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He shakes his head. “No, all the leads were dead ends.”
I sigh heavily, wondering if he’ll ever be able to get justice for her.
“Don’t worry, I’ll find the bastard.” He clenches his fists.
I nod. “What exactly did you want to talk to me about?”
He doesn’t look at me as he forks some cold meat and cheese onto his plate. “Your future,” he says.
“I can leave if you’re worried about me being around too long. I have my income from my book and savings.” I shrug. “I’ll get my own place.”
His eyes snap up, burning with a darkness that frightens me. “You won’t be going anywhere. At least not until you’re married.”
“Married?” I roll my eyes. “I don’t want an arranged marriage to a mobster.”
“Too bad,” Remy says, sipping his scotch. “You’re my last chance to create a meaningful alliance with a powerful family, Ella. My two daughters were fucking idiots and fell in love with the wrong men.”
“I’m not a Morrone,” I say.
His jaw clenches. “It doesn’t matter. Your hand in marriage will be up for auction in two weeks.”
“Auction?” I question.
He nods, jaw clenched. “Yes, your marriage contract is up for auction. It’s a common way to make alliances. You’ll attend a few pre-auction dinners where you’ll meet the possible buyers.”
I stare at him in shock, as while I thought he might try to arrange my marriage, this is fucked up. “You’re selling me?”
He tilts his head. “Don’t be so dramatic. I’m selling your hand in marriage. The man that buys the right.” He grinds his teeth. “Will protect you.”
I clench my fists on the table. “I’m not being dramatic. You’re essentially selling me like a slave.”
“The man who buys you will be rich and powerful. You’ll want for nothing.”
I stand and glare at him, knocking my chair to the floor. “If you didn’t realize, I don’t give a shit about either of those things.” My rage is insurmountable. “I’m not my mother.”
He remains calm, staring back at me. “No, you’re not,” He breathes.
The air between us shifts, and I hate that instead of wanting to storm away from him for breaking this shitty news, I want to kiss him.
“What’s your next move, Ella?” He tilts his head. “Are you going to run to your bedroom and sulk like a brat?”
I laugh. “A brat? I’m not one of the rich, spoiled kids you raised. Goodnight.” I turn around, but he captures my wrist before I can walk away.
“No,” he breathes, his voice softer.
“No, what?” I ask, glancing at him as he stares at his hand around my wrist, conflict waging war in his eyes.
“You’re not spoiled,” he murmurs, raising his eyes to meet mine. “However, when your mother married me, she sealed your fate.” He releases my wrist. “I told her the terms before we married, and she said it was the only way to stop your stubbornness.”
I let out a dark laugh. “I should have known Mom was aware of this from the start.” I glance at the food on the table and back at Remy. “Excuse me, I think I’ve lost my appetite.”
Remy’s jaw clenches, but he doesn’t stop me. Instead, he watches me as I walk out of the dining hall and shut the door behind me.
I rest my back against it and draw in a shuddering breath, tears in my eyes. Remy’s an asshole for putting me up for auction.
I know it hurts all the more because I want him. But his actions speak louder than words; clearly, it’s all one-sided. He wouldn’t sell me to the highest bidder if he wanted me. I need to escape and start afresh somewhere new before he sells me.
13
