Hooked: A Dark, Contemporary Romance

“She, like most people, can’t understand what it’s like being Peter Michaels’s daughter. Even if I wanted to, there is no cutting the cord. His power and influence reach every corner of the universe, and there isn’t anything or anyone that escapes his control. Or if there is, I’ve never met them.”

Wendy internally identifies her own limitation with her father here, as Angie’s suggestion that she “cut the cord” prompts an acknowledgment that no amount of distance can break her ties to Peter. She feels trapped by her upbringing and connection to Peter, explaining an initial factor in her desire for independence, as well as her emphasis on being equals with James.

“If you want to ensure someone’s loyalty, you have to make sure they understand why you deserve it. And I’ve made sure that people understand the end of a blade hurts worse when the person wielding it enjoys causing pain.”

Though James is not aware of it, he reveals in this quote that he is perpetuating the cycle of abuse initiated by his uncle. He did not betray his uncle for years, and the reason was precisely this understanding that his uncle enjoyed hurting him. Now, as the leader of this group of criminals, he enforces the same rules.

“My stomach rolls and heaves, bile burning up the back of my throat, as my mind spins from the flashbacks. I’m surrounded by the slap of my uncle’s crocodile boots on the wooden floorboards. My chest squeezes tight at the sound of his pocket watch, the tick, tick, tick bleeding into the still of the night as he closes my bedroom door behind him.”

This flashback implies that Croc’s abuse of James was sexual and violent, as he was assaulted in his bedroom at night. The symbolism of the crocodile and watch is also furthered in the boots his uncle wore and the watch he carried on his person. The trauma and resulting physiological response are tied back to those moments in James’s childhood, just as they emerge in the present.

“My stomach cramps with the realization that I can speak until my throat is sore, but it doesn’t change the fact that somewhere along the way, my father stopped listening to what I had to say. And with every day that he’s gone—another business trip, or another sight to see that doesn’t include us—he slips further from our grasp. Away to somewhere nobody can reach, even if we wanted to.”

Wendy’s visceral reaction to the realization that her father is too estranged from his children to hear what she is saying indicates the connection, though one-sided, that she felt with Peter. The crucial element of this realization, though, is the phrasing “even if we wanted to,” which implies that neither Wendy nor Jon wants to forge a stronger relationship with their father after years of negligence. Her word choice as she describes closeness to her father as being in their “grasp” also indicates that emotional intimacy is a matter of possession for both sexes, regardless of whether the relationship is romantic or familial.

“I reach into my jacket pocket and grab the box I’ve brought with me today. Ru isn’t much for presents, but he loves his lighters. Has an entire case filled with his collection. This one is special. A custom-made S. T. Dupont, encrusted with red rubies and with an inscription on the front. Straight on ’til morning. It’s the first piece of advice he gave me and one that’s stuck ever since. My thumb swipes across the words, my mind flashing back to that night.”

While the advice Ru gave James is valuable, the lighter itself and this moment between James and Ru shows that both men, despite being hardened criminals, have a tender bond between them—the only such bond so far revealed in the novel. Ru saved James from his uncle, and James sees Ru as a father figure. The lighter is a gift that reflects James’s knowledge of Ru, as well as the intimacy of their relationship.

“Being raised around a man similar in stature has fine-tuned my ability to know what it feels like when someone bleeds power. And as much as I don’t want to admit it, I understand the appeal.”

Wendy struggles to resist the connection between her and James, especially given the similarities between James and her father, Peter. Both men are dominating, but James seems to be less self-centered than Peter, allowing Wendy to feel a greater connection with him. Nonetheless, James’s power is dangerous, and Wendy knows that powerful men can be harmful.

“My jaw locks into place, and I move to slide into the car with the girls, but the icy, drunken daggers of Maria’s gaze make me falter, and I find myself replaying all the words she said through the night—the thinly veiled insults striking harder with every lash. The whisper of anger that’s been brewing in my gut finally boils over, and if I have to choose between being irritated with James or verbally assaulted by Maria, the choice is pretty simple.”

Wendy is ultimately pushed toward James by the same woman that expresses jealousy that James has chosen Wendy over herself. Maria, one of Wendy’s foils, displays the difficulties of homosocial relationships, or friendships between members of the same sex, when they are each vying for the attention of the same person. Although Wendy knows that James is dangerous, she prefers that danger to the guarantee of abuse from Maria.

“She pushes farther into me, her curves pressing against the length of my body, and even through the fabric of my shirt, I can feel the heat. This girl is liable to make me lose my mind. ‘So are you going to?’ she asks. ‘Say good night, I mean.’ My brows shoot to my hairline, surprise flickering through me at how forward she’s being. Blood rushes to my cock, making it stiffen, and my arm wraps around her waist, pulling her flush against me, my fingertips skimming up her sides. ‘Would you like me to?’ ‘Y-yes,’ she stutters.”

This exchange highlights Wendy’s dual expression of sexuality, in which she simultaneously drives the interaction to a head by pressing into James and provoking intimacy, while also stuttering her response, indicating a kind of nervousness. James is mystified by this because he anticipates only the anxiety, not the forwardness that Wendy brings to these situations. Wendy, though nervous, is still a strong woman who intends to pursue her desires.

“Plenty of men have tried to woo their way into my heart, all with an agenda in their smile. Their gazes were sweet, but it was only a matter of time before their eyes lit up for my father in a way they never did for me. Not that I fell for them in the first place. I learned at a young age—six, to be exact—that people were more interested in how I could serve their well-being instead of them caring about mine. Even children understand the sting of loneliness, and when my mother died, everyone I had grown to depend on slipped away. As if I were the problem. As if my grief was too much of a burden for them to bear.”

Wendy’s early understanding of her role in her father’s life indicates that her fight for independence has been ongoing for years. This quote also carries the irony that James is pursuing Wendy, at this stage, for the purpose of getting close to her father. However, James does not love Peter, nor does he want anything from him, which distinguishes him from the other men Wendy has encountered.

“I’d love to deny it, but unfortunately knowing one’s own weaknesses is paramount to overcoming them, and Wendy becoming a weakness is painstakingly obvious. Especially after I carried her off the sundeck to my personal quarters and then proceeded to watch her sleep, enjoying the way her dark hair contrasted against the cream of my sheets.”

James is beginning to realize that not only is he capable of human emotion, but he is also beginning to fall in love with Wendy. His initial reaction to this feeling is to identify it as a problem, as he needs a certain emotional distance to use and manipulate Wendy effectively. At the same time, his desire to watch her sleep and to care for her betray that he is not equipped to combat these emotions.

“‘What?’ she asks, her eyes widening as she looks at him. ‘You can’t seriously be entertaining this?’ Her hand shoots out toward me. ‘Another groupie showing up who knows nothing about the man, thinking the little innocent act will work? It’s honestly pathetic. You shouldn’t encourage it.’ My jaw clenches, her words battering against my wall of confidence—already shaken from my own twisted thoughts. ‘Yeah, well, he knows this one at least,’ Curly replies. Moira’s hand pauses on the rim of the wineglass, her eyes flicking back toward me.”

Much like Maria, Moira is a foil to Wendy’s character, and she realizes in this scene that Wendy is a legitimate threat to her control over James. Up until this point, Moira has been James’s sexual partner, though they do not seem to have a romantic relationship, and she tries to demean Wendy to maintain her own position in the hierarchy of James and Ru’s organization. However, Curly knows that James is specifically invested in Wendy, and Moira is distressed that she might lose her position in the end.

“It’s exhausting having everyone treat you as though you’re something fragile. Breakable. Less than. Moira’s words from earlier flash through my mind, and so do Maria’s sharp jabs. Everyone sees me as a child, a young girl with no experience in the world, and for so long, I’ve let them speak their thinly veiled insults and backhanded compliments. I’ve let them assume that because I have soft features and don’t speak out of turn, it means they’re right. But I’m tired. And James, he makes me feel like a woman. Like his equal. Like I have a choice, and he respects me to make it.”

Wendy’s use of the term “tired” throughout the novel refers to her understanding and resentment of her subordinate position to the men in her life in social situations. She knows that her appearance does not align with her personality, but she also does not do anything to combat that incongruence. With James, regardless of how he feels, Wendy feels that she can strip down that appearance and be more herself.

“And even though Ru hasn’t said a word since, I know he was the reason why. Smiling, I force my mind back to the present, placing my hands in my pockets and rocking back on my heels. ‘You must be Jon.’ Surprise flickers in my chest at how different he looks from Wendy. His chin juts out. ‘Who’s asking?’ I smile. I think I’ll quite like this kid. ‘I’m James, a friend of your sister’s. She asked me to be here.’ His eyes narrow before he finally nods, walking over to me and sticking out his hand. ‘Good. She needs a friend.’ My palm connects with his, and a small admiration grows for the boy, his loyalty to his sister something I respect.”

James’s memory of Ru stepping in to stop Croc’s abuse links to the present situation, in which Jon is neglected by Peter. James feels a connection to Jon, as he perceives a similarity between their challenges. They have an immediate and mutual respect. By noting the differences in Jon’s and Wendy’s appearances, the author provides some foreshadowing of the later revelation that Jon is also related to James.

“My thumb brushes over the inscription on the lighter, still held tightly in my palm. Straight on ’til morning. With a deep breath, I flick it open, the clink of the lid and spark of the flame the only sound other than the silent screams clawing at my soul. ‘Rest easy, friend.’ Pain splinters through my stomach as I toss the lighter onto fallen leaves, watching as they catch fire and spread, Ru’s body slowly being engulfed in the flames.”

Critically, James uses the same lighter that he gave Ru to destroy his mentor’s corpse. The message on the lighter advises perseverance, but it is now used at the point when Ru can no longer survive. The lighter is left behind in the leaves because James is losing faith in his own path and choices.

“Well, it’s a shame it’s gotten to this point, but there’s nothing to be done for it now. I’ll still use her for the same purpose, only in the end, instead of allowing her to go free, I’ll make her watch as I drain the life from her father’s eyes. And then I’ll do the same to her. There’s a sharp ache in my chest at the thought, but I take another sip of brandy and let the burn of liquor numb the pain. The glass clinks on the table as I set it down and settle into my chair, watching Wendy on the cameras and twirling an invitation to tonight’s charity gala.”

James continues to fight his feelings for Wendy, and, even in the face of her supposed betrayal, he is unable to comfortably assert that he will kill her. He drinks to try to suppress the feeling of attachment to Wendy, and he focuses on the next step in his plan. His hesitation, here, betrays his ultimate inability to remain upset with Wendy, even if she had betrayed him.

“Because I feel so goddamn relieved to be here. To take a shower. To breathe in fresh air. To have human interaction, even if it’s with the person responsible for everything. And what kind of person does that make me—to feel grateful for the good when the source is a man threatening everyone I love? Everything will be fine. A memory of leaving Jon at Rockford Prep flies into my head, Hook’s words—although he was James to me then—playing on a loop. ‘Just remember, that whenever things feel bleak, all situations are temporary. It’s not your circumstance that determines your worth, it’s how you rise from the ashes after everything burns.’”

Although Wendy is ashamed of her feelings, she is still coping with James’s sudden change in behavior. Referring to James by two different names, James when he is kind and Hook when he is violent, helps her to differentiate the experiences she has had with him. The advice James gave to Jon at Rockford comes up with a new significance, here, as the kidnapping signifies a kind of destruction for Wendy and James’s relationship.

“Peter’s jaw tightens and he leans in, his eyes pleading with his daughter. ‘You have no idea who you’re sitting next to.’ Her jaw stiffens. ‘I know exactly who he is. It’s you I’m beginning to question.’ My heart stutters, his phrase cementing what I’ve been theorizing for the past few minutes. She doesn’t know about her father. And that means she never betrayed me at all.”

Peter’s confidence in his daughter’s allegiance contrasts with James’s doubts, as Wendy both establishes which man she wants to be with and assuages James’s suspicions of her. Although Peter is likely correct in warning Wendy, she realizes that she is closer to James in this moment than she has been with her father in years. At the same time, James is continuing to realize that Wendy’s feelings for him are legitimate.

“‘It’s impossible not to care for you, Wendy. If it was, you’d already be dead.’ A laugh bubbles in my chest at the absurdity of this entire thing—at the way the man holding me hostage is consoling me over my broken heart. At the way he can say something so vile and make it sound so sweet. ‘Is that supposed to be romantic?’ I wheeze out between giggles. A small smile graces his face. ‘It’s supposed to be the truth.’ The laughter dies down, and we’re stuck staring at each other, twisted feelings spiraling through me and branding every part of my fucked-up heart. And I know, I know I’m supposed to hate him. But in this moment, I don’t.”

This exchange marks Wendy and James’s recovery from the kidnapping, as James admits that he cannot kill Wendy. Though he is not yet able to articulate his feelings, Wendy understands that James is not as harmful to her as she previously thought, realizing as well that she has unavoidable feelings for him.

“I’m not quite sure what my purpose is with Wendy anymore. When Smee told me she was gone, a hundred different scenarios played out in my mind. Did Peter take her? One of my other enemies? It wasn’t until I was all the way back to the marina that I realized my thoughts were centered around worry and not around the fact that, given the first opportunity, she would flee from me and never return. And that makes me unbearably angry. Both that she would leave and that I would care.”

In the aftermath of the kidnapping, James is reconciling his fear of commitment and intimacy with his physical fears of danger. He is beset by enemies, and he knows that they may target Wendy, but, more so, he is afraid that Wendy might leave him of her own volition. Again, James is trying to fight against his vulnerabilities, but he is getting closer to accepting that he can be open with Wendy.

“‘I have tortured.’ I dip my lips down, brushing them against her neck. ‘I have killed.’ Lifting her shirt with my free hand, my fingers skim up her side, my mouth tasting her collarbone, then trailing over the swells of her breasts. ‘And I’ll do both again, without ever regretting a thing. I enjoy them.’ Her legs tighten around my hips. My hand releases her wrists, moving to cup her face, her skin soft beneath the pads of my fingers. My chest twists as my heart bangs against my ribs. ‘But I regret, with every fiber of my being, that for even one moment you suffered under my hands.’ Her eyes widen, the beautiful shades of brown glossing over. ‘You are, without a doubt, the only good I’ve ever known.’ I rest my forehead on hers, my shaky breaths ghosting across her lips, my thumb rubbing against her cheek. ‘So don’t lie to me, Wendy darling. Because my heart won’t survive it if you do.’”

James has finally come to terms with his feelings for Wendy, and his apology reflects the distinction between his criminality and his prior state as a villain. Wendy has brought a new understanding to James that renders his rough demeanor unnecessary, and he realizes that, while he will continue to be a criminal, he will not allow that aspect of his personality to interfere with his relationship. Rather than forcing Wendy to stay with him, he begs her to be as open and honest with him as he wants to be with her.

“He chuckles, the sound vibrating through me and settling into my bones. ‘No, darling. I’ll hand you the match and stand at your back, watching you become queen of the ashes.’ My breath stalls at his words. At what he’s really saying. And that, as morbid as it seems, hits me in the center of my chest, making warmth spread with every beat of my heart. Because James sees me as his equal. As someone worthy to stand at his side. His lips meet mine, and I sink into the kiss, fully giving in, accepting that this is what I want. All his deep, dark, and slightly unhinged pieces. I choose every single one. I choose him.”

Much as James had to come to terms with his feelings for Wendy, Wendy here sees that she can overlook or even embrace the criminal side of James. The fact that he would include her in his own schemes, giving her control in the hypothetical world-burning scenario, gives her confidence that the two of them can function as equals in the future. Unlike Peter, James would include Wendy in his affairs, even if they are nefarious.

“‘Yeah, he said that was why he was calling to check on me instead. Listen, I really don’t need babysitters.’ My heart explodes in my chest, my mind racing at what he’s saying, at what that means. ‘When did—’ I clear my throat. ‘When did you talk to James?’ ‘Almost every freaking day since I’ve been here, Wendy. That’s what I’m trying to say. It’s a little overbearing.’ ‘He calls you?’ My throat swells. ‘Yeah. Did you not know?’ My chest cracks wide open, tears rimming my lower lids. Even when he was threatening me, he was checking on Jon. Does that mean he was always bluffing? ‘No, I knew,’ I sniff. ‘I’ll let him know to back off.’”

A key component to James’s character is revealed in the daily calls he has made to check in on Jon. Though Jon says he resents the calls, both he and Wendy inevitably see the contrast between Peter’s total negligence and James’s attentive behavior. Even though his connection to Jon is minimal at this stage of the novel, James has taken the initiative to step in where Peter has failed. For Wendy, this shows that James is capable and willing to engage in a dedicated relationship.

“However, none of that matters, because all I can focus on now is the fact that he has his gun pressed to Wendy’s temple, his finger poised and ready on the trigger. My eyes soak her in, trailing along her person to see if she’s been hurt again. But she seems okay. Her jaw is stiff, and she’s glaring at her father. ‘Sammy.’ Peter straightens from where he’s leaned against the cave wall, pulling his own gun from his waist. ‘This was not part of the plan.’ Smee’s head twists from where it’s still pressed against my knife. ‘Plans change, Peter. I told you the only way to get James to heel was to put her in danger. You knew the risks, and you agreed.’ Wendy’s eyes widen, her mouth parting on a gasp. ‘You what?’”

This passage provides a direct contrast between James and Peter. Even though James may be about to die, his focus is on Wendy’s well-being, while Peter put his own daughter in danger to protect himself. Though Wendy has already been exposed to her father’s selfishness, this moment is a shock, as Smee seems like he fully intends to kill both James and Wendy. Even though Peter advised Wendy to stay away from James, fearing he might kill her, he has now delivered her to Smee, who might kill her.