Page 43 of To Tango, with Desire

“And you’d be happy with that? Having an unwilling wife?”

“I think you underestimate just how happy I can make you.” The heat behind his words left me on edge. Oh, I knew what he could do in the bedroom. I’d experienced that. But marrying someone for sex? Without an inkling of love between us? It felt sordid.

I toyed with the bracelet on my wrist. Marrying Zane meant giving up everything I believed in. Could I really do that?

“What do you want from this arrangement?”

“How about for it not to be an arrangement.”

“Amira, you sound like I’m asking to give you a root canal. Why is this such a bad thing?”

“Because I don’t want it.” I slid off the stool, needing to move. “I don’t want a marriage based on nothing but lust. Listen, my life was relatively normal yesterday. It’s not perfect, but I’m making it the best way I know how. I have goals and plans and dreams, and none of them involve getting married, least of all to you.”

“I understand it’s sudden.”

“It’s antiquated. We barely know each other! This isn’t some Hallmark movie. I’m not some wide-eyed Bambi looking for a husband.”

“You’d be Faline. I’d be Bambi.”

“You know what I mean!”

“Then let’s get to know each other.”

I crossed my arms. “What, like date each other?”

“Sure.”

“You know, you’re supposed to do that before getting engaged to someone.”

“There are plenty of cultures and religions around the world that encourage the opposite.”

“There are also plenty of cultures and religions that are old fashioned. Doesn’t make it right.”

“Have you told your parents we’re not engaged then?”

“What?”

“You’re so quick to dismiss my offer, which I’m assuming means you’ve told your parents. Right?”

I opened my mouth but couldn’t find the words.

They’d been deliriously happy last night. Swept away by Zane’s charm, his wealth, his disgustingly handsome face.

“Didn’t think so.” He pushed the ring box back towards my chair. “So until you tell them otherwise, we’re engaged.”

“No. You need to march over to my parents’ house and tell them you have cold feet. Tell them you wanted to marry another Amira. One who is besotted with you and your flashy lifestyle. Tell them anything you want, but it’s your job to tell them I’m not marrying you.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that. I gave them my word.”

“Then un-give it.”

“I won’t.”

“I hate you!”

“I’m okay with that. But unless you call this thing off, we’re getting married.”

“We are n—”