Page 106 of Sinful Sacrifice

“Untrue.” He clucks his tongue. “He tried to blackmail me and your mother. I did it for her. For you. Be appreciative.”

I rear back. “You want a thank-you for murdering my father?”

“A thank-you. A box of chocolates. Your submission. All will do.”

“What will it take for you to get out of our lives?”

“Pippa, I’ll never be out of your life.” He scrubs the top of his lip. “Now, I got in contact with Vincent Lombardi, your little boyfriend’s boss. I wanted to discuss a contract between our families.”

I open my mouth, but he holds his hand up and continues speaking. “Vincent will only sign a contract with me if Damien agrees to marry you, which he declined. I want that alliance, and I won’t let you ruin it for me. Make yourself useful, spread your legs like a slut, and convince him to sign those papers.”

My hand burns to smack him across the face.

“Let’s make this simple, shall we?”

I give him the deepest death stare I’ve ever given anyone.

“We both know I have a tremendous amount of power over you, your mother, Lanie. If I want something, I get it, and I want you to convince Damien to marry you.” He taps the table three times. “Don’t make me force you. I’m never gentle.”

I jump up from my chair, my lungs feeling like they’re collapsing.

“You’re half a Koglin,” he rushes out. “Remember that. Women do what they’re told in this family.”

I hold my purse against my chest and dash out of Brew Bliss. Behind me, I hear Jane calling out, asking me if I’m okay.

I’m dying.

Hyperventilating.

Can’t breathe.

“Pippa? What the hell?” Julian asks when I swing open the door and jump inside his car.

“Go!” I scream at the top of my lungs before shoving his shoulder. “Go now!”

“What happened?” His attention darts to Brew Bliss, his hand moving to his gun in his waistband, as if he’s waiting to murder the next person who exits.

I loosen my shoulders, knowing I need to calm myself. “Nothing …” I swat at my shirt. “I started my period and need to get home.”

The tension in his face eases. “Should I stop and get you something?”

If I wasn’t in panic mode, I’d laugh. This Mafia killer is asking if we need to make a tampon pit stop. Maybe Damien is right about them caring about me and seeing me as their family.

Does he also know Cernach murdered my father?

“No,” I say quietly. “We don’t need to stop.”

I’m quiet as he drives me home. He collects his phone from the cupholder and texts—my guess is, he’s telling Damien something is wrong with me.

My phone vibrates in my purse, confirming my suspicion is correct when I read the text.

Damien: Julian said you’re upset?

I reply to him.

Me: Just started my period. Not feeling well.

Damien: Want me to come home?

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