Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
"You should've killed the bastard.” I stare him down, watching for the slightest sign that he’s playing both sides.
Marco laughs, although it's heavy with bitterness. “Obviously, you haven't been around the old man enough to see how he is. He keeps his bodyguards close at all times. There's a reason you weren't allowed to have weapons in the meeting. No one ever does. Well, except for his bodyguards. Sure, I could have improvised, but if I killed him, two of my brothers would've killed me to get control. Plus, their treatment of Melina would have been worse than my father’s.”
“Only two?” Killian asks, finally speaking. He's been watching our exchange silently, taking it all in.
“Two of my brothers are exactly like my father, and they'd love a shot at taking the reins,” Marco says taking a ragged breath and I imagine his pain level is excruciating. I feel a moment of respect for the man—I just hope it’s not misplaced.
“It’s too bad for you that the Stratakis name will be replaced with DeLuca.”
Marco eyes me for a second before speaking up. “I hate my father’s name. I’m fine with the DeLuca one taking it over, as long as I’m at the helm.”
The man has balls of steel and I find I am liking him more by the minute. “That could be arranged, although you will be monitored heavily,” I admit. “Still, it’s only because my wife will be happier with that arrangement and has confirmed that you have looked out for her. You should know, however, that one slip up, and your position will be ended—permanently.”
“She isn't your wife yet,” Killian points out.
“She will be,” I answer, waving him off. “Speaking of my wife, did you bring her clothes and personal items?” I ask, directing my question to Marco.
Marco shakes his head no, his lips pulling into a deep frown.
“Why not?” I fail to keep the displeasure out of my voice. Melina was looking forward to getting her stuff.
“My father had my brothers destroy all of her stuff.”
“And you let them?”
“I was a little busy being unconscious at the time,” Marco snaps.
I pick up my cell, hitting the speed dial.
"Antonio?" Niko's voice comes through the speaker.
"Niko, I'm hoping you could loan your wife to me,” I tell him, smiling, knowing he will jump to conclusions.
"I thought you gave that shit up after you found Melina," Niko grumbles. "You're not getting anywhere near my wife.”
I bark out a laugh. “I have the only woman I need. The problem is that she’s here without clothes, and all her personal items have been destroyed. I was hoping Emilia might have stuff she can use today and possibly take her shopping.”
“Give me a second to ask her.”
I hear the scratching sounds of him covering the phone as he whispers something.
“We'll be there in thirty minutes.”
Relief washes through me. I need Melina happy, and some new clothes might soothe her once she finds out she no longer has anything. The pain that truth will cause her is just another reason to punish Dracos before I take his life. Melina will never want for anything. She will never feel that bite of disappointment again if I have any say about it.
“We?” I ask. “I thought you were taking the day off because you overdid it in therapy yesterday.”
“I can sit my ass on your couch just as well as mine,” he gripes.
“Yeah, but I don't have to be annoyed if it's yours,” I tell him dryly.
I should've known that Niko would follow along. I would do the same if the roles were reversed. I can't blame him. It's hard to wrap my mind around one woman changing how I do things as much as she has, but if my reward is her… I don’t give a fuck.
Niko laughs, “See you soon.” The beep of the ending call hits my ears, and I can't hide my amusement.
Setting my phone down, I look back at Killian and Marco talking across from me. I'm used to doing business and not having others listening in. It’s clear these two have listened to my entire conversation and find humor in the fact I’m doing everything I can to make Melina happy. I shake my head. I’m going to take my frustration out between my wife’s legs later. She owes me that for being nice to her brother.
melina
Why does he want to force me into marriage? That question just keeps playing over and over in my head. Besides, it’s not like there’s anything here to distract me from my thoughts. Everything that has happened since my father found me is weighing on me. It’s just overwhelming. I’m not even sure what I’m supposed to be feeling right now.
I fiddle with the hem of my shirt—Antonio’s shirt really—as I sit on the edge of his bed, staring at the wall. I don't want to be forced into marriage. If I were entirely honest with myself, I do want to marry him. It’s just I’m tired of my entire life being out of my control. I want to wait until I know that I mean more to Antonio than just sex. I’m afraid he will eventually find me as unworthy of love as my family has and the fear of that is stifling. The ache of a possible heartbreak makes me rub my chest as I realize how deeply I care for this man. I wouldn't survive if he cast me aside. It would destroy me.