“I’m used to being with other people, mainly my sisters, and after the day I’ve had, I would welcome their company.”
“It must be hard for you.”
I steal a glance at the man who confuses the hell out of me.
“I don’t even know your name.”
“Simeon Ravera.” He adds as if I know what the fuck that name involves, but I can kind of guess. He’s obviously a criminal. A man who commands and controls and that shouldn’t, but it fascinates me.
“Why are you here?”
I decide to find out more about him, wondering if I am judging him too harshly.
He fixes me with a dark frown and sighs. “I am here to escort you to New York safely. To help you with your problem and to keep the vermin away.”
“The vermin?”
“Men like Liam Dettori, who you met earlier. There are probably a thousand more like him with you in their sights and you may not like this sweetheart, but I am one of them.”
Dread curls around my soul like a creeper as I whisper, “So I’m in danger from you?”
“Of course.”
He makes no attempt to sugarcoat this, and my mouth dries as I face the fact I’ve stepped from the skillet into the fire.
“What do you want from me?”
I’m nervous to ask the question, and he shrugs. “I don’t want anything; I never did, but my father has other plans.”
“Your father?”
He nods, spearing his food as if he isn’t destroying my life right now.
“Yes, my father learned of your inheritance and decided it would be better in our family’s hands, so wake-up call angel, we are in the honeymoon suite as a touch of irony because we are getting married, you’re welcome.”
“Are you insane?”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing right now, and he shrugs. “Of course I’m insane. Do you really believe this life doesn’t require insanity as standard? I am merely a tool my father uses to build his empire, so no matter how much I hate the idea, I am stuck with you as my wife whether I like it or not.”
“Wow, tone down the romance.”
I raise my eyes and he surprises me when a huge smile breaks out across his face. I am speechless as I stare at the transformation because if I thought he was handsome in a surly, belligerent way, this man before me is perfection personified.
I snap back to reality and hiss, “I won’t marry you even if you ask me nicely on bended knee with violins and flowers.”
“You don’t have a choice;wedon’t have one so it’s probably best if you accept the situation and learn the terms and conditions of our arrangement.”
“What terms and conditions?”
I almost expect him to produce a freaking contract and a few witnesses to pop in from the corridor outside.
He shrugs, seemingly unconcerned that he is ruining my life.
“We marry as soon as we obtain a license. You come back to New York and live with me while we try to get you pregnant.”
“Stop right there!” I hold up my hand. “Who says I want a baby?”
“Every woman wants a baby.”
