Page 115 of Pretty Little Lies

Then three, that’s aforcedsituation.

And, if memory serves me right, Bay felt trapped in her relationship with Matteo.

Fuck that, she was. And there’s no way I’m going to do the same thing.

My eyes connect with Reeve’s the moment he rises from his chair to spew out his two cents, but one glance gives him everything he needs to not speak yet and let me handle this.

“Why?” I manage out of curiosity as Reeve slowly sits back down. His sole focus locked on the back of my father’s head.

She’d never marry me, and we haven’t even begun dating yet, so whatever stupid fantasy is living in my old man’s brain right now, he might as well put a gun to his head and blow it out.

Besides, I’d never take that away from Reeve.

Being married isn’t something on my bucket list and, while I want to own Bay, I don’t need a piece of paper to do it. Plus, I think my best friend might murder me since he called dibs.

“I don’t trust her,” Emilio deadpans. “And she’s my only blood heir. It needs to go to her. However, I don’t believe she’ll use it to my advantage, nor any circumstance that would put me in a favorable position.”

“Oh, well, as long as you’re covered,” I mock back through knitted brows.

“Get a grip, Torin. If one of us doesn’t get a handle on her, do you think she’s going to save you? She might kill me, have me run from town, but what about you? You’re my son.”

“According to you, three seconds ago, she’s your only blood heir.”

Emilio tsks and leans back against the leather chair. “Don’t be a child.”

“And don’t be an asshole. That’s the difference between me and you. I don’t shove myself down someone’s throat. Nor do I need to.”

“So, that’s a no, then?”

This motherfucker.

Staring at him, I don’t budge with the inner workings of Bay and me.

Bay and Reeve.

Bay, Reeve, and I.

It’s complicated. And he doesn’t need to know who I stick my dick into, even though it’s his daughter and I’m related by marriage.

“Marrying Bay will keep the Forsaken Crew in power,” Emilio continues through my brief silence. “It’ll protect The Landings. It’ll keep a stronghold on the shit she decides to do with it, and the advice she’s going to require from someone who’s been around it. She’s been hanging out with you…seems to like you alright.”

“Doesn’t mean she’s going to want to marry me.”

“Make her,” he orders flatly. “You’re capable of flattering a girl, aren’t you?”

“You really need to start paying attention to who your daughter is. She’s not some stupid bitch who’s going to listen to pretty words and plans of a bright future.”

Emilio gapes at me with zero emotion. “Don’t make me confirm that you truly are worthless, boy, and that I kept youalive for nothing. Whatever it is that you need to do to lock her down, do it.”

“And what makes you think I won’t just team up with her and take you down?”

“I don’t,” he states. “However, don’t keep me out of the running when I can still ruin both of your lives with one jerk of my finger.”

“Threatening me isn’t winnin’ you any brownie points here, old man. I’m not impressed.”

“Sweep her off her feet and give her anything she wants. I don’t care. Just make it happen.”

“I’m not interested in marrying Bay Astor.”

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