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I lift my head up to look at Hunter. His face gives nothing away but there is something there. A mask he has placed to cover his true feelings on the matter. I know all about those emotion-covering masks because I am an expert in wearing them. Based on the way Garrick is acting it’s crystal clear that Hunter has all the power in this arrangement.
“I want something.” I drop the gold pen down onto the table. Hunter’s eyes flare for a moment in surprise but he quickly hides it. “And it’s not my last name.” I get that in there to throw a jab at my so-called brother. Although Hunter acts icy on the outside, he seems to want me. His intentions toward me aren’t clear yet but I somehow know deep inside me that he would never let anyone hurt me. That’s why I pick this opportunity to go against Garrick and test my boundaries with my soon-to-be husband.
“Rose,” my brother warns.
“Sign it,” Hunter demands again. This time I catch something in his tone. There is a reason he wants this. Why else would he be demanding my hand in marriage? The man already has money. We clearly didn’t have any to be had. My brother is all but baring his neck for this man. I both love and hate Hunter for it.
“No.” The one word slips past my lips. For the first time I feel almost powerful. Both of these men want something from me. Well, I want something too.
“Rose!” My brother shouts my name standing from his chair. In the blink of an eye Hunter is on him, pinning him to the wall.
“You already signed the paper. She’s not yours anymore,” Hunter tells him. That mask he keeps trying to hold in place is slipping off. I’m enjoying watching it happen. I shouldn’t be thrilled about any of this but I don’t think I’ve had this much excitement in a long time. If ever. My heart is still racing in my chest from how fast Hunter moved.
It is refreshing to see Garrick at the mercy of someone else, but I need not forget that I am too.
“She hasn’t signed yet,” Garrick sputters out. I realize now Hunter has his forearm pressed against his throat.
“I want something.” I repeat myself.
Hunter turns his eyes, locking that gaze on me. He lets his hold of Garrick go. My brother bends down with his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath.
“Get out,” Hunter tells him dismissively. There it is. He’s got himself back under control. Or at least he’s pretending to. “I won’t repeat myself.” He doesn’t look at Garrick as he says it. I do though.
“Eyes on me.” Hunter steps in front of Garrick, his big frame blocking him from my view. I hear the door open and close, leaving me all alone with Hunter now. I am in over my head. Still, I have something he wants and he has something I want.
“Spit it out.” Of course he doesn’t ask. Men like him never do. They issue commands. I don’t know why I do it. I should know better but I can’t help myself.
“I would like something to drink.” I glance away from Hunter to look out the window. I’m not as good with my mask as he is and I cannot believe I’ve just said that to him. Seconds tick by and I let them. I might not be good at hiding how I’m feeling but the waiting game I can play. I am the champion at that one. I can do it until the end of time. I am used to it.
I fight a smile when I hear the sound of a glass hit the table. The sound is so loud in the silent room I’m surprised the glass isn’t shattered when I look at it.
“Your Aunt Nora will be taken care of.” I jerk my eyes from the glass to him. How much does he know about me? Probably everything. I don’t dare reach for the glass knowing my hand will shake. I’d rather him think I’m rude for not taking the drink than scared. I’m not even sure what I’m feeling, to be honest.
“I need more than your word.” I don’t trust him. His word means nothing to me. I would sign the contract if I knew giving myself over would forever protect my aunt. I need to know she’ll be safe. This is the only thing I’ll ask of him before I willingly give myself over to be his wife. I need the security of knowing that Nora can never be used against me again.
“If you don’t sign she’ll have nothing. She’ll be cast out like the rest of you.” I could only be so lucky. Aunt Nora doesn’t have the Vandermeer last name and I don’t want it.
