Page 150 of Sin & Sapphire

“I don’t think so,” Boris said. “But I do want access to the Costa logistics network. We’ll marry in a week, and then I’ll release my captives.”

“I will not walk down that aisle until I have proof they’re free,” I said.

“You’re alone, in my apartment, with no backup. You are not in a position to negotiate.”

“I have nothing left to lose,” I said softly. “Those are my terms.”

“An obedient wife in exchange for the lives of two strangers?”

I nodded, terror and determination mingling in my gut. “And the cost of your yacht,” I reminded him.

He hummed. “Over a hundred million euros, in exchange for your servitude for the rest of your life.”

“You’ve already blown up several of Valentin’s warehouses and burned down my family home,” I said, tilting my chin up. “I think that should cut several years off the deal.”

“No,” Boris said. “I have no illusions that I’ll outlive you, a viper I’m bringing into my nest. But I’ll enjoy having someone to whip when I’m bored.”

I closed my eyes to hold back the hot tears that threatened. Not that it mattered. Boris would do what he wanted with me, and in return, Angelo’s father and Valentin’s mother would go free.

“You’ll free them before I marry you,” I repeated, refusing to give him the gift of my sorrow.

“Agreed. And don’t look so heartbroken. I like hurting women, not fucking them. I won’t stick my dick in you except what’s necessary for an heir. Grégoire might have, but I don’t enjoy sloppy seconds.”

Right. I knew fucking him was part of the deal. He needed a wife. He needed the Costa territories to connect his trafficking operation to the States and to give him a foothold he didn’t need to fight Nikolai for.

How did I not know he was a sadist?

I stood and offered my hand. He did the same, towering over me, his menacing presence terrifying as his fingers wrapped around my own, reminding me how helpless I was.

“One week,” he said. “Do you need anything from your apartment?”

“No,” I answered firmly. I would bring nothing to this relationship. “Enzo Accardi will make any arrangements I need.”

He ran his thumb over the back of my hand, not releasing me. I fought not to yank my hand back as fear crawled through my veins. “Did they chip you?”

“Yes.”

His answering smile weakened my knees with its promise of violence. “Excellent.”

55

ANA

I woketo Boris standing over me, debonair in slacks and a button-down shirt he’d rolled up to his elbows. He’d be handsome if he weren’t such an asshole.

“Stand up and bend over,” he commanded. “Hands on the mattress.”

I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, trying to figure out exactly what he wanted from me.

Fuck, I had to pee.

“Morning,” I breathed. “Can I use the bathroom first?”

“No,” he snapped. “Feet on the floor, hands on the mattress.”

My muscles stiff and aching from the uncomfortable night, I adjusted my body, blushing as the skirt of my dress rode up the back of my thighs.

He shoved my skirt up, revealing my utilitarian cotton panties. He’d be disappointed to find my bra the same. I was prepared for humiliation, but I wasn’t going to make it easy for him.

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