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“Are you not hungry?” Julian asks, interrupting my thoughts.
Looking up from my still mostly filled plate of food, I find him watching me. His dark gaze is penetrating as if he can see right through me and into my mind. My eyes catch on the glittering ring that adorns his finger. I still can’t believe we’re married. That he is mine, and I am his. I’m married to a mobster, a criminal that knows how to bend me to his will.
“My stomach has been a little upset,” I say, which isn’t entirely a lie.
Julian frowns. “I have some work to do, but I can always work on it tomorrow or later. I do not want to leave you if you’re not feeling well.” His protectiveness oozes out of him, charging the air around us. Still, I feel like I need to get some time away from him.
“No, no. I want to go for a walk along the beach, check out the island a little bit. It isn’t often that I get to go somewhere alone,” I tease.
A smile graces his lips a moment before he takes a drink of his orange juice. A man as cruel and dark as he shouldn’t be allowed to look so sexy. I find myself always watching him, and my mouth waters at the tightness of his muscles, the way he holds me, his scent, and taste. Everything about him turns me on. I shouldn’t want the man who took everything from me, and yet, I can’t deny my feelings either.
“You’re never alone, no matter where you go, I will always be there. Or at the very least not far behind you.” It’s not just a statement but a warning. He will be watching me, no matter where I go. I’ll never be free.
“Okay, I get it. You’re always watching me.”
“Yes,” his voice drops, and I shiver at the depth of it, feeling the sound deep in my core.
Part of me might be angered how we came together, and while knowing he won’t stop at anything to end my father, I can’t deny the pull I have to him.
It’s like sticking your hand into the flames of fire, knowing it’s going to burn while also knowing you have no other option. With Julian, there is no option, no alternative. He holds all the power, and I am a slave to his every move.
“I’m going to explore the island,” I say, pushing up from my seat.
The chair scrapes across the tile floor, and Julian’s brows pull together. “Are you trying to run away? I’m sure I don’t have to remind you that there…”
“Is no way off the island.” I finish his sentence, trying not to sound mocking. “You don’t have to tell me ten million times. I thought I was your wife. I’m starting to think I’m still a prisoner,” I sass.
Julian tosses his napkin down on the table. “Run along, my queen. Just know I’ll be watching you.”
I resist an eye roll and turn to walk away, but I’m pulled backward, a second later, my back colliding with a firm chest. Julian’s hand sinks into my raven hair, and he tugs my head back, making the muscles ache at the angle. His hold is firm, controlling, and I shiver at the power he holds. His teeth skim my ear, and his intoxicating scent surrounds me. Danger and cinnamon, that’s what he smells like.
“I hope you plan to change your clothes before you leave this bedroom.”
Something inside of me makes me want to tempt the beast, to push back against the steel bars that keep me caged. “And what would you do if I said I wasn’t?”
In the blink of an eye, he’s released his grip on my hair and twisted me around to face him. The air rushes from my lungs as shoves me against the wall. The smile on my lips fades when his large hand circles my throat, and our gazes collide. His grip is like that of an iron shackle around my neck. Anyone else would be pissing their pants by now, begging for forgiveness, but somehow, I stand my ground and remain composed. I remind myself that I am his equal, not a doormat he can step on.
Like a feral wolf, his lips curl back, and he snarls his next set of words.
“I would chain you to my side, and never let you out of my sight. That’s what I would do.”
“Don’t you already do that?” I counter, looking him right in the eyes.
Zeroing in on me like I’m prey, his lips nearly graze mine as he says, “You’re fooling yourself if you think I’ve been treating you that badly. Now, change, or I will lock you in this bedroom for the rest of the day. We might be on an island, but my men are still here, and if they see even an inch of flesh they shouldn’t, I will put a bullet between their eyes. Do you want to be responsible for someone’s death?”
