Chapter 6: Captured by the Storm

Spotlights from the police boat lit up the river, and Caleb stood at the bow, arms crossed, looking like he owned the night. “Anna, where are you going?” His voice cut through the air, cold and impossible to outrun.

I was pulled aboard, the cabin lamp flickering overhead. Caleb leaned back, lips twisted in a cold smile. “What, cousin Anna, after sleeping with me you want to run away?”

I faked a laugh, twirling my hair. “Me? Run away? Never.”

“You know me, always dreaming of adventure. I just wanted to travel south for a few days.”

Caleb leaned down, lifting my chin. His grip was gentle but unyielding. “How could Anna be stupid? Anna is very clever. Drugged me, then offered yourself as the antidote.”

His words sliced through me—dangerous, knowing. He stroked my cheek, his thumb rough on my skin. “I thought you just admired me. In fact, you just wanted to use me to get your family property, then run away.”

A flicker of panic rose in my chest. I saw myself in his eyes—hungry, desperate, pretending at innocence. We were both survivors, wearing two faces for the world.

He stared straight into my soul. “Anna, being so disobedient, do you want me to lock you up?”

I met his glare, chin lifted. “Funny, you never complained about my brains before.”