Page 10 of Sovereign Oaths

“Don’t,” I snapped. His jaw flexed as he blinked and met my gaze. “Don’t use those words as a weapon.”

“I’m not.”

“You are. You’re trying to control me. You want me to stay. You want me to listen to you and trust you, but I can’t.” I sighed. “Whisking me away, then refusing to take me home. This is all about you.”

“I’m doing what is best.”

“What you think is best for you!”

All the panic and fear I suppressed from the moment Javi’s name appeared on my screen at Maria’s house rushed out of me. In that moment, I knew something was terribly wrong for him to risk calling me when I was with Alessio.

So far, I’d suppressed the emotions, but now was the time to unleash them. I put my hand on my forehead and faced the bed.

“This was such a bad idea. I should have known from the very first night not to get involved with either of you. The truth was right there! You two bickered, the most anyone could do in that setting, but I should have seen it.”

“Millie…”

I could feel him getting closer and threw out my hand to stop him.

“You interrupted our first date, and I thought that was some act of heroism, but it wasn’t. It was another manipulation.” I spun toward him. “You two play this game. I’m like some doll you both want and can’t share, so you fight. But I’m not a toy.”

“You can’t truly believe that.” His voice broke. “You mean so much to me.”

“Maybe now, but that’s not how it started. Is it?”

He avoided my eyes.

“Exactly. I refuse to be a thing you two fight over.” I paused until, finally, he looked up. “I’m worth more than that. My life and safety and well-being are worth more than some immature competition about whose dick is bigger. I deserve better!”

My phone vibrated in my pocket, but I didn’t check it. Hopefully Javi confirmed our plan.

“I know you do.”

I shook my head. “I don’t believe you.”

He stepped closer, but I lifted my hand again.

“Your mother’s home was attacked, Alessio. He sent men to your childhood home, and you’re acting like that’s nothing. What was their plan? Why were they there? For me, right? To take me away from you? And then what? Would stealing me from you have been enough?” I shook my head. “I doubt it. He would have done horrible things. Taken what he wanted from me just to hurt you. Who knows if I would have survived.”

He tightened his grip on the towel around his waist but didn’t argue, so I went on.

“What if I hadn’t woken up? What if I hadn’t begged you to check? Would I be standing here? Would you? Your mom? This whole thing is fucked up, and I won’t be a part of it anymore.”

I picked up my bag and headed to the door.

“Wait!”

I spun to face him. “Don’t tell me what to do. I’m leaving, and you won’t stop me.”

“It’s the middle of the night. It’s not like taxis are just waiting outside. Let me have one of my men drive you.”

“No!” I closed my eyes and sucked in a breath before addressing him again. “My father’s arranged everything. A car is taking me to our plane.”

My plans finally clicked for him. Pain dimmed his eyes. “I’m sorry. Please stay.”

“I can’t.”

His mouth tightened.

---