Page 17 of Sinister Engagement

"Swallow. It," he snapped.

Tears leaked from my eyes as I obeyed him, swallowing as more of that liquid filled my mouth. Strong fingers touched my hair, sifting through it, and when he finally moved back, pulling his cock from my mouth, I found myself gasping for air, coughing and reaching up to wipe beneath my eyes.

Had I really thought this man was kind?I wondered, having proof now that his gentlemanly act was just that—a facade. I glared up at him as I tried to catch my breath. Gaven, for his part, merely grinned at me as he tucked himself back into his slacks and zipped up. Then he reached down for me, pulling me to my feet and cupping my cheek as he leaned forward and delivered a light kiss to my lips.

"That was only a taste, Angel," he whispered. "Keep this up, and you'll make a very enticing wife."

I couldn't help it. I looked back at him and said, "And you're going to make for a very dirty, conniving husband."

His grin only deepened. "Only for you, my future wife."

9

Angel

The gown was lying against the bed, its extravagance a stark contrast to my simple comforter. My lip tucked between my teeth, my gaze not leaving the soft fabric and delicate lace as I nibbled in worry.What am I doing?I wasn’t fit for what my father and Gaven wanted of me. A mobster’s wife. A mafia wife. It sounded… exactly like what my sister wanted.

“You just going to stare at it all day, or are you actually going to put it on?” Jackie’s catty tone filled the room, bringing with it a fresh wave of worry and doubt. I’d been so focused on my thoughts that I hadn’t heard her approach. Glancing over, I found her leaning against the doorframe with crossed arms and pursed lips. The attitude in her words and stance weren’t lost on me; she’d always seen situations differently than me. There was always an angle to use to her advantage. No matter how convoluted or difficult, she’d make the most out of it and come out on top and this was no different.

“I’m waiting for Gertie,” I explained, turning to face her fully. I didn’t want to think about the monumental moments that I’d be facing in a few short hours.

“Of course you are,” she muttered, sighing.

“Is there something you wanted to talk to me about?” I asked, wondering why she’d come if she had nothing to say.Unless it’s to torment me some more, I thought with a frown.

“Not particularly. I just wanted to see if you had any questions. You know, about what will happen after the reception is over.” A cruel smirk curled her lip. “I’m sure you know what comes after getting married, right?” Swallowing the lump in my throat, I forced myself not to rise to the bait.

“Sex, yes, I’m aware,” I stated, forcing my back straight.

“Are you ready for that? It’s okay to be afraid,” she murmured, sauntering forward. “A man like Gaven whose tastes I’m sure are more… violent than I’m sure you’re expecting.”

A shiver worked down my spine, but I refused to acknowledge it. I’d seen a hint of Gaven’s tastes, but she didn’t need to know that.

“I figured,” I told her. “I’ll do what needs to be done.” I wanted it to be a lie, but I knew it would happen whether I wanted it or not. I was still angry about what happened in the dressing room, but even though I tried to deny the growing attraction to Gaven, I couldn’t. A small, dark part of melikedit, much to my mind’s opposition, and while I couldn’t stop the desire toward Gaven, I could pretend that piece of me didn’t exist. For now, at least.

Chuckling, Jackie started to circle me, my focus pulled from my internal crisis to her. “Really? Precious little Evangeline Price is going to satisfy the needs of a violent hitman?” When I didn’t answer, she continued to prod me. “He’s not going to be nice or gentle. I’ve seen the two of you together, the way you react to him. How he watches you like an animal prepped for slaughter. Any hint of sweet or tenderness? Ha!” she exclaimed with a dismissive hand wave. “This may be your first time, but it’s not about you,little sister.This is solely for him, and if I’m going to be quite frank”—as if she would be anything else,I thought—“He’s going todestroyyou. Rip that little virginity of yours to shreds right before he takes you apart. Mind, body, and soul.” My heart skipped a beat at her bluntness, and she finished with a shrug and “That’s just what men do.”

Stopping before me, Jackie stared at me with a cold expression and cocked brow. A hint of fear slipped in at her words, icing my veins despite my attempts to remind myself that I could do it. She was doing what she always did, getting in my head and making me second guess.

And I fell for it. Every. Time. But I steeled myself, shoving the doubt away.She won’t get the pleasure of watching me spiral from her words. Not this time,I vowed, hoping it would be enough to face her.

“I’m aware,. I opened my mouth to say more but she cut me off.

“Oh, so you’re ready to give up on your dreams then? Wow, wasn’t sure I’d ever hear that from you.”

“I haven’t,” I muttered, crossing my arms. Our conversation reminded me too much of my nightmare, a weight forming in my stomach at the similarities. “Nor am I going to.”

This time she didn’t chuckle or smirk, she fully laughed in my face. Grinding my teeth, I continued to stare at her instead of look away. We’d always been at odds, two sides of the Price family coin, but after everything I’d dealt with that week, I wouldn’t let her undercut me. Not without push back.

“Your naivete is astounding,” she scoffed, seemingly surprised at my statement. “Don’t you get it? Unless you leave this life behind. The family. Gaven.Everything. There is no future for you, not in the way you want. You’re a simple broodmare that father offered up to someone he thinks is worthy of the head position.” There was a heavy dose of hatred in her voice, her expression twisting into anger before smoothing. “You need to get that through that pretty little head of yours before you end up with a bullet between it.”

My fists were tensed, hidden beneath my crossed arms, and I had to blink back the burn in my gaze at her harsh words. I hated it, but she was right, there was no going back after today. But I latched tight to my dreams and no one—not even her, our father, or Gaven—would take them away.I could be a boss’s wife and still go to school,I told myself…right?

“Aww, precious princess, don’t cry,” she cooed, patting me on the shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll have plenty of opportunities to have some time away from the family.” There was no hiding the mocking tone in her voice, and I refused to rise to the bait again, glaring at her as she leaned forward. “Have a good afternoon, Angel,” she whispered. “It’ll be the last one you have for a while, I guess. You’ll be too sore after your wedding to enjoy much of anything I’m sure.”

With that, she spun on her heel and strutted out, Gertie stumbling out of the way as she swept through the door.

“My, my, someone sure is in a hurry,” Gertie muttered, eyeing down the hall where Jackie had walked off. “Ready to get in this gorgeous dress, Miss?”

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