Page 24 of Wicked King

“And you, Mr. Rossi,” Jianjun barks. “You are prepared to take on the obligation of running yet another organization?”

Marco nods, a grin flashing perfect teeth. He wraps an arm around my shoulders, and a shudder creeps up my spine at the unexpected touch. “Rest assured I will leave most of the day-to-day responsibilities of running the Four Seas to my lovely future bride. I have more than enough on my plate with my own enterprises.”

My jaw unhinges, and I pivot ever so slightly to face my fiancé for the first time since the announcement. His answer is completely unexpected.

“Still,” Jianjun continues, “I would feel better about this new arrangement if we could all sit down and discuss its ramifications.”

“To my knowledge, there was no such discussion when the Valentinos brokered peace with the Red Dragons,” Yéye interjects. “Why would this be any different?”

“Because neither Luca nor Dante Valentino were handed over the reins to one of the essential legs of the Triad. They merely struck a business deal. This marriage is so much more.”

I couldn’t argue there.

This is forever.

My stomach roils, gut churning until I’m certain the measly contents of my belly are about to make a reappearance. I bolt out of my chair and race to the door before I can embarrass my entire bloodline. The pungent scent of fried oil smacks into me as I whirl around the corner and reach the kitchen, and I completely lose control of my innards.

Buckling over just a few steps past the kitchen, I heave out the toxic tangle of nerves. Bile splatters across the floor and splashes up my legs. My knees tremble as another wave of nausea pushes up the remains of my breakfast.

My hand shoots out to reach for a wall to steady myself, but a steel band laces around my waist, nearly forcing more out before a hushed whisper calms the raging storm. “I’ve got you, spitfire.” The deep tenor is so entirely unexpected, my heart staggers.

Spitting out the foul taste in my mouth, I wipe my chin and hazard a glance over my shoulder. There’s no need, really. I know exactly who I’ll find. The scent of bergamot and cedarwood somehow trumps the overpowering smells of the kitchen.

Those mismatched eyes meet mine, and instead of the cocky flash I expect, something deeper lurks beyond the jeweled surface. “I’ve got to say I’ve never had that sort of effect on a woman.” He smirks and that arrogant smile falls back into place.

“Let go of me,” I hiss.

“You sure, spitfire? I don’t want you to slip and fall into that mess.” He ticks his head at the pool of vomit at our feet.

To my horror, bile is splashed across his designer black loafers. Oh God, I will never survive this day.

“Yes,” I growl. “I’m perfectly capable of standing on my own.”

“If you say so.” His steel grip falls away and despite the tremor in my legs, I’m able to remain standing by holding onto the wall. Not my finest moment, but anything is better than leaning on the smirking bastard.

He simply stands there with his hands shoved into his pants’ pockets as I attempt to put myself together. I hoped Yéye would come after me so I could have a minute alone with him, but the rest of the attendees remain apparently unmoving in that room. I wonder what else is being said.

“You don’t have to stay here with me,” I bark as I run my hand through my hair, sweeping the stray wisps behind my ears.

He shrugs. “I don’t really want to go back there either.”

“Why don’t you just go home then?”

“Because I promised your grandfather I would get you both to and from the meeting safely.”

“You really think Lei would come after me now? I couldn’t imagine him ever daring to cross the great Marco Rossi…”

A glimmer of amusement sparks in those unique irises. “Listen here, spitfire, I understand that you’re angry about being kept in the dark, but trust me, I’m a pawn in this just as much as you are.”

I snort on a laugh. “I bet.” Shaking my head, I bite down on the string of curses poised on my tongue. “You’re a man. You have no idea what it’s like to be a woman in this world. I had no say in this. None, whatsoever. How long have you known?”

His lips thin into a hard line.

“Just tell me, damn it.”

“My brother has been trying to persuade me on the merits of this arrangement for months now.”

“Months?” I squeal.

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