Page 16 of The Hermit

I stalk over to her and wrap her in a tight hug. “You won’t marry that man. I promise.”

She nods while clinging to me, then she admits, “I’m shocked that Dad would even think about it.”

Letting out a disgruntled huff, I tell her about the information I just learned. “I’m told the marriage will only be in name. Dominik even mentioned something about artificial insemination.”

Ciara pulls back, her eyes filling with a sad look I don’t like one bit as she asks, “Why does it sound like you’re beginning to agree that I should marry Dominik?”

I quickly shake my head while taking both her hands in mine. “Never.” Letting go of her right hand, I brush ginger strands away from her face. “One day, when you marry, it will be because you love the man. Okay?”

She nods before closing the distance between us again, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug.

My ribs are tender as hell, but I don’t mention it as I give my sister the comfort she needs.

While we hold each other, my thoughts return to what happened in the living room.

I hate that I just had a panic attack in front of Dominik.

When I came out of it and found him cupping my cheek, I was shocked out of my mind.

There’s a weird push and pull between us I’ve never felt before, but I refuse to pay it any attention.

As long as he plans to marry Ciara, he’s my enemy.

Ciara pulls back again, then says, “You should get some rest.”

“I’m fine,” I lie.

She shakes her head firmly, and taking my hand, she tugs me out of her bedroom and walks down the hallway to mine.

When she shuts the door behind us, she says, “Lie down for a little while. I’ll sit in the armchair.”

Knowing my body needs the rest, especially if there’s more fighting to come, I crawl onto my bed and get as comfortable as possible.

Ciara sits down by the window, and when she glances outside, her eyebrows pop up. “Shit. It looks like Dad’s taking Dominik to the cottage. Is the man staying?”

“What?” I get off the bed, and joining Ciara by the window, I look out over the backyard.

Seeing Dad give the keys to the cottage to Dominik, my lips part.

That’s not good at all.

“What are we going to do?” Ciara asks.

“I’ll talk to Dad again,” I reply, my eyes locked on our father’s business associate as he steps into the cottage before shutting the door behind him.

“I’m not marrying him,” Ciara whispers, her tone filling with fear. “I won’t survive.”

I know.

I place my hand on her shoulder and give her a comforting squeeze. “You won’t marry him. I’ll make sure of it.”

Her eyes lift to my face from where she’s still sitting on the armchair, and they’re filled with worry. “There’s only so much you can do.”

I stare at her for a moment before I crouch beside her. Placing my hand on her knee, my words are filled with promise as I say, “I’ll kill Dominik if I have to.”

“Grace,” she gasps, instantly starting to shake her head. “No. Don’t even try. I can’t lose you.” She leans forward, her tone tense with urgency. “I can run away. I’ll find somewhere safe to hide.”

My head snaps back, not liking the idea of my sister being on her own. There are too many dangers in the world.

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