“No,” I retort lightly. “This is you not trusting me. I get it.”
“You earned it.”
When I finally glance back up, his eyes are on me like he’s deciding what to do with me.
He steps closer then, his body brushing mine, and I freeze. “You still haven’t held up your side of the agreement.”
“Which one?”
“Any of them.”
I scowl at him because what does he want me to do? Bow down and spread my legs. “And what would you like me to do about that right now? You threatened marriage, but I still haven’t been dragged kicking and screaming.”
His voice drops to a dangerous whisper. “Your mouth is going to get you in trouble again, princess. Do you want me to change my mind?”
I shake my head, backing up until my backside hits the counter.
“Then I guess we can skip the bullshit and start on the second one.”
I frown. There’s only one other thing.
An heir.
“Hold on,” I say evenly, holding up a hand to stop his thoughts, his movements, everything. “This isn’t just a business deal. This is my body. Mylife.”
“Have I not given you everything you asked for in return? I’ve followed through with my end. You have your bakery. Your grandmother’s rent is paid. Your friend still gets her paycheck every week. You walk around free, Sienna.” His voice turns quiet but cruel. “I could’ve locked you away the moment you betrayed me. I didn’t. You think that isn’t mercy? I could’ve punished you. And punishment would’ve been permanent.”
My stomach drops. “You mean death.”
He doesn’t answer, and that’s answer enough.
“Then why am I still here?” I whisper.
He leans in, pressing his palms on either side of the counter, caging me in. His eyes burn into mine. “Because, despite everything, princess, I still want you.”
A broken exhale escapes between my lips because his words aren’t sweet. They’re possession disguised as affection.
But the way he says it, like it costs him something to admit it, God help me, it does something to me.
“Say it,” I whisper, not sure why I’m pushing the issue.
“Say what?”
“That it’s not just about the deal.”
He stares at me for a long moment, and then his expression hardens again. “You want me to lie to you?”
My stomach twists into painful, empty knots, and that’s fair. Why would he feel anything for me after I ripped away the legacy he worked for?
“I know I’m the villain in your story, princess. I’ll never be your Prince Charming.”
“I never said that.”
“You didn’t have to. You ran like I was.”
“I was scared.”
“You should’ve been.”
