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“I don’t know you.” A large part of me wanted him more than I should. Did I really want to run back to my parents? They were trash, and so was my asshole brother.

“So what? You want to go back to that shitty family?” Damn, was he reading my mind?

“No, but I don’t want to go from one abusive relationship to another.” Good looks didn’t mean a good person, and this man had them in spades.

“I told you before that I’d never lay a hand on a woman.”

“I’m supposed to believe the man who bought me?”

“I didn’t buy you. I made a trade. Your life for your brother’s.”

“Why?”

“Because I need a wife and heirs, so I picked you.”

“How romantic,” I hissed.

“Believe what you will. Either way, we are leaving this place before we catch something.” He snagged my purse off the nightstand. “Let’s go.”

“One moment.” I went into the bathroom and grabbed my panties off the rod, sliding them into the dress pockets. These things were a blessing. He took my hand, engulfing mine, eliciting a warmth over my skin that felt something close to safety. Giovanni Lupo was so much larger than me.

A swift breeze wafted across us as we moved down the stairs, and the wind slid underneath my dress, reminding me I was bare under it. My free hand grabbed the hem and held it down.

“Don’t fucking tell me you’re not wearing panties,” he snarled. He didn’t wait for my response. I was off my feet and cradled in his arms. “Never do that again, or I’ll have to cut eyes out.”

“I didn’t pack my clothes and, well, she forgot extra panties. Besides, I was all sweaty from running and this heat.”

“I’m not going to repeat myself. Never show off your body to others.”

“What part of ‘I didn’t have a choice’ don’t you get?”

“You tell me, damn it.” A man in a matching suit opened the back door of an all-black Cadillac Escalade. “Get in, Marco.” He nodded and moved to the driver’s seat. Giovanni set me down inside and then closed the door before walking around to the other side. He surveyed the area before climbing in beside me.

“Are there threats nearby?”

“No. I was wondering whose eyes I’d have to pluck from their heads for staring at you.” I was both aroused and concerned at the same time. My body most certainly was confused. Why did I find his possessiveness perfectly safe?

“A bit possessive,” I said, trying to calm this heat between us.

“Damn right I am. No one looks or touches what’s mine.” Okay, never mind — brain and body were mush around this man. A sat in the vehicle, hoping I didn’t drip onto my clothes or even worse, onto the seat.

Chapter Seven

Giovanni

“We’re here, Mariana. Your belongings have already been brought from your parents’ home, and your family has been notified that you’re in my possession.” The bare ass had me reeling. I needed to get my temper under control.

I stepped out first and then went to her, carrying her in my arms. There was a slight wet spot where she sat, so I discreetly wiped it with my handkerchief. Despite my ire, getting a reason to hold her pleased me. “So are we getting married, or just shacking up?” she asked.

“Oh, we’re getting married, princess, but since you pulled that shit, the officiant is waiting inside. No extra guests, and no family for you, bad girl.”

“Oh, I’m so devastated.” She rolled her eyes.

“Watch the attitude, little rabbit.” She closed her mouth and for just a second appeared to soften. Looking down at the woman in my arms, I counted myself lucky.

“Get enough of a look?”

“It will never be enough, so get used to it.” I gave her a little tap on her bottom and then continued walking while she remained red-faced, yet silent. As much as I wanted to gauge her reaction, I had to watch where I was carrying her. The thought of her getting hurt because I was careless pissed me off.