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Christian didn’t deny the accusation.
“The point is business is suffering on both sides. And even more than business, our past and the divide that happened weakened our voice. The only thing we have is bringing our families together. A show of power proving that the past is the past and that we stand together again,” he said.
“Then that’s what we do,” Elias said.
“You’re agreeing to the marriage,” Ez said.He sounded surprised.
“Yes,” Elias replied.
I’d heard enough at this point and barged into my brother's office. “You’re not marrying my sister.”
All eyes were on me. Christian’s from across his desk and both Omari brothers from over their shoulders as they swung their heads toward the direction of my voice. I tried my best to ignore the blazing burn from a pair of brown eyes that felt so much different from the others on me.HisI felt more intensely.
“Jona will not be marrying this man.” I pointed to Elias but kept my hostile stare on Christian.
“No, I won’t.”
Huh?
“Lias, you just said…”
“I know exactly what I said and that wasyes, I agree to the marriage. A union between our families as a show of faith that we’re standing together once again. Even if it’s all bullshit.”
“Then you’re agreeing to marry Jona?” Christian stated with a hint of irritation. He wasn’t fond of Elias and frankly neither was I.
“No, I’m agreeing to the marriage but not to Jona…” His eyes singed me. “I’m agreeing to marry Cress.”
“No,” Christian immediately disagreed.
“Hell no,” I emphasized.
“What the fuck, Lias?” Ez chimed in.
I swallowed back my anger and braved a look at him. His voice sounded dark. Hardened and cold but also arrogant and entitled. I didn’t care, this man didn’t scare me…much.
“I’m not marrying you.”
“The decision is not yours, Cress,” Elias said smoothly.
The way my name rolled off his tongue was unfairly sinful and I couldn’t help but wonder if those brown eyes blazed with just as much arrogance when he fucked or loved as they did right now with this expression of arrogance.
“You’re insane if you think it’s not my decision. I’m my own person, regardless of what Christian might have convinced you to believe.”
“Cress…” Christian warned but I never looked in his direction. My sights remained on the man who I had placed in the category of enemy. The hard chiseled line of his jaw lessened as he stared back at me, exposing a smugness that forced something heady to wash over and through me.
“No offense to either of you but Jona has nothing to offer.”
“No offense? You just insulted my sister and I take offense to that on her behalf. She has plenty to offer.”
“I’m sure she does but let me clarify what I meant. She has nothing to offermeor anyone else for the purposes of this negotiation.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Christian’s tone was just as dark and angry as mine had been.
“Jona is barely of age and has no life experience or value to offer at this stage in her life. The only thing she truly has is your family name…”
“My sister is young. She’ll have plenty to offer in the future.”
“Future maybe but as of now, she has nothing to lose. Nothing that would make anyone believe that she was more than just a line item on a business deal. You, Cress, are quite the opposite. You have a well-established career as a decorated dancer. You’re beautiful, smart, and accomplished. A marriage compromises everything you’ve worked so hard to build in your life.” His eyes were on me with every word spoken until he switched them to Christian to land the final blow. “Marrying Cress seems more of a choice than a family obligation. You could easily convince your less accomplished sister who is still figuring out life to accept the terms of an arranged union. It’s not as believable as it would be if I marry Cress.”
