Page 22 of Tainted Ties

Hovering above me, he tilted my chin with his forefinger, catching my eyes with his sinful ones. “This smart mouth of yours,”—he emphasized by running the pad of his thumb across my lips—“has consequences and I’ve never been shy of dishing out punishment.”

Unexpected heat pooled between my legs at his lidded gaze. It was a complete contrast to the way my body coiled tightly from his sadism. “Is that a threat?”

“No, Aurora. It’s a promise.”

His callous demeanor pricked my skin, igniting a fiery temper within me.

I could either stay compliant, as Enzo had reminded me, or stand my ground.

To be an attorney was to be courageous, so I picked the latter. “I’ve agreed to everything that’s happened to me until now, but you won’t silence me. Iwillspeak freely, and whether that bruises your ego is not my concern.”

I didn’t wait for his response as I turned and yanked open the front door, leaving him standing there.

When I stepped outside, I closed my eyes to rein in the many emotions coursing through me.I wished my mamma was here.

Everything hurt.

* * *

The courthouse was occupied by a handful of couples when we walked in. They all beamed with happiness as though it was the best day of their lives, but they had no idea that it was the worst day of mine.

We settled onto a loveseat while waiting for our turn.

I was too angry to ask Roman about our marriage license, but I knew he had settled everything before today. He was meticulous and calculated, a complete control freak.

“How long have you two lovebirds been together?” I dragged my gaze up to find a woman with short blonde hair, smiling at us. Her husband had his hand on her thigh, mirroring her joyful expression.

I smiled nervously, trying to conjure up an answer that didn’t sound like I wanted to murder the man next to me, but came up blank.

Roman must’ve sensed me stiffen from my indecision beside him because he gave me a sly glance and answered, “Ten years.”

His reply caught me off guard and whether it showed on my face, I wasn’t sure. We hadn’t been together for ten years. We hadmetfor the first time that many years ago.

Why couldn’t he have chosen a number less significant than ten?

Removing my gaze from him, I turned to the couple once again, whose bright smiles turned forced as if they regretted asking in the first place.

“Yes,” I said with a pinched smile. “The day I met him changed me forever.” I wasn’t lying, but it also had little to do with Roman and more to do with the fact that I had killed someone for the first time, staining my hands red with death.

Shortly after that awkward interaction, our names were called.

We made our way through the double doors, where an officiant stood at the head of the alter and on his right stood a man sporting a black leather jacket.

“Big day,” the officiant cheered brightly as we stood before him.

“I would say,” the man in leather chimed in. “I’m bearing witness to this vulture marrying a beautiful woman.”

Roman’s jaw tightened. “Unless you want to bear witness to me severing your tongue too, then I suggest you bite it.”

It was apparent these two had a close friendship because if it were anyone else who had talked to Roman that way, they would’ve thought twice before insulting him.

“Aurora, it’s finally nice to meet you.” He smiled lazily, ignoring the murderous glare Roman was giving him. “I’m Luca.”

Luca was handsome. Caramel-brown eyes, sandy-brown hair, and rough angles that somehow didn’t dilute his charisma.

I shook his outstretched hand. “I can’t say the same,” I said, eyeing the two men. “Though I’m sure you can understand why.”

“Others are waiting. Get started,” Roman snapped at the officiant, who looked like he’d rather be elsewhere.

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