“Trouble in paradise already?” she taunted, a smile on her face.
“This is how this will go,” I started, turning towards her. “I’m spinning the script. We announce a charity merger and engagement. You’ll stand beside me as my fiancée to calm the press.”
She laughed in my face like I was some idiot.
“I thought you were smooth, but you’re downright insane,” she said.
“Marry me, or let your father’s enemies tear you apart,” I uttered, my voice low as I leaned closer to her.
That seemed to give her pause. She tilted her head, lips curling as she answered, “Fine. But you’ll regret underestimating me.”
I felt a flicker of heat as her gaze locked on mine.
She’s not broken; she’s baiting me.
I still didn’t know what she was capable of, but I was sure as hell ready to find out.
Chapter Four
Liza’s POV
I had no expectations regarding Roman's mansion, but I was pleasantly surprised. I liked the labyrinth of shrubs that led to the water fountain. His house was delicate and polished. The marbled floors glistened with brightness, and I saw the shimmer of the chandelier, alongside my reflection on the neat tiles. The 3D wallpaper stood out from the wall, and immediately, I loved his sense of design, including the art that hung at different corners of the reception area, living room, and dining room.
“You have a nice home.” Roman turned and looked at me with a smile.
“I know,” he said in the most egocentric way possible.
“But my mansion in Russia is way bigger, and it makes your house feel like a cage.”
“Yeah, right.” His cynical response irritated me. It was moments like this that made me want to prove myself, but I couldn't because he held me captive.
Roman walked like a gentleman. His suit was nicely tailored. A Rolex adorned his left wrist, and I watched him gently brush his brown hair to the back. He had a unique cologne that I couldn't place. We clashed eyes again, and it was at this moment that I noticed how green his eyes were. A deep emerald green that made me stare until I was lost in them. I’m sure he noticed how long I looked because his smile seemed to tease me. Roman was a very handsome man, and I hated him, nonetheless. He had an amazing dentition. His beards were neatly shaved, and the gold ring on his left pinky was huge.
“Don't worry about my mansion,” he said, “It's not a cage.”
“If it's not a cage, what do I call it?”
“Your palace,” he smiled.
His eyes weren't nearly as appealing as they were before he spoke. I wasn't willing, nor was I ready, to call this my palace. In fact, it was hard for me to come to terms with the entire marriage thing at all, so I shrugged it off like it didn't matter.
Beside him was the man who took me from my car. He had broad shoulders, a protruding chest, and a face that wore no smile. His entire demeanor was one I couldn't wrap my head around, but if a word could describe him, I'd say the word was lethal.
“The press has already been called.” He said in a trembling baritone that made me feel a little uneasy. “I think it's time you both get dressed to face them, Boss.”
“Very well, Stepan,” Roman replied and looked at me with a cold smile. His hand stretched out and held mine. I jerked it away. He tried to grab me, but I resisted.
“Stop.” He said after a sigh. “We have to face the press.”
“Well, you can face them alone, can't you?”
Roman's eyes penetrated mine, and his look overwhelmed me so much that it was too late to protest when he threw me over his shoulder and carried me up the stairs.
We arrived in what seemed to be his suite. It smelled of tangerine and had a dim brightness. I didn't expect him to throw me on the bed the way he did, though at least he had a soft, bouncy mattress.
“I'm not living with you, Roman.”
“Too bad,” he said with a threatening stare. “You'll do whatever the fuck I want you to.”
