Page 17 of Auctioned to the Kingpin

“Maggie Pie, can you help me?” her mother calls from the edge of the kitchen.

“Coming.” Magnolia runs away, biting down on her bottom lip, stealing a backward glance at us.

I’m about to go after her when her best friend puts her hand on my chest. “I know how you two met. So you can lie to them, but you can’t lie to me.”

“Listen like a good little girl, and don’t ever touch me again unless you want to lose your fingers. I promised Magnolia that I wouldn’t harm her family, but if you get in the way of my relationship with her, I’ll exclude you from that list and she’ll just have to get a cat to talk to while I’m working.”

“A relationship? Buying her virginity isn’t a relationship, and forcing her to marry you isn’t a relationship.”

“There are marriages built on less, so mind your damn business. Now, excuse me before my wife gets too worked up and thinks I slit your throat or something.” I push past the little viper, annoyed by her persistence. No one dares to speak to me that way. I look for Magnolia in the kitchen, but she’s not in there. Panicking, I rush down another hall, and I hear her voice.

“I’m fine. I swear.” She sighs with a sob in her voice.

“I can’t believe you did something so careless.” I’m about to lose it when I see the door open and her mother is bandaging Magnolia’s hand.

“What happened?”

“She cut it while peeling potatoes,” her mother says.

“I guess it’s been a long time since I’ve done it,” she says, biting her lip nervously.

“You’re just anxious. It’s a big deal having your family meet your husband.”

“Mrs. Hill, do you need some assistance?” I question because I could send the guys in. They’re in the sitting room, watching television and waiting for my command.

“No. I just wanted some time alone with my daughter, but she doesn’t seem up to it.”

“Well, then, I want to speak with her privately and then we’ll join you for dinner.”

“Why?” Magnolia gasps.

“Magnolia King, don’t give me attitude. Let’s go to our room. There’s something we need to discuss.”

“Yes, Killian.” I wave my hand, hinting for her to lead the way. We head upstairs, and then she points to her bedroom. I open the door, and we enter the quaint room. As soon as the door’s closed, I pin her to the wall.

“Wife, I hate your best friend, and she thinks I’m terrible for you.”

“What?”

“She’s right. I am terrible for you, but I have this problem.”

“What problem?”

“I can’t let you go.”

“No?”

“No. You’re mine, Magnolia King. You belong to me, and you need to understand that. You’re my wife.”

“Of course, I signed a contract. I haven’t forgotten, Killian.”

“Enough. You need to pay for your friend’s disrespect and for this.” I took her wrist and lifted her hand.

“Why?”

“You hurt yourself, and that won’t do.” I shake my head and purse my lips. “You’re going to do what I tell you. Isn’t that right, Wife?” She nods.

“Yes.”

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