Page 80 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

I had to do what I did.

I had no choice, during their intervention, to demand they leave. Especially after hearing my father on the phone, and when he said Marino had demanded my bodyguards be removed, or his hand would be cut off.

Before I say my vows, I need to tell Declan how I feel. I need him to know that he meant everything to me.

I start typing.

I delete and retype it at least ten times. Finally, I find the words, the only words that I can safely say. I hope he can read between them and know what’s in my heart.

I’m sorry. No one has protected me the way you did, and if I could change all of this, I’d choose you. Every time. SV x

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WHEN I ARRIVE at my parent’s house, security is waiting, and they don’t hesitate before opening the door and taking my arm to escort me upstairs.

What the hell?!

“Excuse me, take your damn hands off me.” I snap, pulling at my arm.

“Your father’s instructions are clear.” A giant goon I’ve never seen before drags me further.

“Stop. You are hurting me.” I glance around, looking for someone to intervene, but we are striding fast toward my father’s private elevator, and no one seems to care.

Glancing behind me, my driver watches with concern as he hands the box to a guard.

Before I can yell out to him, I’m pushed into the elevator, and the world I know disappears.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

TONY MARINO

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I’m ready for my bride. Twenty years ago, I was married to a woman who died giving birth to our son. He died several hours later.

I was devastated.

In some ways I’ve hated her for it since. Like she did it to escape me. Die, that is. Death was her only escape.

The fucking bitch.

Stella Voss won’t get that chance. I’m not interested in an heir anymore. Once dead, I won’t care what happens to my money and legacy. This world is turning to shit in a handbasket, anyway.

While I remain on earth, what I do want is full control and pleasure. Victor’s beautiful young daughter is going to give all that to me and more.

Voss has always been a stupid fucker trying to play games with those on the fringe of the business world where the law is gray. Or ignored completely. I knew he didn’t have it in him to see through my setup. So I shook his hand and let it play out.

I get bored.

It’s fun to see someone roll around in the shit they make. Especially if it means I can then kick them around.

It’s a long game, watching it all fall to pieces and the stress levels increase. Pretty sure he’s put on thirty pounds and is now on meds to keep him from having a heart attack.

Hope not.

If Stella’s security team figures out what I’m up to and whisks her away, I won’t have anyone to kill. Eh, I guess the mother will do.

I step into the room I’ve had set up for Stella, stopping just inside the door and sliding my hands into my pockets. The things I plan to do to her on the four-poster bed, which is nicely made up in black silk linens, make my dick hard already.