Page 29 of Forced Vows

Gah!

And my uncle just sits there, not even a little bothered by how his plans have hijacked my life.

"I guess I passed inspection," I grumble, wondering if Uncle Brogan will even bother to respond.

But that first hour we were there? That was so the De Lucas could size me up. So Miceli could decide if he wanted to go through with the marriage alliance.

Because unlike me, he has a choice. Had one, anyway. Before the whole blood thing.

Him, his brother and uncle were looking me over like a new car. Miceli has even had a look under my hood.

Not that I'm telling my uncle that.

I'm still furious with Fate for that trick.

"It wasn't an inspection."

"Oh, please. It so was an inspection."

"The De Lucas wanted to get to know you, that's all."

"Funny, you didn't seem to care if I got to know Miceli," I accuse.

"He will make you a good husband."

"Temporarily."

Uncle Brogan's eyes the same green as mine snap with impatient umbrage. What can I say? My uncle's temper makes him easy. And right now, I want to vent my anger. He's not just an easy target, he's the perfect one.

It's his fault this morning even happened.

"Don't be a child." He looks at me with patronizing disapproval. "You are not divorcing him."

"You just keep telling yourself that. I didn't fight over those custody clauses because I don't intend to utilize the divorce option if I need to."

"You won't," he assures me. "The De Luca family believes in fidelity, and they actively try to suppress domestic violence within their ranks."

"Do you?" I ask, the need to know superseding my anger.

"Mob wives can't go to the police, but every woman in the Shaughnessy clan knows she can come to me, and I will deal with it."

"Personally?" It's a big mob.

"Yes."

"Oh." My desire to pick a fight with my uncle wanes a little.

"As the weaker sex, our women need to be protected."

Just like that, I'm furious with the old chauvinist all over again.

"I can't believe we all signed the alliance contract in blood." I give an exaggerated shudder, but my memories aren't the queasy ones from when the don and Uncle Brogan cut each other's palms. "Where do you file contracts like that, with the devil?"

"None of your concern," he dismisses.

"Like the terms of the alliance are none of my concern? Even though they cost me my future?"

"Enough!" My uncle's bellow reverberates in the car, his temper finally slipping its leash.

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