Stacy
"We're almost there. Thank fuck,” Percy mutters under his breath, looking out the window. “I’m fucking tired of being in here with you."
We’re driving through Southampton in the back of the limousine so graciously provided by Percy, my captor. His father has just died—an auspicious heart attack—and we’re going to the palatial family compound to hear the reading of the will.
"So very nice to hear, Percy,” I whisper, gritting my teeth and looking down at my hands, out the window, pretty much anywhere but at him. “The feeling’s mutual. This is a fake marriage, nothing more than that."
"Listen,” he tells me, turning on the seat to face me, his eyes narrowing into two thin slits. “Just fucking do as I say. Be silent and act pregnant. You have one job—so get it right."
Percy is determined to inherit everything, including his father's company, Raine's Petroleum. He’s somehow gotten his hands on the will and he knows what's required for the inheritance: whoever’s most likely to perpetuate the family line will inherit the company—thus, my fake pregnancy.
Percy couldn’t get me pregnant anyway—he’s Percy, through and through. I'm sure he couldn't get it up for me even if he needs to make a real baby, and even if he wasn’t gay.
I can’t even tell you how fucking glad I am about that.
I don’t want his affections, I don’t want to feel his touch, nothing. Because he's a total monster. I shudder remembering the look on my dad's face when Percy came in and demanded I go with him.
Our fathers were once friends—partners even, but when Percy's dad, John, died, he took control of the company. My dad was screwed out of his share.
Percy now claims my family owes him a ridiculous amount of money, and he basically took me as ransom so that I could be part of his scheme to take over everything.
"You’re so sure this plan of yours will work,” I say, steeling myself to look over into his beady little eyes. “It won’t. People won’t believe it—everyone knows that you're gay."
"It doesn't matter,” he chuckles, his eyes locked on mine. “All that matters is that fake baby you are supposedly having inside you. That’s all they need to believe.”
"You evil, petty man,” I whisper, balling my hands into fists. “Karma will come back to get you."
"Shut up, you stupid little bitch. This has nothing to do with you, and as long as you're with me, you better keep your goddamn opinions to yourself. Otherwise, I promise you and your family will be out on the fucking street, just like Barbara."
He’s already taken the liberty of kicking his stepmother Barbara, his father's newest wife, out of the house. I think about her, and how one day everything was fine and the next she’s virtually homeless.
John never amended his will to include her, and Percy knows it. I don’t know how he did it, but he’s managed to read the will beforehand.
John apparently never thought he would die so young and so he never took measures to protect his latest wife. Though he should have been smarter than that if you ask me.
Percy just kicked her out of her own home. That tells you plenty about how ruthless he is and why I’m in this car, with this man.Pretending to be pregnant is apparently my only purpose.
"You know," I say to him, icy rage in my voice. "My father's never going to let you get away with this."
He laughs like what I've said is an impossibility. "Your father has no choice. He knows I will ruin him if he takes even a step out of line."
It quiets me down, just like he knew it would. I know Percy is holding something over my dad's head but I don't know what, even though I’ve tried to get it out of him. It’s got to be big, though, and I’m really concerned about whatever transpired between them. It makes me uneasy to think that Percy has my father on some hook, to make him do as he wishes without recourse.
Just thinking about it is enough to leave me in a depressed state...as if I wasn’t heading there already.
I stare out of the window blankly, unaffected by all the houses and the grandeur that surrounds us.
I want nothing more than to be free…but for my father, I’ll do anything. I’d marry Percy a thousand times over if it means my dad will be okay. This sacrifice is the least I can do for my family, to help them out of this tight spot.
I only hope I don't always have to spend much time in Percy's presence. I can barely stomach it. His soul is truly rotten to the core.
"We're almost there. If there are maids or anybody around, anyone at all, you better fucking play your part. Act inlove,” he tells me, a sick grin on his thin lips, so I can tell he’s enjoying this little game. Like he’s getting off on this shit.
"That will definitely take some acting."
"Stacy, Stacy…fucking shut up already. I don’t give a shit about you. You could live or die as long as you serve your purpose first."
"You’ll never get away with this." I keep telling myself this, hoping if I say it enough it will be true.
He smirks. "Oh, but I already have."
We pull up to a giant, wrought iron gate and I can see the place is like a fortress.
The limo enters down the long driveway that’s lined with flowers and trees. There are gardeners milling about, but while the grounds are just stunning, nothing can excite me right now.
The place is pretty, sure, but I can’t appreciate any of the beauty because it also represents a loss of freedom. This thought tends to distract from attractive architecture.
"Here we are, home sweet home."
I say nothing.
"You should be grateful that I'm putting a roof over your head," Percy says.
"How could I ever be grateful to you for anything?” I look at him incredulously. I will never understand how he can be so wicked. “I’ll never forgive you, Percy."
He shrugs. "Well, you don't have to forgive me or even like it. But you better plaster a fucking smile on your face right now or it will be all over for your family."
I shoot him a dirty look but then do as he says. What choice do I have?
The driver opens my door.
"Thank you so much. I'm so happy to be home," I whisper, putting a fake smile on my lips. What’s one more fake thing?
"Of course, Mrs. Williams. Let me get your bags."
"Alright, Albrecht, thank you," Percy says. "We won't be needing the limo for the rest of the day."
I look at the huge, imposing house and wonder how many days I will be stuck here, pining for my escape from this deal.
How did this happen to me?