Page 23 of Ruthless Oath

“You think I’m going to help you manipulate your father?” I tangled my other hand in her silky hair as I continued to rub the smooth skin of her inner thighs. “You won’t do what he wants, and I’m supposed to help you defy him?”

She squeezed her legs shut when I trailed my fingers in the direction of her panties.

“No. I have information about your father.”

“Stop it.” I yanked her hair and forced her face closer to mine. “I’m not going to tell you again to shut your mouth when it comes to my father.”

“But I have something you’re going to want to hear.”

“No, you don’t.” I pressed my lips to hers. It was an effective way to shut her up.

Why was I torturing myself this way? I made choices that benefited me and kept my family on top. I had been taught from an early age that family always came first. She could prove to be my biggest mistake.

So why does it feel so fucking good to kiss her?

She whimpered into my mouth, but the sound didn’t stop me from tightening my hold on her hair.

“Wait.” She pushed against my chest. “Are you going to help me?”

“That depends.” I released her hair. “What are you going to give me?”

“I already told you.” She hopped off the couch and paced the room. “I have information that could help you and your father.”

“I don’t want your information.”

If her father sent her here, whatever she wanted to tell me would be a lie or some kind of bait to get me to make a mistake. If she did come here on her own, why would she be willing to betray her family?

This stunk of three-day-old trash in a New York City alleyway.

“You don’t even know what it is,” she said.

I knew more than she thought. Gian had plans to import a huge shipment that my father would never allow to move through the ports. With my father out of the way, he thought he had free rein. He was wrong.

I had my men monitoring the docks, ready to intercept any move Gian made.

“I don’t care what information you think you have.” I stood and stalked toward her. “I don’t need your help, but it’s obvious you need mine.”

She backed away from me until she hit the wall.

“I like your dress.” I placed both my hands on either side of her, caging her in like a trapped animal. “Did you wear it for me?”

“No.”

“Liar.” I dug my fingertips into the wall, trying to keep from touching her. “What makes you believe I want to deal with someone who won’t be honest with me?”

“I’m trying to be honest with you, but you need to agree to my terms.”

“Your terms?” I laughed at the absurdity. “Here’s how this is going to work, princess. You came to me, so that means I set the terms. I’ll tell you how it’s going to be.”

“Can we get on with it then? Because I don’t have a lot of time.”

She ducked under my arm, but I caught her shoulder and pushed her against the wall. As I stared into her eyes, I silently cursed myself. How could I even consider what I was about to offer?

“I’ll help you.” I ran my fingers through her silky hair.

“You will?”

“But not for your useless information.”

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