Page 128 of Ruthless Oath

If she wanted to be reckless with herself, why should I put my family out there for her? Why should I sacrifice my father or risk Milo’s life?

She ran her fingers along her forehead, still clutching the pillow in her other hand.

“So yes, I would send you back, and you’d be doing it to yourself. You either agree to my terms or you’re gone.”

I didn’t wait for her to respond. I went to the bar in the corner of the room and poured her a glass of water from the pitcher sitting there. She stared down at the pillow, squeezing it against her chest.

I had to be harsh with her. She needed to understand how serious this situation was. The Argentina cartel was no joke. They had set up a meeting for us in a few days in Florida. Milo and I were expected to be there to negotiate with people we didn’t trust.

We had no idea what they were going to propose or what they would ask of us. We had to be ready.

“You need to take care of yourself.” I handed her the water. “Drink this.”

“Thank you.” She took the glass from me and gulped the contents.

“When you left, I didn’t know what to do.” I caressed her cheek. “I didn’t like feeling so vulnerable and not in control.”

She ran her tongue along her top lip, tempting me and calling to me with her sultry stare.

“No one has ever had the power to do that to me.” I dropped to my knees in front of her and rested my hands on her thighs. “I’ve never let anyone in like that. I can’t afford weaknesses.”

“I don’t want to be a weakness for you.”

“But you are, and my enemies know it.” I twisted my fingers in her hair, being careful not to tug and hurt her head more. “The next few weeks are going to be unpredictable and dangerous. I can’t hesitate or get distracted. I have to protect what’s mine.”

She slipped off the couch and joined me on the floor, placing her glass on the end table.

“I won’t cause you any more trouble,” she said.

“I don’t believe that.”

“I’ll rephrase.” She stroked my cheek. “I won’t cause you any more trouble when it comes to your business.”

“I’m listening.”

“I’ll obey you.” Her voice was soft and unsure, almost as if she knew she wouldn’t be able to keep such a promise.

“No, you won’t.” I took her hips in my hands. “Not willingly, not at first, but I’m willing to give you a chance if you at least try to learn to behave.”

She nodded.

“I’m not going to make this easy for you,” I said. “I was serious when I told you if you didn’t behave there would be consequences. You’ve proven it’s the only way I can keep you in line.”

“I want you to punish me.” She bit her lip. “I want to prove to you that I can be who you need.”

“It’s for your protection.” I brushed my lips along hers. “I can’t have you going rogue on me and getting yourself into trouble far worse than death.”

“What could be worse than death?” She swallowed hard. “Other than being taken from you.”

“Men like me and your father are brutal and ruthless, but we are nothing compared to what else is out there.”

I couldn’t speak for Gian, but I knew the shit Collins was mixed up in, and if he got his hands on Lissia again, it wouldn’t be to marry her this time. It wouldn’t even be to kill her. He would traffic her to the highest bidder. She had run out of chances when it came to him. He would need to save face and prove that no one rejected him.

“I’m sorry I left you,” she said. “I won’t do it again.”

“I’m going to make you sorry you left me.” I moved her hair to the side and cupped her face. “Not tonight though. You’ve been through enough. You need a chance to recuperate.”

I circled the bruise along her cheekbone, vowing to slit Collins’ throat for laying a hand on her.

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