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“Please,” I whisper, hating that he has reduced me to begging.
“I like that word on your lips.” He grins, slanting his mouth over mine and kissing me harshly. There is not a soft bone in this man's body.
His hand leaves my throat just long enough to secure the back of my neck and then he is walking us down the aisle. Our guests stand and applaud.
It’s him they are celebrating.
He’s the only one to have gained anything from this.
A pretty bride and alliance for his boss.
I’ve lost everything.
We sit wordlessly through several courses, cut cake, and eventually approach the floor for our first dance. Ronan pulls me to his chest and moves me about the marquee. Sweat clings to my skin, reminding me that in a few short hours, he will see my scars. It’s enough for any man to want to kill me. Only this man will succeed. I seek Shay out, desperate for the safety and reassurance her eyes bring, but I can’t focus through the tears blurring my vision.
“Anyone would think you were unhappy about the joining of our families,” Ronan remarks darkly.
Clearing my throat, I blink my tears back and tilt to face him. “Not at all.”
I need to stop shaking.
“You’re a shit liar,” he drawls and then dips to speak directly into my ear. “Pretty, docile, and a bad liar. How did I get so lucky?” I’m not docile, but I'm not stupid. If he wants to believe I’m a sweet little puppet, then he is far too complacent.
Swallowing, I turn my head away when his hot breath tickles my ear and sends goosebumps to spread along my neck.
“Are you going to turn away when I'm buried deep inside you later, Cara?” His purr alludes to only one thing.
My body tenses, and I find Shay standing off to the side, my parents not too far away. She gives me a little smile, and I feel a sense of acceptance roll over me. This is for her. Most families are here, feigning politeness. Everyone except the Reyes. I begged Heston, her guard, to keep an eye out for Shay, since it’s the perfect opportunity for someone to pluck her away.
“Would you like that?” I lift my chin, challenging him lightly. My tone is calm, but my eyes spark with the same fire my hair has.
A dark grin passes across his face, and his hand tightens, pulling me to slot against his taller frame.
“On the contrary, I want those eyes on me so I can watch how much you enjoy being fucked by your husband.” Resentment burns on his tongue. The air becomes charged, and I brace for his hand to take my throat again.
“In that case, I will be the pretty, docile, bad liar you’re lucky to call your wife.” His eyes narrow, and I step away before he can say anything further. Our song ends, and I make a beeline for Shay. Our arms link, and we quickly exit onto the lawns and move towards the estate, seeking a private space.
As soon as we locate a bathroom, she locks the door, and I gulp in mouthfuls of air as panic attacks me from every angle.
“Oh god, I thought he was going to kill you,” Shay cries, pulling me into her arms. I bury my face in her neck, sobbing, as my emotions overwhelm me.
“Make this stop,” I beg, then pull at my dress since it’s too restrictive.
“I don’t know how. Tonight was the first time I have seen our parents ruffled,” she whispers. “Did Daddy mention your accident?” I hate that term; it insinuates I was at fault. That I am to blame for the leathery artwork carved into my skin.
How can I be held accountable for a madman?
“He choked me,” I snap. “I’m supposed to sleep with this guy?”
“Now would be a great time to grow a dick,” she blurts, and I pull back in disbelief. “I don’t know why I thought that.”
“Not helpful, Shay.”
“I can’t think of anything else to get you out of this.”
“A bullet.” I deflate and sit on the toilet, shaking my head in despair as she mops up my tears. He will kill me before I get a chance to harm myself.
“Don’t you fucking dare!” she snaps.
