AllFreeNovel
Share Us
But he doesn’t miss a thing. “A bit strong for you?”
“Nothing I can’t handle,” I say through the frog in my throat.
“It’s rough for someone who’s not used to it.”
“I like it rough,” I retort.
The blue of his irises darkens as his pupils dilate. “That’s what they all say. But the moment you give them a little pain, they cry.”
I scrunch up my nose, confused. “Who the fuck is they?”
He smirks. “No one.”
We remain silent for a long while. My blood begins to warm as the alcohol hits, and I peer into the glass, trying to recall when the last time I drank this was.
When I look up, I’m startled to find Luca staring at me with an intensity that makes me tremble. His gaze roves over my features, almost as if he’s studying them. It makes me fucking nervous, but I do my best not to let it show.
Lifting a brow, I stare right back. “Do you like what you see?”
His lips quirk up. “It’s amazing how much Alma looks like you, but you couldn’t be more different.”
“That’s because I’m not her.”
“Believe me, I’m painfully aware of that.” He swallows the remainder of the tequila, as if he needs it to tolerate the sight of me.
And yet, unlike before, this time he doesn’t glance away. If anything, his stare intensifies.
I sneer. “You better not hurt her.”
He smirks, obviously finding my threat amusing. “Or you’ll what?”
I don’t answer that. WhatwillI do? Try to kill him and end up dead myself?
Instead, I ask a question of my own. “How much do you want?”
“For what?”
“How much for you to leave us alone?” I’ve been working out numbers. If I sell my car, I can make at least ten thousand. I have a credit card with five thousand open for an advance. “Fifteen thousand cash. I can get it for you by the weekend.”
He bursts out laughing. “You think fifteen thousand will pay me off? I have that much in my pocket.” To prove it, he pulls out a wad of cash and tosses it on the desk.
It infuriates me that here I am, struggling to pay the mortgage, working two jobs, while he walks around with that much money like it’s chump change.
I flick my gaze from the cash to him and shake my head. “Alma is not meant for a man like you.”
His smile fades. “That may be. But she’s exactly what I need. And more importantly, she accepted.”
Just then, my father’s voice sounds, coming nearer. He’s complimenting Alma on something. Damn him, but he owes her so much more than fucking praise.
I stand and make to leave, but before I can take a step toward the door, fingers wrap around my arm. Luca pulls me to him hard.
Shit, I didn’t even see him get up. I try to free myself, but he’s too damned strong.
He leans down, his face so close to mine that I feel his breath on my lips. “You have been a pain in the ass for as long as I can remember. Always meddling. I’ve let it go in the past, Carina, but not this time. If you want your father to live, I suggest you don’t interfere. Iwillmarry Alma whether you like it or not. Is that clear?”
Swallowing my pride, though it’s a real struggle, I say, “Crystal.”
Once again, I try to pull myself out of his grip, but he doesn’t release me.
