Page 9

He snatched me by the front of my shirt, pulled me close, and snarled, “Don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not,” I stammered.

“Something’s going on. You’re never this compliant.”

“Just because I don’t want to marry the groom doesn’t mean I don’t want to look good on my wedding day. It’s every bride’s dream to be considered absolutely beautiful on her special day.”

“Well, I suppose you do look lovely. You look as radiant as your mother did on her wedding day.”

“Speaking of…where is Mother? I’m getting married in a few hours. How come she’s not here?”

“She was informed that you were getting married, but she’d just started her trip and decided it wasn’t going to work for her.”

I shouldn’t have expected her to show up, anyway. Since my father had his mistresses, my mother had her one discreet lover. He always took front and center in her life. The man was five years older than me. It freaked me out, but my parents didn’t care how their affairs affected us kids. I was disgusted, and my brother relished the idea of infidelity.

“Well, should I get ready to leave, then?”

“Are all of your things packed?”

“Yes.”

“Good. The movers will be here in two hours.” I nodded. “You’ve got nothing smart to add?”

“Will it do me any good to try to talk my way out of this?”

“No.”

“Well, then, why waste my energy? My body will be put through the ringer once my mysterious husband finally gets me alone,” I said with sass.

“I’m sure he will.”

“Why won’t you tell me who he is?”

“It was part of the deal. You’ll meet him soon, so calm yourself.”

I rolled my eyes for good measure. “When are we leaving?”

“Are you in a rush to meet your groom?”

“Ha. No, I wanted to know how much time I had left before my life was bartered off. I hope you got a great deal for me.”

“I did.” Not an ounce of shame came from his words. The added sharp smirk he tossed my way proved it.

It was another twenty minutes before we finally left the house. From my arms down to my toes, my body tingled with nervous anticipation.

The room was larger than I had expected. Everything was set up and ready for the bride to prepare. There was a full-length mirror in the corner. I walked over and peered at my own reflection. After two hours of hair and makeup, I was a completely different person—beautiful, but different. I never wore makeup in the house, so many of my dad’s security couldn’t pick me out in a lineup, especially with the professional makeup done.

When I got somewhere safe, I’d wash it off and wash my hair as well. It was disgustingly thick and hard, with several sprays to hold it together.

What I didn’t expect was the extra guards lurking outside in the parking lot area. I released a heavy sigh and considered my options.

Leaning against the wall near the window, I exhaled. I could either go through with this marriage, or I could take a chance running.

Running was the favorable option, but the risk was massive. I had just enough money for a temporary stay somewhere before I needed a job.

A light tap on the door startled me into standing straight. “Miss, are you okay?” Sarah asked. She was one of the few people who felt sorry for me. She was willing to help me escape.

“Yes, Sarah, I’m good. Can you tell my father that his men need to stay away from my window? It’s very inappropriate.”