The Dark Prince (The Dark Prince Trilogy #1) (20 page)

“That one,” Summer said, pointing to the one that had a big black label at the top, stating that the program was through Marcel Industries. “It has someone online to help if I need it at any time, day or night. I looked into the subjects, and I should be able to get it completed without an issue, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.”

“And this one?” Chase asked towards the one that was labeled GED Program of Phoenix College.

“One week every subject, and a test at the end of each week. Seemed simple, and there is an online form for students to ask questions and help from one another,” Summer replied.

“Marcel Industries also offers that,” Chase said, knowing that the school that his family help funded, and was named after his great, great grandfather, offered a lot, even with the higher price. It was well worth it. It was the same program that Clare had picked, although focused towards high school students.

“Oh,” she said, not knowing that tidbit of information.

“You did choose two of the best programs, and most would have just went with the one that lasted for a week, but packed full of just testing. These two programs here will walk you through what you should be able to know before testing. Marcel Industries will allow you to retake the test twice if you fail the first time, so you don’t have to retake the entire course over again,” he explained. “The school is made that way to help people do their best, to help set them up for whatever they want to do with their life.

"Even though the volunteer option is just that – an option. It isn't a requirement, but could be good for you to get out and see what you like to do.”

“I work for you; I don’t need to see what I like to do,” Summer said, not understanding why she would need to do something like that. She cocked her head to the side, not sure what else to say. She was married, yes, but that didn’t mean she could go do whatever she wanted. She was still a slave.

“Summer,” Chase said, searching for the right words. How could he get her to see that she was his wife, not his prized pet? “You can do just about anything you want. If you want to go out to work, you can. You don’t have to keep my house clean now that we are married. I can hire someone again to do that.

“Of course, you won’t be able to work until I get a few things taken care of so there will be less of a threat over your head, and mine. I need you to be safe, but you can volunteer, and as long as you have a guard, or even myself with you, you can help at just about anywhere after I check to make sure it is a secure and safe place to do so,” Chase went on.

“You could always work at Marcel Industries as I know it is a secure building even. They have many entry level positions you could work your way up in. Or even in the daycare if you ever wanted to volunteer there. If it wouldn't be too hard on you. But as always, that is entirely up to you. You are free to make your own decisions as long as they are safe ones. We have several legit companies. And my long term plan is to be completely legit in the long run.”

Summer wasn’t sure what to think, or what to say. She had never been able to do anything before, so why would she now? It wasn’t worth the pain that would be forced upon her later, Summer was sure. She was forced into this life to work and to do whatever the man of the house wished. It wasn’t going to change now that she was married to the man.

Seeing that he wasn’t getting through to his wife, Chase sighed, dropping his head to his chest for a moment. He’d try to do everything to show her instead. He couldn’t expect her to change her thought process overnight. He took a moment to gather his patience.

“So which one?” Chase asked, bringing them back to the main topic that was started.

"That one?" she asked, pointing to the Marcel Industries, not knowing that is was owned by the Marcel family exactly. The name sounded familiar, but it didn’t click on who ran and owned the company.

“I think it would be a great choice, either of them,” Chase said, trying to let her choose on her own.

“I don’t know, sir,” Summer said, still not sure herself on which one. She wanted Chase to pick. It was his money.

“I own this one,” he said, watching Summer’s face widen in surprise as he told her. “It’s family owned. It would be perfect for your needs, Summer. And if it isn’t, I can always change things around so it is. Everyone I know that had used this program has had no complaints.”

“Okay,” Summer said once the shock passed. If it wasn’t for the meds, she would have easily panicked over that little detail. “I’ll go with that one.”

Chase’s bright smile reached Summer as she made her choice. Her first real choice that was a step in a direction to better herself. He hoped there would be many more choices.

Chapter 19

Stepping into the cool room, Summer wasn’t sure how to react. Chase had demanded the Penthouse Suite at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the far side of the Las Vegas Strip. Being inside was a stark difference to the consuming heat outside as the sun rose high in the sky.

Chase held the door open for his wife, silently letting her in after swiping his key card. She had hardly said a word on the way here, including the three-hour flight in one of his private jets. He wasn’t sure if it was just an off day for her, or if she really wasn’t up to traveling yet. He knew that he should have let Summer stay home and rest, but she was insistent that she was fine, even though her steps began to be slower with each step she took.

Zinna had come over the day before, bringing Clare with her, after hearing that Chase had packed Summers bag, they laughed saying no way in hell was they letting him be the one who packed for her and together they found a few things that Summer would be able to wear comfortably, but dressy enough for the meeting. Chase hadn’t seen what they had picked out, but Clare was thrilled to be able to see her sister, if only for a few hours.

Chase let the women re-pack Summer’s bag while he made sure all of his plans were finalized. He couldn’t help but overhear the teasing jabs form Zinna and Clare. And even a small one from Summer herself.

Inside the penthouse, Summer’s light brown sandals were silent against the dark brown carpet that changed into dark hardwood floors as the living room turned into the kitchen and eating area. The furniture was white leather, and the kitchen had white counters with dark countertops. Everything was clean, pricey, and over the top. Just like what Chase usually had, but he knew that Summer was weary of such a high price for a place to sleep for two nights.

Through a doorway on the other side of the kitchen was the main bedroom with an attached bathroom matching the rest of the space. The bed was perfectly made with a white comforter and pillows, and the bathroom was painted in light color with heated flooring and a huge shower and spa bathtub.

Normally, Chase got the suite with a hot tub, but forwent it this time, mostly because Summer didn’t have a swim suit yet, and because of her stitches she still had in her arm. Next time though, he’d for sure get a room with a balcony and hot tub.

Chase shut the door behind him before taking the two small suitcases to the bedroom, setting them on settee at the foot of the bed as Summer walked around the penthouse, taking everything in. Chase wanted his wife to enjoy this trip and hoped that everything would go smoothly.

Chase had hardly slept the night before, worried over how Summer would handle being here, but she was doing better than he expected. She was wide eyed, taking everything in. She finally stood at the huge floor to ceiling window that looked over the busy road below. Cars, buses, and people went about, exploring a small part of the huge city. Hotels with Casino after Casino lined both sides of the street.

There was so much to see, so much to do. And yet, there wouldn’t be enough time to explore it all. Summer was unsure of why she was asked to come, but seeing the City from here in their room, she was glad she had been asked to. She may not be able to see everything in such a short amount of time, but she’d enjoy whatever she could while she was here. It was just nice to be somewhere else outside of the house. Sure, she liked Chase’s house well enough, but being stuck inside one house did get boring from time to time.

“You can freshen up, if you need to,” Chase said, walking to where his wife was standing, but didn’t touch her. Oh did he want to, though. He had wanted so badly to just hug her, take all her worries away. “After the meeting, we can walk the strip some. I never really explored the hotels much when I have been here before.” Summer relaxed some, knowing that she wasn’t alone then in seeing things.

“The meeting is just downstairs, so we don’t have to go far,” he went on, but he kept his distance from his wife. He wasn’t sure how to touch her, or even if she wanted him to. He wanted to give her space, but at the same time, tuck her away where no one could see or reach her. He wanted to spare her any more pain if he could. Chase had talked to Zinna some while Clare and Summer talked upstairs yesterday, hoping to get some sort of insight on how his wife may be feeling. Zinna had been in her shoes at one point, maybe not the same extent, but similar all the same. She would be one of the best people to talk to to get more insight into his wife’s mind. Hopefully.

~oOo~

“Just give her time, Chase,” Zinna said, her voice soft and caring. She even laid a hand over his in sympathy. The girl viewed Chase as a brother and was thankful for him saving her from the fate that would surely have ended her life.

“I plan to, but I don’t know how far to go, Zinna. I want to hold her, take her pain away, but I don’t want to overwhelm her either,” Chase said, letting his hands hold up his head as he leaned on his elbows on his knees.

“I’m sure she’s as confused as you are. Just watching the way she looks at you, she wants you to hold her, to show her that you won’t hurt her, but that fear lies underneath the surface. She’s afraid to want such things,” Zinna said, laying a hand on his shoulder in a calming way. She was a touchy type of person now that she knew touch, was in fact, okay.

“I didn’t know kindness or love, and I didn’t know how to ask for it either. I’m sure she feels the same way, Chase. Give her space, but touch her hand, hold it, even. Just let her know that you are there for her when she decides she wants more.” She paused, letting her words sink in.

Zinna could guarantee that Summer would want more from Chase in time. It was only natural. And she could see how his eyes had lingered on his wife.

“I can see the love in her eyes, and she may not realize it yet, but she needs you just as much as you need her. She will do what you want her to do, so please, explain to her over and over that you don’t expect more than just hugs or hand holding. It will take time, longer than with me, but she will understand that is all you are hoping for, and she will be willing to open up more.

“She’s a sweet girl, Chase. And in time, she will blossom to be the wife you need, and she’ll be more than you ever thought you would need.”

~oOo~

“Okay,” Summer said, turning away from the window. Her eyes were clearer after a good night's’ sleep, and with the medication working well in her system, she wasn’t on the brink of a panic attack. It was lovely, and that wasn’t a word she used often.

She dug out a skirt and tank top, along with her hairbrush before heading to the bathroom, but was stopped as Chase took off his black batman t-shirt he had put on that morning. As he changed his shirt, not bothering to do it in a different part of the suite, Summer watched him, frozen with her clothes in her hands that she was going to change into.

Blinking and shaking her head, Summer passed her husband to get to the bathroom. His light laughter followed her as her cheeks flushed red. She couldn’t help but admit that he looked good. No man had ever drawn her in like Chase did with a simple task of changing clothes. If she were normal, she’d have maybe took a better look at his naked skin.

In the bathroom, Summer used the toilet, changed her solid bloody pad before putting on a black maxi skirt that flowed to the top of her feet. Next, she put on a blue tank top with a matching black leather jacket that was loose as not to irritate her stitches. She left the necklace on that Chase had given her, as she seemed to not be able to take it off.

Clare had helped take off her bandage on her arm the day before, showing the swollen red skin with the black stitches holding it together. It itched, but was looking better. Summer carefully put more antibiotic cream over it, hoping that the scarring would be minimum. She regretted doing it now, but took a deep breath and let her arm go back to her side, careful to not let her arm touch her body, ignoring the itch that aggravated her healing skin.

She only regretted it because she knew Chase was making her life better. If only she had been strong enough to bring her feelings to him, maybe she wouldn’t have tried to end her life. But it would have been easier if Chase hadn’t have disappeared for weeks at a time, leaving her to her own confusing thoughts.

After brushing her hair out and putting it into a messy bun, Summer made her way to the small sitting area that was by the door they had entered in through. Chase sat on the loveseat, playing on his phone. Summer sat her small pale cream handbag on the small end table before taking a seat next to her husband. She wanted to lean into him, seeking his warmth, but kept herself still and quiet. She wasn’t sure how to act with him.

“You don’t have to talk at the meeting,” Chase said, breaking the silence, looking at his wife. “It will be us, and about three to five other men. No one will touch you, and nothing is to be repeated to anyone about what you hear.”

“Yes sir,” Summer mumbled, hearing her voice crack, looking at her feet.

“There’s nothing to worry about,” Chase said, laying his hand on top of Summer’s hands that were in her lap. He was glad that she still gave him respect when she felt unsure of anything else. He didn’t necessarily want that from her, but he’d take whatever he’d get. “I won’t let them say anything disrespectful towards you in any way, honey.”

Summer simply nodded her head and took a deep breath. It couldn’t be worse than how she had felt at the compound.

Half an hour later, Summer and Chase were seated in a fancy restaurant called Gallagher’s Steakhouse. They were the first there and seated in a more private section of the overpriced place. Summer’s stomach flipped with nerves as her husband helped her to sit before he took his own seat next to her.

Chase kept his expression stern, knowing he couldn’t show any weakness here. He made sure to let his wife know that he had to take a certain role while in the company of other men, showing that he knew what he was doing, and what he was capable of if need be. He was the next Don in line, so he was expected to act as such when out amongst people.

Inside the restaurant, there was a number of round tables, some seating only two, while others sat six. And even one or two that sat ten. Each table was covered in white tablecloths with dark padded chairs. The floor and ceiling were both dark wood. On the walls, there was a wine collection and a few different desserts. No pictures or windows lined the walls. Even with the darkness of the space, the lighting made it feel open and bright.

“Here they come,” Chase whispered out, seeing a group of men enter the building. He knew each one well enough, and knew that one of them was the rat himself.

Chase kept his thoughts to himself, and stood up, telling his wife to stay seated. She was
the
Princess, and everyone would bow to her, if she would allow it. Running his hands down his black suit jacket, he nodded in greeting to the men as they neared. Summer tensed up, seeing the stern faces. She clasped her hands in her lap to stop the shaking. Maybe coming here had been a horrible idea. Her eyes were wide as Chase stood, demanding submission.

“Mr. Marcel,” greeted the oldest of the bunch, holding his hand out for Chase to shake once they were at the table. “Sorry that we had to pull you away from your family.”

“Well, we can’t be letting a rat run loose,” Chase said, taking a seat after the men took theirs after shaking a number of hands. “And I’d like to get this taken care of in a fast and timely manner.”

“And who is this pretty thing?” the man asked, smiling a toothless grin towards Summer. His dark hair was greasy, but he looked well fed with a chubby middle.

“Meet my wife, Summer,” Chase said with a wide smile, his voice lovingly as he looked at her. He knew this was a lot to take in, as it had been that way when he was dragged to these types of things at the age of thirteen. They all waited for Chase to command the table before picking up a menu to order some overpriced food item. He reached over, taking one of Summer’s hand into his own and felt her relax slightly.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Miss,” the balding chubby man said. “I am Tony Masil.”

“Chase!” Asher said happily “I didn’t know you were married, man!” He had chosen a seat right across from Chase. His black hair was slicked back, but only for the purpose of the meeting. That didn’t stop the ends from being snow white. Normally, the young nineteen-year-old boy had crazy hair, matching his watching hazel eyes. He even dressed up for the meeting.