Page 42 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

His attitude toward my security screams of a man who loves control.

I could change my mind and walk out the door.

But what would happen? Would Tony shoot my father in the head in front of me...then do the same to my mother?

The way he demanded the room cleared and everyone obeyed told me everything. He is a terrifying and powerful man.

I felt nothing but disgust and fear when he took my arms and kissed my cheeks.

Then he turned his attention to Declan, and I was terrified he would harm him. I know he’s a SEAL, but anyone can be shot by a madman out of the blue and that’s exactly what a guy like Tony Marino would do.

He’s insane.

Tony speaks with my father as I gain some composure, wrapping my arms around my middle. I tune into what they’re saying.

“She will do what needs to be done,” Dad tells him, concern lining his face as he glances my way.

For a moment I think it’s for my safety, but then I realize it’s not. He’s concerned about himself. Hurt slices through me, knowing my father doesn’t love me enough to protect me from this beast.

I don’t know why I can’t simply stride out of here and wish him well in sorting out his debt. But then again, I’m not a monster.

“You know what’s at stake here, Voss. Three hundred and fifty million or your daughter.”

My mouth parts.

We’re rich, but not that rich. I’m not even sure my parents have fifty million in the bank, let alone that sort of sum.

Reality smacks me square in the face as my father walks out of the room without another glance.

His life or mine?

My feet tense, the temptation to follow him out the door, tell Marino to go fuck himself and free myself powerful.

Then I’d have to watch the bloodbath that followed.

“Life is a bitch, is it not, bella?” Tony walks to a dark wooden desk in the corner, slowly opens the drawer and pulls out a cigar. He studies it, then cuts the end off and lights it while I watch.

He blows smoke into the air as he turns, then his eyes land on me.

“How does it feel to be sold?” Tony smirks.

I am not sure if I want to vomit or scream. I shudder instead, realizing I’m in deep, deep trouble.

Slowly he takes a step toward me, then another, then another, stopping five or six feet from me. Turning his head, he blows out another plume of smoke. His lips turn up at the corners as his eyes drift down my body.

“It has been a long time since I’ve fucked a woman your age. I am going to enjoy it.”

I turn my head.

Crossing the small gap between us, he grips my face in his hand harshly as I let out a cry. “Stupid girl. Go enjoy your boyfriend. We marry in one week.”

Oh God.

Releasing my face, he strides across the room and rips open both the doors dramatically while my head spins.

Then he’s gone.

Declan powers into the room before I can draw my next breath and catches me in his arms just as my legs collapse.