Page 119 of Sinful Sacrifice

Lanie glares at him but drops it when my mother taps her knee.

“What will you do if she refuses?” I ask. “Take her to court for breach of contract? I’d love to see the judge’s face when they reads your terms.”

“If she refuses to be a good little wife to someone, then I’ll sell her to a brutal man who will rape her anytime he wants.”

Lanie whimpers.

My poor sister.

She might be old enough to join the military, but she’s just as much of an adult as I am a starfish. My mother sheltered her too much. The poor thing didn’t even think to question Cernach’s motives.

My mother’s entire body stiffens, and she stares at him, wide-eyed, but doesn’t say a word.

What the living fuck?

While I want to go off on her, I need to focus on Cernach first.

“Now, back to my offer.” Cernach rubs his hands together. “I had a husband picked out for her. The grandson of a man I’d like to do business with. Unfortunately, the grandson finds Lanie too young to marry.”

“Smart man,” I comment.

“I showed him a picture of you. He has no problem with your age.”

“I have a problem with his.”

“You don’t even know how old he is,” my mom says, finally inputting her voice.

It’s pro-Cernach, of course.

Lord forbid she sticks up for her daughters.

“I don’t care how old he is,” I argue, my head throbbing. “The answer is no.”

Cernach snaps his fingers and motions toward Fedora Man, who passes him a folded paper. He opens it, holding a photo up on display.

“You’ll marry the grandson.” He stops to tap the photo of a man who’s nearly half in the grave. “Or your sister will marry the grandfather. One of you cunts will marry into that family. Now, which one is it?” His lips turn into a crooked smile. “Look at me, being kind and allowing you to make your own choices.” He holds up his fist mockingly. “Women’s rights.”

My heart batters in my chest, like a wild animal begging for freedom.

I step closer to him. “You want me to marry someone for the sake of a contract? I’ll marry Damien, like you’ve wanted all these years. Riona can marry the grandson.”

Cernach chuckles. “That offer no longer stands. You should’ve taken it when I gave you the opportunity.” He smacks the photo. “Now, whose wedding are we planning next?”

I stand there, glaring at him.

“This is your best bet at a tolerable marriage. He’s a decent man who travels frequently and is gone for long periods of time. He won’t require much of you. You’re lucky I’m not forcing you to marry the grandfather just to spite you for all the trouble you’ve given me.”

Lanie cries in my mom’s arms.

My mom stares at me in expectation.

Cernach leans back on his heels and starts counting down on his fingers.

“Fine,” I snap, narrowing my eyes at him. “I’ll do it.”

Cernach is running out of women to use as bargaining chips to fuel his power. We’re nothing but a means to an end with him. Pawns to be moved at his will.

“That’s my good niece,” Cernach says, clapping his hands a single time.

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