Page 33 of Cruel Honor

“So, you’d rather marry me instead to get out of it?”

“Exactly.”

“You’re kind of crazy, you know that?”

He flashes me that charming smile once more. “I get that all the time.” He brushes a piece of my hair behind my ear. I hold perfectly still.

Then he drops his hand, and I feel the strangest amount of disappointment.

“We’re getting married tomorrow,” he tells me. “I’m sorry you don’t get a choice. But I’m a man who takes what I want.”

“I just have to accept that?”

“Yes.” He says it like it’s obvious. “Don’t worry. I’ll buy you a wedding dress so you can look your best.” Then he leaves, and I slump back against the bed.

Why do I get the feeling Dimitri just doesn’t understand why I don’t want this to happen?

But then again, I’ve only spent a day with Dimitri, and already, it’s been the most exciting day of my entire life. What does that say about me?

Dimitri presents me with a wedding dress the next morning. I’ll give him this—it’s a stunning gown. Lace trim on the arms with a sweetheart neckline. It’s long and flares out, but it’s not too flashy.

Honestly, if I was choosing my wedding dress, this would be the dress I would want.

“Here.” He hands it to me. “Put it on, and then we go.”

“Go where?”

“To the church.”

Right. Because we’re getting married today. I mean, there has to be laws against this. He can’t legally force me into a marriage. I’ll just have to play along until I find a moment to escape and return to my normal life.

My normal life with Juno constantly making critical comments. My normal life of only living within books.

The more I think about it, the more I realize I’m not sure I want my old, normal life back.

But can I really give up my agency to Dimitri?

I slip into the ensuite bathroom and put the dress on. It’s a perfect fit. And it looks amazing on me.

I step back into the bedroom, my hands on my hips. “How did you know my size?”

“I’m good at telling a woman’s size.”

Of course, he is.

Dimitri makes a show of looking me over before whistling. “You are a vision. Has anyone ever told you, Evie, that you’re fucking stunning?”

I flush. The truth is, no one ever has because I’ve never let myself be in a relationship to receive such a compliment. I’ve always been too afraid to leave my books behind.

“No,” I admit.

“Then I’m going to make sure I tell you every day.” He holds out his hand to me. “Now, let’s go get married.”

He makes it sound so easy. Just sign my life away to this man I barely know.

And yet, within such a short amount of time, he’s saved my life twice and has made me feel more than I ever have.

This is crazy, and I don’t agree with it, but for now, I have to play by Dimitri’s rules. Maybe once Dima is dealt with, I can take Dimitri to court and get our fake marriage annulled.

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