“Jorge needs a wife. His father will not pass on the family business until he has wed. He can get me the lithium I want, and I…” Her father grabbed a glass and poured some whisky into it. “Can help him with his wife problem.”
Katya froze, her heart pounding like a horse readying for a race. “What do you mean you can help him with a wife?”
“You, my dear.” He swallowed the amber liquid. “Are going to marry him.”
“What?” she squeaked. “I think I must have misheard you. Did you just suggest I marry him?”
“Yes. That’s exactly what I’m suggesting. You will marry him, and I will get the lithium.”
“You can’t be serious. I won’t marryhim,” Katya’s voice cracked as she spoke. “I don’t know him and I’m not a bargaining chip you can just use for your personal gain.”
Her father’s hand shot out and gripped her by the chin. His fingers dug into the delicate flesh as he squeezed.
“Listento me, Katya. You’ll do exactly as I say or you’ll wind up just like your traitorous bitch mother.” Katya gasped as his grip loosened and he shoved her face away from him.
Katya rubbed the skin where he held her, her eyes holding back the tears threatening to fall. “You can’t do this.”
“It’s already done.”
“Katya.” Jorge stepped closer to her and cupped her cheek. “I promise I will take good care of you. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
His eyes roamed her body, making Katya shiver. Nothing about this was normal. Her father had sold her to someone promising him power. Had her mother’s betrayal really made him this cold-hearted?
“I’m not afraid of you.” Katya stepped out of his touch. “Know this. He might have sold me like property; however, I will never be owned. You may take me from my home, but I will never marry you.”
Jorge laughed, his eyes pinning her to the spot. “You weren’t lying, she’s feisty.”
“Well, she’s your problem now. I’ve already had her things loaded in your plane.”
“Good. Look around, Katya. It’s the last time you’ll see your home. We won’t be returning to Vegas again.”
Themomenthesteppedinto the parlor of his brother’s house and saw her, the world tilted on its axis. She was beautiful. Her clothing was ripped and covered in mud. Her blonde hair was matted against her porcelain skin, which was also dusted in filth, but through the grime her beauty shined through, stopping him in his tracks.
“Matias?” Cristian’s voice cut through the trance this stranger had put me in.
“Who are you?” Matias stepped into the living room as he questioned the woman. “Cristian. Has she told you anything?”
He looked at the woman as he folded his arms across his chest. “Nope. She said she would only talk to you.”
Matias stepped in front of her and sat on the table. He propped his forearms on his thighs and leaned in to look her in the eyes.
“Are you going to answer the question?”
She held his gaze and swallowed. “I need your help.”
“Why would I help you?”
“You’re Matias Silva, are you not?”
“Yes, but you knew that already.”
“I’m in trouble and have nowhere to go. You’re the only person who can help me.”
“Tell me your name.”
“Look…” She fidgeted with her hands resting in her lap. “I’m in danger and I need your help.”
“Why should I help you? You won’t even tell us who you are.” Matias stood and walked across the room. He pressed his hand against the large window and stared out into the yard. “I’ve got enough problems to deal with. I don’t need yours.”
