Page 17 of Tainted Ties

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“Keep the shots coming,” I yelled to the bartender as I sat on a stool.

After my conversation with Enzo, we went back inside to show our compliance, even though my fingers were itching to suffocate the bastard who thought he held power over me.

My brother returned to the basement to discuss business details while I went to the bar to drown out my thoughts. To forget that I needed to act like I was okay with this arrangement. If it meant that my father and Roman would be brought down, then I was willing to suffer.

Six shots appeared before me in a row. I wasted zero time and downed three back-to-back, welcoming the burning sensation in the back of my throat.

I thought the alcohol would calm my nerves, but it only fueled my anger.

“Surely, the news of marrying me hasn’t caused your soon-to-be drunken state.”Thatvoice slid down my spine in a rough caress, causing me to stiffen.

For a brief second, I glanced over my shoulder before turning away. “Better get used to it. Being around you sober would be a suicide mission.” I downed another shot, surprised he hadn’t asked me to stop.

He could try, but I’d tell him to go to hell if he did.

Roman moved to my side, brushing against my bare skin, and smothering me with his devilish presence. Not only did he have a staring problem, but he also didn’t understand personal space either.

“And here I thought you were celebrating.”

I caught his eyes through my lashes, hoping the expression plastered on my face was one of annoyance. “You’re forcing me to marry you. I’m not celebrating; I’mmourning.”

When he said nothing, I used his silence to my advantage. “When we ran into each other back in New York, you knew who I was.”

He leaned against the bar, eyeing me with curiosity. His relaxed demeanor irritated me, as if I wasn’t a threat to him.

The sheer touch of him made my body buzz with anger as he took the shot glass from my hand. He tipped it back, never breaking eye contact and it might’ve been the sexiest thing I’d ever seen if I didn’t hate him with every fiber of my being.

Placing it on the bar’s island, he made a show of leering at my cleavage. “I did. Although from our last encounter, you weren’t dressed like a whore.”

Boiling rage heated the blood pumping in my veins. “You’re a pig.”

“I’ve heard worse.” Suddenly, he gripped my jaw, digging his fingers into my flesh. To everyone around, it would’ve appeared affectionate. “If you’re to be my wife, you better play the part right.” His anger was palpable, causing me to shiver.

“I’m not your wife. And if I’mdressed like a whore,I might as well act as one.” Fury vibrated through me as our harsh breathing synced in unison.

His smile was deviant. “You’ll learn what kind of man I am soon enough, Aurora.”

It couldn’t be worse than what I already knew.

“Andyou’lllearn what kind of woman I am.”

He stared at me for a long beat, his eyes dark, boring into my very being before breaking the silence. “I hate to put an end to your celebration, but we’re leaving.Now.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right.It istime for me to leave. Back. To. New. York.” I enunciated the last part.

“You can run, but I will find you.”

I stared at his blank expression. He knew that was exactly what he said to me all those years ago. Though he was right, he found me.

“You’ll come to find your worst nightmare if you continue commanding me left and right.”

He was done with the conversation. I knew because he didn’t utter another word and grabbed me by the arm, pulling me after him.

“Let go of me!” I thrashed against his back with my free hand. This man was made of steel, my efforts rendering useless.

He ignored me. “Where’s Enzo?” Tears threatened to spill from my eyes. I didn’t want to go anywhere with Roman. Not when I was drunk.Not at all. I didn’t trust him.

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