Page 5 of Ashes of Sin

CHAPTER TWO

KYRA

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I feel like I’m just a prop in this wedding as I stare at all the sample fabrics the wedding planners have laid out on the table.

In some ways, I am.

I’m the bride in this charade, as I call it, but I may as well just be a table ornament.

All my life I knew I’d be married to a man of my parents choosing. But never did I think he’d be thirty-something years older than me. Or a man who watches me like a predator. Like I’m a juicy steak dinner being prepared for him.

Which I am.

Ugh.

Pierce Sterling—CEO of Sterling Enterprises.

Akaold gross dude.

Not that I’ve said that out loud. I’ve been raised to be compliant and do what I’m told.

My father is the CEO of Fox & Co., and I’m grateful for the life his success has granted us. I’m proud of what he’s achieved.

But in this day and age, I do not understand why a marriage to a business partner is necessary. I have harbored a hope that I might love, or at least strongly like, the man they chose for me.

It’s not like there is a lack of nice men in the circles my father socializes in.

Well, it’s too late now. The announcement has been made, and the world thinks I am marrying Pierce Sterling.

I am.

My stomach lurches again.

I’ve tried to speak to my mother about it, but she said we can’t change what has been agreed upon between the two men.

What about what I want?

It never factored into the decision. I stood in front of my father, tears pouring down my face, as he announced my fate to me six short weeks ago. Thankfully, he chose to tell me in private as I almost collapsed to the ground.

My pleading eyes shot to my mother, who looked away.

“Mom?” I reached out and grabbed the back of the chair to steady myself as we stood in Dad’s office.

“Kyra, contain yourself. You know this is your duty. We’ve made no secret that one day you would marry to protect this family.”

Protect?

I don’t know what that means anymore.

We have more money than ninety-five percent of the population and rub shoulders with people who are extremely powerful.

“I thought it might be to someone my own age.” I wiped the tears from my cheek. “Or at least close.”

Dad’s eyes dipped momentarily. It was the first time I’d seen a hint that he might be regretful. But it soon vanished.

“Yes. Well, no.” He’d lifted his eyes, and they had hardened once more. “This marriage must take place. There are no more discussion to be had.”

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