you both for a wonderful evening for a great cause.

Making your way up to the room, you were excited to find a team of glamorous women, waiting inside your suite. You quickly learned their names, and that they had been sent by the Marquis to make sure you looked your best, and had no stress.

Annie was ecstatic and waved off any concerns you brought up about how little they knew the man, and the beauty team all expressed how lucky you were to catch the Marquis attention. All of them had only nice things to say, and reassured you that this wasn't a regular thing for the Marquis to do. They all swore he wasn't a womanizer and regaled you with stories of good deeds he had done, and funny stories of him rejecting various super models and heiresses.

By the time you were both ready to make your way down to the lobby, you felt like you were the luckiest girl in Paris to catch the desirable aristocrats eye.

As you made your way off the elevator into the lobby, there was a great deal of attention directed at a tall figure standing just inside the entrance.

It was the Marquis—tall, dark-haired, and exuding a charm and elegance that drew every eye in the room. His penetrating gaze fell upon you, and for a brief moment, it felt as if the world around you ceased to exist. He somehow was even better looking than you remembered, and disregarded the chill you felt run up your spine.

“Ladies,” he greeted, flashing a perfect smile revealing dimples you hadn't noticed before. "I could not have chosen more perfect selections to showcase your beauty."

You felt your face flush when he looked you up and down. Even though you had never looked so beautiful in all your life, you still felt like an imposter.

“So, what do you think?” Annie asked, spinning in her stunning crimson gown.

"very nice." The Marquis said, only giving her a glance, before returning his attention to you.

You looked at Annies face and could see she was getting irritated at not being the center of attention. You never outshined Annie and she loved it. You didn't enjoy being the center of attention and always thought of Annie as saving you from that fate. Annie was always so sure of herself and it made you feel safe. Your heart raced with trepidation. You couldn’t shake the feeling that the Marquis was hiding something beneath the surface of his glamorous facade. As you all made your way to his home in the beautiful car, you tried to convince yourself you were just being paranoid. You decided drinking was in your immediate future.

The ball was opulent. The Marquis’s estate was a grand display of wealth, with chandeliers dripping crystals and floors polished to a mirror shine. Enchanted by the spectacle, you were swept into conversations, laughing at Annie’s outrageous jokes, once again in her element and the center of attention.

People were drawn to Annie, and it wasn't long before she had the pick of any man she wanted. Anybody but the Marquis.

“You look breathtaking,” he said softly, drawing you into an intimate conversation, while Annie floated through the crowd, chatting animatedly with an array of suitors.

"You flatter me,” you replied, trying to dissuade the growing tension in your stomach. Yet, the warmth in his gaze seemed to pierce through your barriers, igniting an exquisite vulnerability you could barely understand.

Realizing you hadn't seen Annie in quite some time, you excused yourself to go find her.

“Excuse me,” you approached a passing servant. “Have you seen my friend?”

With a polite bow, he responded, “She left with a gentleman a while ago.”

Apprehension washed over you. “What? Wait, who—”

Before you could question further, the servant vanished, leaving you alone in a room buzzing with festivities.

"Annie?” you called, your voice barely breaking through the revelry. Panic threaded through your mind. You turned back toward the Marquis, who was surveying you from across the hall, his expression evolving from amiable to insistent. He made his way over to you in a predatory fashion. It took all you had not to turn and run the other way.

“Stay with me,” he urged, his voice smooth as honey. “The night is still young, I am sure your friend will return soon.”

“it isn't like Annie,” you insisted, adrenaline coursing through you.

The Marquis stepped closer, a shadow falling over his handsome features. “You are too beautiful to be left to the whims of this night. I will have a few of my men find her right now.” he signalled one of his security and they quickly went in search of your friend.

“thank you," you blushed when he kissed your forehead and pulled you to the dancefloor. You were momentarily stunned by the tenderness in the gesture, that you didn't protest when he began spinning you around the floor.

Forcing yourself to ignore everyone around them, you focused on the Marquis. You had to admit he was everything any girl would ever want in a man, and you couldn't help but wonder what he saw in you. It didn't make any sense. He could have anyone in the world you suspected, and yet he seemed solely focused on you. Some nobody American girl that felt like she was cosplaying as an adult.

"what is going on in your beautiful head?" He asked you.

Before you could consider the question, you blurted "why do you like me?"

You instantly regretted it as soon as it left your mouth. You stared wide eyed at the Marquis as he looked away, appearing to become lost in thought.

Just when you thought, he wasn't going to answer, he finally spoke.

"you remind me of someone extremely important to me, I knew many years ago," he stated as he returned his eyes to you.

"you don't appear old enough to know anyone many years ago."

The Marquis chuckled at that, "and yet it feels like lifetimes. May I show you something? It won't take long."

You nodded and allowed him to lead you out of the ballroom down and enormous hall. The farther you made your way into the mansion, the more nervous you became. "Where are we going?"

"not much further, it's just up ahead." He said smiling back at you and offering your hand a light squeeze.

Finally you arrived at a door where two men were standing guard. The Marquis didn't pay them any mind and just made his way inside, pulling you behind him. The doors shut behind you, but you were too stunned to notice anything but what was in front of you.

Bound and gagged to a strange chair was Annie. Tear tracks ran down her face and the strap of her dress was broken. You attempted to go to her but the Marquis held your hand in a vice grip.

"what is going on? Untie her! Release me?" You demanded.

The Marquis pulled you into an embrace and shushed you as though you were lovers. You squirmed and fought, but he was ridiculously strong and didn't even seem to have to try to keep you trapped.

“My angel,” he whispered, his tone deepening, weaving an enchantment around you, “do you know why I am so successful? Because I leave nothing to chance."

The weight of his words pressed upon you, and you found yourself short of breath “What do you mean?”

A flicker of something ancient glimmered in his dark eyes. “You belong here, with me, and I like insurance. Since you seem like such a good friend, I bet you'd do anything to keep your friend safe. Pretty solid insurance. "

A jolt of electrifying fear coursed through you as you realized the implications in this situation. “I don’t know what you mean.”

But he took your hair in his hand and smelled it, blocking you when you attempted to break free sgain, a predatory grace lingering in his stillness. “Do not run from me. As long as you are a good girl, I'll give you girls anything your heart desires, but if you are bad... Your friend will be punished.”

Before you could protest, the world around you blurred, leaving nothing but the gravity of his gaze. He reached out, fingers brushing your cheek, betraying an intensity that made your stomach churn with confusion and horror.

"What must I do so we can go home?" You asked