Chapter One
I like pretty broken things.
That's what he had said when this farce of a marriage was arranged. If that wasn’t warning enough, then I don't know what is.
I still signed that contract though; it’s my name scribbled on the dotted line tying me to the devil himself.
I am under no illusions, however, about the man I am about to marry.
Malakai Farrow is dangerous. Brutal. Controlling. Sitting on a throne made of blood and violence.
But I had to save my sister, and this was the only way.
"I don't know, Oli," Willow, my best friend, says with a wince, "I really don't like this."
She knows about the wedding. Not about who Malakai really is, because I won’t bring her into this mess and endanger her, but she knows it's an arranged marriage.
"Arranged marriages happen all the time," I shrug as if it’s no big deal, "you know that, Wils. It’s not an uncommon practice where we come from."
"I know," she huffs, angrily folding a t-shirt before she throws it into the open case, "But a year ago you would have revolted at the idea. What changed?"
So much.Everything.
"My dad died, and Arryn already does so much. She deserves to be happy. I need help with the hotel, he can offer that while also fulfilling his duties."
I've practiced that over and over in the mirror, so much so I’ve almost convinced myself that the words are true. They're not lies per se, except for that last bit about the hotel. I can manage my late father's empire just fine on my own.
"You don't even know the guy."
Willow Stanton has been my best friend since kindergarten, ever since she pushed a bully off the swing set in my defense. We've done everything together, college, travelling, heartbreaks, all the highs, and all the lows. She's my family as much as Arryn, my older sister, is. I depend on her.
"It'll be fine."
"I guess he is hot," she giggles, helping to pack the last bits in the bedroom into the boxes and cases. I roll my eyes.
Sure, Malakai is hot, scorching hot, but it’s the type that burns. There's darkness in those blue eyes, brutality in his face, everything about him screams danger, from the sharp lines of his cheeks and jaw, to the dark mess of hair on his head. He is death in a suit and pain with a smile.
A tremor works through me.
Terrified doesn’t even cut how I feel about this marriage and the impending living situation. I’m moving in with him today and I haven’t stopped shaking since I woke up this morning, but I know I’ll do it, despite the fear and dread.
He had a hand in my father’s death, threatened my sister and the man she loved, but gave me the option to stop it if I just agreed to this marriage. So, I did.
Now my sister is living on this dreamy little island with a man who worships her, and friends who love her, so if it means letting her have that taste of happiness, then I’d do it again.
Of course, my sister fought me on the decision, tried to convince me not to do it, but in the end, we all knew this was the only way out. You can't run from a man like Malakai. He ispower. The quiet kind, the deadly kind.
"I think that's it," I blow out a breath and look around the room. This penthouse has been my home for three years, it’s the only home I’ve made for myself, a sanctuary I’m sad to see go. I doubt I’ll ever see it again once I step out this door and move in with Malakai.
The intercom buzzes and I hit the accept button, the front desk calling up.
"Your moving vans are here, Miss Lauder."
"Let them up," I approve and push back the sting of tears.
"Come here." Willow drags me into her arms knowing exactly what I need, and she rubs my back as the first tear falls.
I hate crying. What was the point in tears really, when all they do is make your eyes sore and your face wet. They didn't take away the pain, they just showed everyone your vulnerabilities and weaknesses. I swat at them angrily, huffing out an impatient breath, and try to get myself under control before the movers come in to haul my life away.
