CAPTURED BY HIM (Book I: Captured series)

1. Elle

"Are you sure you've got everything?" I'm shuffling all around my two-bedroom apartment, trying hard to pack my bag and get ready at the same time. "For the nth time, YES" Victor exasperates, waiting by the door. I nod as I pull on my cashmere sweater, I take a moment to look at him. "Look at you, all grown up" I almost tear up, my baby brother is already in his second year at university.

"Let's not get all emotional now, you're going to get me late" For the last few days I've been very emotional, thinking about him. Ever since our mom passed away in an accident, he's gone into a shell. He's had problems making friends, maintaining decent grades and he's hardly ever laughed since. Our father wasn't much of help, the moment tragedy struck he threw himself in his business, he constantly travelled, and we barely saw him.

Sometimes he'd make it for the holidays, but as we grew up that went away too. I've tried my best to be there for him all these years but now that he's in Uni, he resides at the campus and I only get to be with him once every few months. I miss my brother, its very lonely being here all by myself when I'm so used to having Victor around me.

"Elle, are you okay?" He's standing in front of me now, brows twitched together in worry.

"Sorry, just having a moment" Forcing a smile, I gather my music sheets from the dinning table and we head out.

Cold wind embraces us as soon as we step out of my apartment building, and I almost immediately regret leaving. I want to go back to the warmth of my apartment, curl up on the couch and read. The walk from my place to the bas station is maybe around ten minutes and I shiver at the thought. "Still don't like the cold?" Victor gently nudges my shoulder.

"Nope" I frown as I cross my arms in front of my chest. Victor closes the gap between us and wraps an arm around my shoulder, instantly I'm surrounded by the heat radiating from him. "So I wanted to apologize, I can't make it for your show" He mumbles, looking down at me. "Don't worry about it, its just a couple of pieces" I shrug. I'm not even thinking about it, although I should be. I haven't gotten a lot of time to practice so I'm really hoping tonight goes well. And if it doesn't at least I won't embarrass myself in front of my brother.

"I'm sure you'll be great" He smiles, half-hearted as ever but still I know he meant it. "Yeah, do you have cab money?" I switch the topic as we reach closer to our destination. "Yes, I do" He turns towards me, hugging me till I can't breathe.

When he retreats, my world begins to shake, my vision a little blurry. Not now. I bite my lip, blinking to see clearly. "Did you not take your medications?" Even without seeing him I can tell his face is scrunched in worry. "Yes, I'm okay. Don't worry" I see the bus pulling up, slowly my vision gets back—not completely clear but I can manage.

"I can catch the next one" He holds me by the elbow as if I can't stand on my own. "Really I'm good, you should go" I muster up a smile, half of me wanting him to stay. We hug goodbye one last time and I watch him until he gets onto the bus and minutes later he's gone.

"Miss Lively?" My slouching shoulder straightens up at the voice and I turn to find a man, a fucking hot man to be precise, standing in front of me. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude but I have see your shows" Something about this man doesn't feel right. His voice is crisp and welcoming, however, his face does not say the same story. There's something dark and mysterious about his hazel eyes and the way he clenches his sharp jaw, I take a step back.

I've lived on my own enough to know when people are hiding something or they have different intentions. "No problem, can I help you with something?" I inquire with a fake smile, my hands clutch tightly around my music sheets. "Just wondering if I can take you for a drink?" He doesn't even try smiling, lips pursed in a thin line. Is this guy for real?