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He laughed, but there was no humor in the sound. “You think you have a choice? You think they want you now? After they just heard you come for me like the good little wife you’re going to be. Now that my cum is dripping out of that sweet pussy of yours. When any minute you could be growing the baby of a gangster.”

My body moved without permission. The echo of my hand slapping his face sounded in the room. “Fuck you.”

Oh my god, what did I just do?

Icy fear slithered through my veins as I watched his head snap to the side.

My heart jumped as his gaze focused on me again. His cheek was red from my palm as he narrowed his eyes. My mind clicked through the fear, and I tried to escape. Moving away, I tripped over the chair as his evergreen eyes pierced me.

He reached out and grabbed me before I fell. I gasped as he righted me. My muscles flinched as if his hold was rough. But after a beat, I realized it wasn’t. He was gentle, as he made sure I didn’t fall.

I had expected him to laugh again as I tumbled to the floor just like Mitchell would’ve. Finding my fear funny. My pathetic attempt to escape entertaining.

But Vander’s tone was smooth. “We just did, Grace. And I’m looking forward to our wedding night when I can have you again.”

“I hate you,” I whispered as a tear fell down my cheek. I never would’ve been this bold with Mitchell. Never would have yelled or hit him. I didn’t know what it was about Vander that made me do it.

“But you’ll still marry me.” He used his hold on my arm to guide us out of his office. His touch was light. A sharp contrast to his harsh words and commands. It didn’t make sense. He didn’t make sense. “Now, run along upstairs while I get rid of your guests.”

I raced away from him as he opened the door. I wanted to run as far away as I could. But I knew there was no escaping him now. Just like there’d been no fleeing Mitchell all those years ago.

I was too tired to sort my thoughts. Too exhausted to figure out how Vander could be kind one second and cruel the next. How my body could sing for him even as my mind wanted to reject him.

As I walked up the stairs, I felt the remnants of his cum dripping down my legs. It felt like a brand. A claiming. I was his now.

10

Vander

Hatred for myself burned in my chest as I watched Grace run up the stairs away from me.

Not because I’d slept with her. No, I couldn’t be sorry or guilty or mad about that. Not when it was the single best experience of my life.

She was so fucking perfect. I’d spent years fantasizing about her. Wishing I could touch her. Telling myself even if I did, it would be disappointing. It had to be. I’d been building it up for so long in my head.

I was wrong. The reality exceeded my wildest dreams.

Then I’d ruined it. Lost it when I saw her wipe me away like I was disgusting. My darkness spread. Coated my reason.

I hurt her feelings. I kept hurting her. But I couldn’t let her go.

I’d spent years making sure she only saw one side of me. That she thought I was a merciless gangster. Soon, she would see there was more.

But not yet.

Once I bound her to me, I’d be better. I just needed to make her stay, and then I could give her everything she wanted.

Grace thought I was a monster. Maybe even wanted me to be, so she could fight this attraction between us. Fine. I’d be whatever kind of monster I had to be to keep her with me forever.

There was still a twinge of guilt in my chest, but I ignored it. It was too late to go back. I’d treat her just as good as Mitchell did. I’d love her even more.

After she disappeared around the corner, I walked back through the kitchen into the dining room. I cleared my throat, and five sets of eyes turned to me. It seemed the women had gone home.

“There’s been a change of plans.” I cracked the tension from my neck. It didn’t matter what anyone thought. I couldn’t go back now. Not after knowing how perfect she was. “Grace and I are getting married.”

I waited with bated breath for their reaction. I was betraying my brother’s memory. Going against every guy’s code, there was. I was spitting in the Gallos’ faces. Turning down another alliance with them, but I couldn’t stop myself.

A rare smirk crossed Angelo’s face as he stuck his hand out towards Cole.

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