Page 34 of Where the Wicked Reign

Nico sneered. “Do you really think you have the means to do that?”

“Physically, no. But there are other methods I can employ.”

Nico waved his hand dismissively. “Just get out.”

“N, you’re not in your right mind. Just try to stop and think.”

“Get. The. Fuck. Out!” he roared.

Julian shook his head. Then it looked like he was actually going to do it.

But the moment he stepped into the corridor, he turned back, looked right at me and revealed, “A fucked-up decree came down from on high earlier tonight. From your father and Nico’s. You and Nico are to marry.”

I stilled.

What?

“I… what are you talking about? That’s… no. That can’t be right.” I looked at Nico. “It’s not true, is it?”

He didn’t need to answer. The resigned look on his face said it all.

“Oh my God, that’s why you came here? To seduce me so you could get out of it? To ensure I was damaged goods?”

He frowned. “Damaged goods. I don’t… ah, the whole virginity thing. No. That’s your father’s old school approach, notmyfather’s. He doesn’t give a flying fuck about that. Besides, I already know you’re not a virgin.”

“You… what?”

“Levi?”

I choked. “How do you—”

“You’re my obsession, Caterina.”

“I… go. Just go. The both of you. I can’t… thismarriageis not happening.”

“It absolutely is.”

“As powerful as you think you are, you can’t force me.”

“Ididn’t want it like this either, believe me. I didn’t want our fucked-up worlds interfering at all in this thing between us.”

“There’s nothing. And whatever happened here tonight was a massive mistake. It’s done. All of this is. Now get the hell out of my apartment! Go!”

I’d left my father’s world behind. I’d already been partially dragged back in when my mom had come to me with the human trafficking situation. There was no way I was going to be pulled in further, let alone all the way. Especially not inthisway, as some sort of business trade as a forced bride. I mean, it was despicable! The very suggestion of it.

Nico strode to me, a whole lot of intensity radiating off him in waves. “Tonight wasn’t a fucking mistake,” he hissed at me through clenched teeth. “It was a fucking revelation.”

He fisted his hand in my robe and jerked me against him.

“Nico!” Julian called, rushing in.

Nico threw out his free hand. “I’d never hurt her. Not like that.”

Julian stayed close, though, watching warily.

Nico’s full attention went back to me. “Listen carefully. I came here tonight to warn you first and foremost. Your father wants to destroy everything you’ve built. He’s afraid of you. Something you’re planning to do, something you know, I’m not sure. But that fear has led to him making this deal, this fucked-up marriage. My father wants me reeled in so I don’t interfere in what he has planned. We’re in a similar situation, Caterina. We need to play the game. And we need to play it carefully. You try to walk away from this and it will decimate everything you’ve worked for. You’ll lose it all. But you play the game with me and it will be safe. You’ll be safe.”

“I don’t care about being safe. Especially not if it means me being treated like a puppet, like some sort of trade between the families. Not if it means me being caged.”

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