Page 18 of Stolen Union

“So, that’s the reason you changed back into your wedding dress so fast? You’re out of options? It’s not because you, I don’t know, might want to actually marry me.”

“Not one bit,” she says through gritted teeth. We’re toe-to-toe now. Face-to-face. There’s barely any space between us. I notice this, but the question is—does Gabriella? And how does she feel about it?

“Ok, then. Well, since you don’t seem bothered to be married to me one way or another, let’s go now.”

“Now?” There’s the first hint of her uncertainty.

“Yes, now. I want to marry you now, Gabriella. You coming or not?”

She scoffs and steps away from me. “Like you’re giving me a choice.”

“I am. Marry me. Or I can give you back to your brother, who can marry you off to Antonio. Your choice.”

“God, you’re confusing,” she mutters.

“Marry me right now or don’t. But I won’t make this offer again.”

“What if I say no?”

I shrug. “Then you’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”

“You’re impossible, you know that?”

I give her my most charming smile. “I know. Now, decide.”

She’s quiet as she thinks. I can see her mind working. She’s trying to make the best decision. I just hope her wants match mine.

Finally, she meets my gaze again. “Fine. Let’s get married.”

I grin. “Great.” She gave in sooner than I thought she would, which means a large part of her wants to be with me.

I’m ready to let the world burn with Gabriella at my side. Is she ready for that, too? Only one way to find out.

“Let’s get married,” I say.

CHAPTER 8

Gabriella

“So, where are we getting married?” I ask.

“A church,” Dante replies. “Now, stop asking questions and put on this blindfold.” He hands me a black blindfold as we stand in the kitchen. “You’re not going anywhere without putting it on. I don’t want you telling your brothers the way back to this cabin.”

I roll my eyes but do as he says. Instantly, the world is black around me. It’s both scary and thrilling. I have to trust Dante when I’m like this, but the reality is, I don’t trust him at all.

And yet … I’m willingly marrying him.

I think I’ve lost my mind. That must be it. That’s the only logical explanation for this.

I can feel Dante grab my hand, and his touch sends a fire right up my arm. He walks me out of the house and into the car. His hands grip my hips as he helps me into the seat before shutting the door. When he releases me, I can still feel the ghost of his touch.

Dante gets in beside me, starts the van, and then we’re off.

Off to get married.

God, I can’t believe this is happening. Why am I agreeing to this again? Sure, Dante kidnapped me, but the reality is I don’t feel like a captive. Maybe I already have Stockholm syndrome though I’m not sure how. Dante has never abused me. Sure, he spanked me once, but it didn’t bother me as much as it should have. Honestly, I kind of liked it. No man has ever dared to touch me the way Dante has. All my potential suitors were terrified of Rocco.

But Dante isn’t scared of Rocco.

---