Page 140 of Wicked Brutal

“He said Victor shouldn’t have to wonder whether his future wife is happy to see him.” Ryan slowly sits straighter. “And that I couldn’t act like his affection was unwanted. Especially in public.”

“Your father ordered you to let Tremblay touch you.” The words come out frighteningly calm.

“I guess.”

“No.” His eyes find mine. “Don’t make that smaller. He told you before Tremblay even got there that you weren’t allowed to say no with your fucking body.”

My throat tightens. “I know.”

Ryan looks away. His jaw works once. Twice. “Okay.”

“That’s not an okay okay.”

“No.” His hand tightens around mine. “That’s a keep talking before I start trying to figure out where their fucking plane landed okay.”

I settle back against him. “Then we got in the car. He held my hand most of the way.”

Ryan’s fingers tighten around mine before immediately loosening. “Sorry.”

“You’re fine.”

“What did he talk about?”

“School at first. I said I was ready to graduate. He said he was too.”

Ryan’s face changes. “Why?”

“Because he’s been waiting.”

“Waiting.”

“That’s how he said it.” I feel Ryan’s chest expand beneath me. “He told Dad five years was a long time.”

Silence.

“Five years.”

“Yeah.”

“He said that in front of you.”

“Yeah.”

Ryan stares toward the dark wall. “You were thirteen. And they sat there discussing his patience like he waited five years for a fucking table at a restaurant.”

“He told me only a few more months and we could finally start our life.” Ryan’s fingers spread against me. “The hostess knew him by name. He put his hand around my waist and introduced me as his fiancée.”

Ryan closes his eyes. “Motherfucker.”

“Then we sat down, and after we ordered, he started talking about what happens after graduation. He said the transition should be easy because he has staff. I’m not expected to cook or clean.”

“Oh, good. The child bride package comes with housekeeping.”

“Ryan.”

“Sorry. Continue.”

“He said the house will be mine to manage. I’ll oversee staff and entertaining. I’ll go with him to dinners, fundraisers, political things. New York. Washington. Sometimes overseas.”