“Just so you can watch the world burn.”
“Yes. But you’ll have power, Susanna. If that’s what you want. I’ll give it to you.”
It’s all I’ve ever wanted since my dad died. When I felt powerless.
So I know in this moment what I want, even if I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
I give Gabriel my answer. “Yes. I’ll marry you.”
Chapter Thirteen
Susanna
Gabriel takes me wedding dress shopping. It’s so surprising that I stumble when I walk through the door.
He catches my arm. “Are you all right?”
“I just wasn’t expecting this.”
“What were you expecting?”
“I was expecting you were going to take me to a church and force a priest to marry us.”
He chuckles as he leans into my ear. “I have a friend who’s a priest. I don’t need to force anyone to marry us. And besides, I want to see you in a wedding dress walking down the aisle to me.”
A shiver runs down me but it’s not out of fear. It’s out of… excitement. And that’s more terrifying than anything.
If I have to admit to myself, I like Gabriel’s attention. I like the thrill he gives me. I like that he has status, enough to even scare the likes of Luca Moretti. Being married to a powerful man is all I’ve ever wanted.
And now here’s my chance.
I just have to break my family’s heart to get it.
But I’m not sure if I’ll ever be saved so I have to save myself.
I don’t bother going over to the row of wedding dresses. If Gabriel truly wants to marry me, then he’ll buy me the most expensive dress in the store.
I ask the sale’s assistant which one it is and she points to a dress draped across a mannequin in the middle of the shop.
“How much is it?” I ask.
“Twenty thousand dollars.”
I don’t even blink at the price. “It’s perfect.”
The dress itself is beautiful with a Greek feeling to it. A lace bodice and a skirt that drapes down to the floor in a column inspired look. The bodice is sleeveless. It’s a work of art. Truly. And I want it.
I go over to Gabriel, who’s looking through the dresses. “What are you doing? I’m choosing the dress. Not you.”
“Of course. I’m just doing something else.” He turns to me. “Did you already find a dress you want?”
“Yes. That one.” I point to it.
He lets out a low whistle. “It’s beautiful.”
“Yes. And I want it.”
“How much is it?”
