AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Or I will. Our bet was for his daughter’s hand in marriage. A Hale will marry Karessa. You’re only an option because I failed to specify which. It’s a set deal there’s no going back. The wedding is in three weeks. Karessa will marry one of us.”
“Jesus, you gotta be fucking kidding me! She’s five years younger than your own child!”
He shrugs unapologetically as if saying he wants what he wants.
“You choose.”
Elmer, who’s just as big as me, stands and slams his hand on my desk as he storms out.
That sick fuck.
A rock - no, a boulder - forms in my gut. Immediately, flashes of memories of the last year my mother was alive cut me with each turn. Everyone knows the worst-kept secret on the island. My dad is a monster to women. Once my mom was gone, all women who knew better steered clear of him. Now, I get it. I work around the knot in my too tight throat to speak.
“So, when you made this bet? You thought he meant she was for me, and he,” I point at the chair my dad just vacated. “Is trying to take her for himself?” Dondi nods slowly as I talk it out. “That’s why he evicted her, he wanted to back her into a corner and swoop in like a gentle saviour.”
“Yes. I pushed back. I told him he didn’t specify which Hale and she chose you.”
“So you froze her accounts and sent her my way before he could prey on her.”
Dondi leans forward, his eyes pleading. “I know this isn’t the best situation for you both. I was a victim of hubris, and your dad got me. My sweet pea cannot suffer at his hands.” He looks around to make sure my dad left. “I’m putting an easy out clause in the prenup. If you two put on airs as a married couple but do not consummate the marriage, I can get it annulled after six months. I would still have held up my end of the bargain.”
“What makes you think I’m a better option?” I need to know.
“Son, I knew who you were before Bethany’s passing. You’re nothing like your father, once you’re not wrapped up in your grief, you might find that you and Karessa are good for each other.” He stands and re-buttons his blazer. “If not. I’ll get you two back to your old lives as soon as I can navigate around your father.” He looks at me apologetically. “I really thought I would win. I would’ve never done this to my sweet pea on a whim.” He turns to leave, then looks back at me. “Please get her out of that hotel before he figures out where to find her, I really don’t want to call the Bishops on your father.” He smirks before he exits.
He’s gone, leaving me with this shit show. I may not want to marry Karessa, but I cannot let her get eaten by a wolf.
Chapter 5
Karessa
“Get your shit let’s go, Trophy,” Oran says the moment I open my hotel door.
Me leans on my door, looking like sex and broken hearts with his red tie hanging open on his collar. He doesn’t try to tame his wild hair as he pushes past me inside the room.
“You heard me, I cannot see my trophy all the way over here,” he announces as he studies the lace of the nightgown I left on the bed.
“You left me here,” I point out wondering if he’s drunk.
Oran shrugs like we’re having a normal conversation. “I changed my mind. I even found the perfect spot to display you.” He turns his dark-grey gaze on me.
“Besides, it’ll be easier to plan our wedding.”
Leaning against the now closed door for balance, I focus on breathing properly. I didn’t realize until now that part of me was hoping and praying he’d find a way out of this.
“I thought you refused,” I challenge him.
“Well, I had a meeting with them today.” He’s in my space, feeding me his scent. “Turns out you were right, they own us or whatever.”
I squint my eyes and crane my neck to look up at him. This is too easy. He changed his tune virtually overnight, Not only is he on board with this wedding, he’s moving me into his home.
“What am I missing?” I ask him.
“The part where I told you to pack so we can go home.”
“Home,” I repeat, softly. It’s so weird hearing him say that.
“Yes.” He nods impatiently. “Hurry so we can go home or I’ll start packing and throw all your shit in one bag, not giving a fuck where it lands. I also got groceries in the car, I hope you know how to cook.”
