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Last night when we were making love, and I found the small brand on her ribs, it took everything I had not to scream with the fury of a million men. If I wasn’t already planning on killing her father, that would have sealed the deal.
I clear my throat, brushing off my guilt as I watch her, pushing away all the uncertainty, masking my face in confidence and cool indifference.
“Have you decided to say yes yet, Melina?” I ask. I watch her square her shoulders, staring me down.
“I'd like to talk to you alone first,” she says defiantly, crossing her arms as she feigns confidence. I can see all the nerves and it tells that she's anything but confident.
My body responds to her standing up to me, especially in front of an audience. I don't want her to be afraid of me. I would never be able to have a woman that doesn't have a backbone, but I also know it takes some cajónes to stand up to me in front of all these men. Men that people cower to just by name alone.
“And I'd like your answer,” I say curtly.
She shrugs, still pinning me with her stare. “I'll give you one after we speak...privately.”
I smile at her, watching her question her choice to stand up to me as the uncertainty rolls across her face. “You want me to send everyone out of here, even your brother, who can barely stand so that we can talk?” I ask, quirking an eyebrow as I stare her down.
My look alone should be enough to have her backing down, but pride fills my chest when she responds.
“Yes,” she replies, her voice strong. She’s obviously standing her ground.
I let out an annoyed groan. At least, I hope that's what it sounds like. I need something to cover my laughter. I don't want her to know I find this amusing. I don’ think she would appreciate it either. Women can be very…prickly.
“Everyone out,” I order.
Killian looks at me, trying to keep his face hidden from Melina as he's trying not to laugh at my expense. Niko, however, does laugh, the bastard.
Marco is watching his sister like a hawk, giving her an intense look that is no doubt a way to speak to her silently.
She walks over and shocks the hell out of me when she fucking unties him. Leaning over, she whispers something in his ear. She pulls back enough for him to search her face for something before leaning in to kiss her forehead.
"Touch her again, and you will be dead," I snarl through gritted teeth. Instantly angry and not in the least kidding. I don’t want another man touching her. She. Is. Mine.
Melina looks at me, shaking her head. “You're being ridiculous. He's my brother.”
“That's why I warned him, Melina. If he were anyone else, he'd be dead already.”
“I have a lot of things to make up to Melina for. You'll have to get used to it, DeLuca,” Marco says, scowling at me.
“You'll have to get used to breathing through a straw if you keep it up. That's if I let you live.”
Marco says nothing as he walks out, leaving Melina watching me intently as I get up. I walk around the desk so we are left standing toe to toe. I look her over, my hands itching to touch her. I want to kiss her so that I can erase the look of suspicion, fear, and uncertainty off her pretty face.
“You wanted to talk to me, so I’m listening, Lina. But I warn you, the only way this ends is with my ring on your finger.”
melina
Standing here, staring at Antonio, my stomach is flip-flopping. I can't pretend Emilia wasn't right. I love him. Saying goodbye to him forever isn't something that I want. I don't want to walk away. God help me, I'm not even sure I could.
“My whole life has been a man telling me what to do and when to do it. I've never had a chance to make decisions for myself. From what I know about you, you have no idea how that feels,” I announce, crossing my arms.
“You're right, I don't. Quite honestly, I need my ring on your finger, and for you to have my name, Lina.”
I don't miss the way he says needs.
“Why is this so important you'd have me believe you beat up my brother, risking me hating you?” I ask, scowling at him. I don't like deceit, and that's a lie by omission. I don't want him to ever try to bully me into things.
The shock rolls across his face so quickly I wonder if I am just imagining things. He purses his lips as he thinks over my words. “You don't think I'm the one that beat your brother?”
“Did my brother destroy my clothing and things too? Or am I to believe you did?”
