“You tricked me.”
“It worked.”
I’m stunned. I don’t know what to do first, and he has the audacity to sigh.
“You see, Tiffany, this is my world. There is no chivalry. Feelings don’t count and only the endgame is in sight no matter how you reach it. You wouldn’t leave; I forced your hand in more ways than one because I was instructed to. I take my work seriously and will not apologize for dragging you kicking and screaming from a place you never belonged in. In time you will thank me for that.”
I say nothing. I have no words, but my rage is boiling inside me.
I stand, casting a dismissive glance in his direction, and without a word, I set the mug down and spinning on my heels, I leave the miserable shit to carry on dancing with the devil. I’m so done with him.
Tears blind my vision as I head to the stairs, realization crashing through my world as he proves he is no better than Morgan. At least I know before I did something crazy and actually caught feelings for the man, because one thing is for sure: two can play the game, and this player has only just learned the rules.
Now I have two wrongs to right, and I will use one against the other before walking away. I pray that I’m not pregnant already because that is one complication I could do without. The trouble is, in denying him a child, I deny my sisters their inheritance, and it’s only now that I realize he’s called checkmate, and there is nothing I can do about that. Except to start a new game. One I’m aware of the outcome before we begin because if Joseph Ravera believes I’ll be an easy opponent, he’s got another thing coming.
* * *
I waketo the bed dipping beside me, and as a strong body presses against mine, I hiss, “Fuck off, Joseph. Go back to your room, I don’t want you here.”
His hand jerks under my neck and grips it tightly, forcing me still, his legs trapping mine in a show of dominance. His words are shrouded in dark intent as he whispers huskily, “I made a promise. You will remain in the attic room, but you will not be alone. Be careful what you wish for, darling wife, because your wish is my command.”
“Then go to hell.”
My voice is strangled as he restricts my air, and his hollow laugh is sinister as he replies darkly, “I’m already there.”
I hate how my body is already waking up and screaming for his attention.
“Never walk away from me.”
His words are edged in danger, yet strangely vulnerable at the same time. He relaxes his hold and pulls my body against his side, his touch almost desperate as he holds me tightly against him.
I shiver inside, trying desperately to remain unaffected, but I’m only kidding myself. I want his body but not his mind, and soI hiss, “You can fuck my body but never my mind. All you are to me is a situation I must endure before time passes.”
“Keep telling yourself that, beauty.”
Silence settles between us before he whispers, almost to himself. “I’m not proud of who I am, angel. It’s not something to boast about, but I do what I must to survive. I would never hurt you, though, remember that.”
He strokes my back, almost as a distraction, and no matter how much I hate him right now, I relax against him, closing my eyes, grateful that he’s by my side. He may be the most complicated man I have ever met, but it’s dawning on me fast that complex is way more interesting, to me, anyway.
CHAPTER 30
JOSEPH
She falls asleep in my arms, which is unusual. Women don’t fall asleep in my bed; they don’t usually get that far. Not that this is my bed. It’s smaller than the emperor-sized one in the room below the attic one.
When I told Tiffany about my lie, I didn’t feel good about myself. Watching the light dim from her smile cut me deeper than I thought it would. It was a casual comment with repercussions that I never expected to bother me. But it did, and I wonder about that.
She is sleeping soundly, her rhythmic breathing comforting, and the warmth of her body reassuring. I wonder why I like it so much. I have been alone for so long now it’s become normality to me. Sharing my space with anyone is an irritation, but not, it seems, with her.
My mind is having a field day as it taunts me.
She will never love you; hell, she probably hates you. You’re a fool if you think she’ll stay. You don’t deserve love. You’re a monster. You should be dead instead of him.
Memories swirl around me like angry angels, one in particular taken way before his time. It was my fault, my stupid,arrogant fault, and I may as well be dead because my soul died that day.
I don’t deserve love. I don’t deserve life and I don’t deserve a woman like Tiffany. An angel. A beautiful angel who has led a terrible life until now.
On the outside, she had everything; reality tells a different story.
