By the end of the night, I’ll be bound to him like my father’s signature on one of many papers that passes between them.
I sip on wine, listening to the conversation turn to terms and timelines.“You’ll have the numbers,” Nico says.I can’t decide whether his tone is meant to be a promise or a threat.
I tune out of their ongoing conversation, growing more bored as the evening carries on.I should consider myself lucky that I’m marrying someone so powerful and respected.
Only I’m terrified.
“Everyone knows he murdered his first wife,” Lynette hisses in my ear, but she’s not here.She abandoned me.Doomed me to her fate.
I look at Gissette, wondering if it was her whispering in my ear, but she’s got a mouthful of cookies.
Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me.This much anxiety would kill the average person.Or maybe I need a proper meal.
I feel ridiculous sitting here in a wedding dress while my father negotiates contracts.I guess a bride change means the deal changes.
Headlights flicker across the windows.
The man guarding the door touches his ear, then walks over to Nico and says, “The guests are arriving.”
As if I’m not nervous enough.Now I’ll have a full audience of strangers to witness this whole façade.
“If you will give us some privacy.There is only one more thing to seal this deal.”
“Of course.”My father jumps up, bumping the table with his stomach as he goes.
“Stop stuffing your face, child,” my mother snaps at my younger sister.
Everyone leaves the room except Nico and his guard.“You too, Paulie.”The man’s head snaps up, but he does as he is told.
We’re alone.I stay seated, waiting and wondering what he wants with me.
I don’t have to ponder long.
“How are you, Odette?I can’t imagine it was easy to learn that you were to marry me in place of your sister.”
“It’s fine.I’m fine.”
He nods.“You don’t have to lie to me.Honesty is very important in a marriage.Wouldn’t you agree?”
“It should be, but I know my place.And not to ask questions I already know the answer to or that I don’t truly want the truth of.”
“You’ve been trained well.”
“More like observant.I’ve watched my parents make mistakes and hope not to repeat them.”
He chuckles dryly.“I like you.”
“I’m pleased to hear so, sir.”
“Call me Nico.”
“Okay.Nico, you have me alone.What other matters are there to address?”
“I’m afraid it isn’t pleasant, but I’ll be gentle.”
I gulp.This is the part my sister warned me about.My mother wouldn’t dare speak of such things.Now I’m wondering if Lynette told me on purpose to prepare me for this very moment.I push my chair back, but he stops me from standing, pressing a hand to my shoulder.
Dark and deadly, his heated gaze finds mine as he drops to his knees and kneels at my feet.“May I?”
