Page 32 of Ruthless Savage

I shake my head, tears starting to fill my eyes. But my dad’s face hardens, and with a kiss to the top of my temple, he lets both of my hands go.

“Mason is thirty,” he goes on. “And already an established businessman. He and his father own architectural firms all over the world, and this marriage will unite our worlds together.”

“That’s right,” William adds. “Mason has heard so many good things about you. Your plans to become a vet, and your work prior with the animals on your dad’s farm.”

I nod, my whole body shaking, and I try not to cry, yet I’m sure they can all tell I’m about to burst into tears.

“Though you’ll never have to work when we’re married,” Mason adds, leaning over his knees, and something catches in his eyes. Something cold and calculating. “My wife will not need to earn her own money.”

My eyes enlarge. He wants to control me. Keep me in line by making sure I only rely on him. I can’t go through with this!

“That’s right. Marriage is a bond,” my father adds.

But I don’t think that’s what Mason meant. Not from the leery appearance in his eyes. No. He would prefer I depend on him for everything, but that’s never gonna happen.

“I want to work.” I tilt my chin, needing to establish some semblance of authority over my own path.

“Well, we will discuss it when we’re married, but your ethics are commendable.”

“Thank you.” I don’t know what else to say anymore.

“The wedding will take place in two months.”

As soon as those words leave my father’s mouth, my head spins and tears sting the back of my eyes.

Two months? That’s it? I stare at Devlin with a quivering jaw. How can it all end like this?

Devlin is instantly there, grabbing my hands in his as he kneels before me.

“Are you okay?” he whispers, searching my gaze, emotions threaded within his eyes. “Do you need water?”

I nod.

“I’m her fiancé now. I’ll get her the water.” Mason slaps Devlin on the shoulder, and they lock in a stare.

The look Devlin gives him would scare anyone. But Mason only chuckles dryly, as though taunting him, before he heads to the table filled with food and drinks.

“I can’t do this,” I tell Devlin. “Please…”

He shuts his eyes, and when his mouth moves, Mason appears again like a cockroach. He hands me a glass of water and attempts to cut in between us.

But Devlin remains there as he rises to full height, and the look shared between them could start a war.

Maybe it should. Devlin would win…

“Let’s let the young people get to know one another.” My father throws an arm around Devlin, practically pushing him out.

The room slowly empties until it’s just my future husband and me.

My throat closes as he walks over to make himself a drink, pouring whiskey into a crystal cut glass.

“You’re prettier than they said.” He settles back down on the sofa. “Please…” He pats the seat beside him. “Come here.”

My insides gnaw, and I fight my legs and slowly head toward him. Clearing my throat, I lower to the spot, feeling the weight of my anxiety as he places a hand over my knee and squeezes. When I shiver, he laughs.

“So, you’re a virgin, like your father said?”

He what?! They were discussing it?

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