The Dark Prince (The Dark Prince Trilogy #1) (5 page)

“I don’t know what he was thinking, but after seeing you, you will be perfect for him. Give him time. He won’t hurt you,” she ended, finishing up covering the bruising on Summer’s neck. None of the marks would be seen for the time being. Valerie was positive that Chase had made the right choice, but what did it mean for the rest of the family?

“He has a different view on things, but he will never raise a hand to you.” By the time she finished Summer’s makeup, the younger girl felt different. Her eyes instantly flashed opened, glaring weakly at the dark skinned woman. “He won’t touch you in any way unless you take charge first. He may be stuck in his ways, but he is a gentleman.”
For the most part
, she thought. She’d once seen Chase make deadly threats, but never to a woman.

She had been drugged! There was something in that drink. Summer’s emotions were calmer, and she wasn’t as stiff or edgy, but that didn’t mean she was okay with being drugged. Summer hated drugs of all kinds, and refused before when they had been offered.

Just because there was a first to everything didn’t mean Summer ever wanted to try any type of drug. It was the only thing she had complete say over until now.

“Let the Zoloft help, girl; don’t fight it. With what is going to happen, you’ll need the extra strength,” Valerie said, giving Summer a sad longing look, but the look held a question behind it. It had been Valerie’s idea to drug the girl. And now Valerie was even second guessing her actions. What could that possibly mean for Summer?

Having a panicking bride, no matter how small of a ceremony, was not a good idea. Chase had plans that needed to be put into motion and what better way than drug the girl. It would do Summer some good to not be so on edge.

Valerie knew the princess would need something to calm her down and of course. Zoloft wasn’t the only drug that was in that drink and Valerie wasn’t going to say anything about it. Summer would need that extra boost anyway. Not like the girl would dare say anything to her soon to be husband.

Valerie had her own agenda for helping Chase get what he aimed for. He’d be extremely upset when he figured it out, but Val thought it would be worth it. Damn the consequences.

No! No, please, no
. Summer begged silently. She didn’t want whatever was going to happen. She didn’t. There had to be another way around this.

Summer began to shake her head no, but she wasn’t panicking like she normally would have. Her blue eyes were wide, but her heart wasn’t pounding as the medication took hold. Her thoughts were calming quickly, her anger and fear dissolving. Understanding now why the orange juice had such an aftertaste was plain as day.

“I am sorry, Summer, but it’s for your own good. You have to play a part. Chase is
the
Marcel Prince, and you probably have no idea who they are, do you?” Valerie said, packing the few makeup items into a bag.

“No, she doesn’t,” Chase stated from the doorway, giving a sorrow filled look towards his bride to be. “I am sorry, Princess, but this is the way it has to be for now.” He then turned and left the room.

He made his statement loud and clear: Valerie was not to tell her who he was. Not yet at least. Of course, Chase didn’t know that his sister drugged Summer so he didn’t see the hate filled gaze Summer shot at Valerie before she schooled her face once again.

Chapter 5

Dressed in a white silk and lace floor length gown that had thin straps and a small delicate white flower, Summer was being lead to Chase’s office by the woman. Her long hair swayed against her bare arms and the dress felt smooth against her legs.

No bruises or cuts were to be seen on her pale skin thanks to Valerie’s magic makeup skills. She felt pretty for once. She felt like she belonged to live in this house. Of course, there was no way she would ever fit in here. She was just a person passed from house to house, place to place. An object to be looked at, even played with at times.

Even when she glanced at herself in the full length mirror, she was amazed at how well Valerie knew her way around makeup. She certainly could make a masterpiece out of nothing.

Summer had on a pair of Nike sandals that were hidden under the length of the dress. The dress was not tight fitting at all. Summer, surprisingly, liked the style of the dress and and appreciated the thought of Chase looking for the perfect type of dress for her. She had never worn anything close to as nice as this dress was. Nor did she think for a minute that she would ever be allowed to again.

She’d heard of some of the girls being bought as trophy wives. They got to dress nicely, but had to have sex whenever they were commanded to do so. Would that be what she was here for? If so, it would still be better than what she’d been faced with before now.

While Valerie had helped Summer get dressed, her hands had rubbed along the younger girl’s arms, creating a warm friction helping to calm her even more. Summer had never like to be touched, so whatever drugs she was forced to take was making her feel things that she didn’t want. The other woman's touch should have felt wrong, but was soft and warming in a way that wasn’t right.

Summer wanted to puke her guts out, but the medication stopped that from happening.

"I know this is most likely not your style, but Chase didn’t give me much time at all,” Valerie mused, sliding the zipper up on the back of the dress. “I could see you in something a little more revealing, or more of a princess style even.” She mused, looking Summer over once more. She was clueless to the bride-to-be's style. Both of those were not Summer’s style at all.

Summer didn’t want to feel calm. Didn’t want to feel like this. She had no control over her emotions; over her actions. Valerie kept looking at Summer like she was waiting for something to happen. The blue eyed girl didn’t know what to do. Although she’d never been under the influence of drugs before, she knew what was going on; knew what would be expected of her by the end of the night. And there was no way out.

Her heart sank at just the thought.

She knew that what would be in store, would not be something she’d have any control over. She'd witnessed different types, but it was all typically the same thing. If she could, she would have tried to run that very minute. Willingly walking into death with open arms.

Maybe that was why Valerie drugged her, or maybe it was Chase’s idea. Summer wasn’t sure.

Walking down the grand staircase with a black iron banister, Summer saw that Chase waited at the bottom. He was speechless as his green eyes landed on his bride. Of course, he would be disappointing many people since he was having a secret, small ceremony but he didn’t want something huge. And he was sure neither would his bride.

“Smile,” Valerie whispered to Summer, who instantly did as was told. Her smile was small, but the calm, fake happiness shown through her eyes as they raked over the man waiting for them. Summer’s thoughts froze, the calming effect of the drugs taking full effect for the time being. But she couldn’t help but admire the man and how good he looked right then.

If only she wasn't a slave to this world, she’d have gladly adored that man from head to toe. He could easily be sexy as sin.

Chase wore a black tux, shirt untucked and no tie. He was trying to dress causal, as in more of a sexy comfortable way. His hair was halfway tamed, left down to his ears, and his green eyes were bright with life. Chase knew that something was up with Summer. She wasn’t the type to just smile all of a sudden; she didn’t trust him. Although, he did like this side of her. Summer being happy and accepting during the next couple of hours would be helpful in getting this day over with without any issues.

He shot a questioning glare Valerie’s way as they descended the stairs at a slow pace.

“What did you give her?” he hissed once Valerie reached him. He took ahold of Summer’s hand, making sure she wouldn’t be allowed to go and hide. He could see the underlying fear still in Summer’s eyes now that she was standing next to him.

“Zoloft. So she won't panic,” Valerie said with a shrug, telling only part of what she gave the girl. “It is for the best.” What he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.

“We
will
have a discussion about giving Summer drugs without my permission. I specifically told you not to give her anything,” Chase said darkly before pulling Summer along with him to his office. Her body shivered in fear from the man’s threatening words.

Valerie simply returned his glare, challenging the Prince to do something about it. She lifted her chin in defiance, testing his limits once more. Her husband would protect her, so she held no fear to this man before her.

“Don’t test me, Valerie,” Chase sneered before turning away, his back to her as her shocked expression overtook her features.

Inside the office, Clare stood with a forlorn look on her face. She was dressed in a pretty pink dress that had thick straps along her shoulders. Her bruises were clear as day on her arms. Part of her hair was pulled back into a braid, while the back was loose, with a few stray pieces framing her face. Her dark blue eyes knew what was about to happen, and what was expected. She felt sorry for the older girl, as she was being forced to be even deeper in a life that neither of them wanted. Deeper than either of them ever expected to be.

The office was just as clean and neat as the rest of the house. There was a bookshelf against the side wall, dark oak desk with a closed laptop sat near the huge windows looking out towards the yard. There was a oak colored lamp sitting on the floor near the set of opened windows as a cool breeze blew in. A section of seating was placed in the middle of the room, facing the electric fireplace that was on low.

Any other day, this would easily be one of Summer’s favorite places to be. She could see herself curled up in front of that fireplace reading a book, a cup of tea in her hand.

In front of the big desk stood a man twice the size of Summer. He was tall, muscular built and scary. The drugs did their job, keeping Summer calm as her eyes widened at the man’s size. He wore jeans and a plain gray shirt, his hair short. His face almost had a boyish expression upon it as his light brown eyes took her in from head to toe.

“She’s a small li'l thing,” the man said with a smile, showing his dimples. Chase rolled his eyes at the man. Somehow, he always had to cut words in half.

“Summer,” Chase said, pulling her alongside him as her smile faded. “This is Trent, my cousin.”

“Hi,” Trent said with a smile, waving a huge hand in greeting, but didn't make a move toward her. “Chase and I are more like brothers, but Chase always denies it.” Summer simply nodded, still too stunned to do anything more as Chase pulled her closer to him, wrapping an arm around her waist, showing the man inside the room that he owned her in almost every way.

“She doesn’t talk, but for now, let’s get this over with,” Chase said as Valerie took her spot against the desk next to her husband. She stood straight, placing her hands behind her back with her chest pushed out only slightly.

Chase wasn’t thrilled about the fact that Summer had been given drugs without her consent, nor his, and it seeped through his voice as he talked to Trent. He had promised that nothing would happen, and it already broke his trust.

Summer simply let everything pass over her head. She didn’t remember anything that Trent said at first, as her mind wondered around the room. She took note of how Chase smelled as they stood next to each other. He had taken a shower and shaved his face so he smelled strongly of clean skin and a nice aftershave or cologne. He kept an arm around the girl, holding her. She wasn’t sure if she should be thankful for the extra support, or if she should be wanting to run as far away as she could possibly go.

Clare stood off to the side, trying to stay silent as she willed herself to not cry. She knew this wasn’t right, but she wasn’t able to do anything about it. She knew about Chase Marcel, the Prince of the Marcel’s. He was the only son born to his parents, and he was more than ready to take over the family business. His family friends that he grew up with were like brothers, and all three were close, as any real blood family.

Chase had several cousins, besides the ones he was closest to. Trent Sate was the one that he was seen in public with most of the time during raids or big fancy outings were media reporters often hung out, waiting for a new story to broadcast.

“Summer Grace Meads, do you promise to be faithful to Chase Howard Marcel, never committing adultery, through health and all of life's struggles?” Trent’s soft voice broke Summer out of her thoughts. Not sure why, she simply nodded before Trent turned his attention to Chase, repeating to him the same question. Her thoughts were too slow to catch on before she nodded, giving away her consent.

“Chase Howard Marcel, do you promise to be forever faithful to Summer Grace Meads, never committing adultery, being true to only her through health and all of life's struggles?”

“I do,” Chase said lightly, giving Summer a small squeeze. He was waiting for the words to sink in for Summer.

What?
Summer thought. She was confused all of a sudden. Even with the medication, she knew something wasn’t right. It wasn’t making sense.

“Chase, you may place the ring on Summer’s finger,” Trent said next, ignoring the widening eyes of the girl. Summer wanted to shake her head, telling them she didn’t want this, but she couldn’t get it to work.

“You’re doing great, sweetie,” Chase whispered quietly to the girl, trying to let her know that she would be okay in the end.

Valerie was doubting that the second drug was working well enough. She had given half a dose to Summer, thinking that would be more than enough to get her to corporate, but it was failing. Turning her head, as she didn’t want to see the fearful look as the knowledge she was being married sank in, forever tying her to this life.

Valerie didn't want Summer to make a scene, as it wasn’t every day that a slave was forced to wed their handler. It also didn’t help that Valerie didn’t like the idea of Chase of all people, to take a bride. Least of all, this way.

Before Summer could grasp fully what was happening, Chase slipped a slim silver ring with a simple small diamond in the middle along with a matching band onto her finger. It wasn’t much, but it fit her perfectly. From what Chase knew of the girl so far, she probably wouldn’t like much being spent on her or anything flashy. Just from watching her expression, he knew she was not happy. Her look was one that if she could shoot fire, Chase would be a pile of ashes.

He was almost thankful that Valerie went behind his back. Almost.

She turned her burning glare towards the man that was now her husband, and she wished he would burn in Hell. How dare he do this, and on her birthday for that matter? Her look would surely make him a pile of ashes, taking the entire house with him. She was sure he could feel her fury and disgust at him seep through her skin into his.

“You may kiss the bride,” Trent said with a laugh, seeing the girl’s expression of shocked fury. She was tempted to slap him, damn the punishment that would no doubt come with it. But as Chase slowly cupped Summer’s face between his warm hands, he noticed she was responding to his touch in a positive way.

She didn’t flinch or try to back away like he expected. He knew, right then, that Valerie had gave her more than just a calming drug. Storing that knowledge to the back of his head for the time being, he brought his lips down to hers, giving her a gentle kiss on the lips. He didn’t want to push his luck taking a chance of her biting him.

Summer couldn’t stop her eyes from closing as his lips met hers. His lips were soft, inviting and consuming. There was a small buzz between them both. All too soon, he pulled away, his green eyes blazing with need from just that one kiss. He knew that he wouldn’t get the chance again to kiss her.