CHAPTER 19
JOSEPH
Iwas deliberately cruel for a reason. What happened in that room shocked me. I hated it when she walked away from me with cold indifference. I wanted her to want me, and kissing her was the only way I could dominate her. Prove to myself that I am in control of her. She will desire me. I need her attention, and I hate it. I don’t need anyone, only Su Yin, and yet Tiffany is in my house and in my life, and I must learn to live with that.
She must want to stay, which shocks me. Why do I even care?
The kiss sparked possibilities. She pretends she is immune to me, but that kiss proved otherwise. She is playing a game much the same as the one I am playing, and my next move on the board is for the king to claim the queen.
We sit in silence; it’s awkward between us, and as the car rolls to a stop outside my home, I prepare to do battle.
Spencer opens the door, and I’m certain that by the time we have consummated our marriage, the proof of our wedding will be setting the internet alight. It will be game over for the villains who believe they have the chance of claiming what’s mine. They will know the prize has gone and I am the victorious one.
We head inside and Mrs. Harrington is waiting with a happy smile and makes to congratulate us.
I hold up my hand.
“We will take lunch in the dining room. Perhaps you can add a bottle of champagne to mark the occasion.”
Her face falls when she notes the anger on Tiffany’s face, and her shoulders slump as she nods respectfully.
“Of course, sir, madam.”
As she turns, I waste no time in gripping Tiffany’s hand and dragging her up the stairs, perfectly prepared to sling her over my shoulder if I must.
“What are you doing?”
She is struggling to keep up with me, and I snap, “Don’t worry. I’m not about to force myself on you, if that’s what you were hoping.”
“Hoping!” Her tone is angry. “The only thing I’m hoping for is a quick death if this is my life.”
I smile to myself and can’t resist adding, “That can be arranged, princess, just say the words.”
Her shocked gasp feeds the animal inside me, and as we stop outside the black room, she catches her breath.
“I don’t understand.”
“Humor me, honey.”
I fling the door open, and as we head inside, I close it behind us, plunging the room into darkness.
“Why are we in here?”
Her voice falters, but I don’t miss the curiosity, and I tear off my jacket, discarding it in a heap on the floor. Taking a moment to breathe in deeply while savoring the aroma of peace.
“We are here because it’s a safe space for both of us.”
“Why don’t I feel safe then?”
I chuckle inside because she’s not wrong there, and as I remove my clothes, I instruct her to do the same.
“Take off everything. I promise you’re safe from me.”
“You want me to get naked?”
“Of course.”
“Why?”
