Page 44 of Ruthless Oath

“That’s not what people are saying.”

“I only found out about it last night, which is why I came to see you.” I nodded at his glass. “You drink an awful lot.”

“You talk an awful lot.”

“That’s fair.” I nodded to his glass. “Can I have one?”

He poured another glass and handed it to me.

“Thank you,” I said.

“Why did you come to me?”

“I wanted you to help me. I thought we could make a deal, but you had other ideas.”

“I still have those ideas.” He downed his drink. “Do you still want my help?”

“What’s it going to cost me?” I chugged my vodka, trying to find some courage in the contents. “I’m pretty sure I can afford it.”

“Don’t be so sure.”

“Why not?”

“My help comes with a hefty price tag, especially since what you’re asking of me could cost my family a great deal.” He poured more vodka into my glass. “Are you sure you’re ready to enter into such a contract?”

“Why would you sacrifice your family for me?”

“It’s not my family I’ll be sacrificing.” He nodded at me. “It’s yours who will pay the price.”

I brought the rim of the glass to my lips, but this time I only sipped it. The strong taste coated my mouth and throat before settling in my chest.

“Milo thinks I should cut you loose and focus on my own concerns.”

“What do you think? Aren’t you the one in charge?”

“Do you really have to ask?” He leaned against the edge of the desk. “I take full responsibility for the people who matter to me.”

Would I ever matter to him?

“I also take care of those who are loyal to me. If you put your trust in my hands, you won’t regret it, but you have to abide by my rules.”

“I don’t like rules.”

“I don’t care what you like. I’ll enforce the rules to protect my family, and if you can’t follow them, you’ll regret it.” He ran his gaze down my scantily clad body. “What’s it going to be, princess? Should I have Ricardo take you home to your daddy?”

What choice did I have? If Marchello sent me back, I would have to follow my father’s rules. I could try to run, but how far would I get?

However, if I stayed here, who knew whose blood would be shed? Was disobeying my dad worth the loss of lives? Was obeying him and marrying a man who I didn’t love—and would never love—something I could do?

Could I give up the possibility with Marchello?

“I don’t want to marry Danny.”

God help me, I would sacrifice everything to be with the man who despised me and wanted to own me. Was that any better than marrying Danny?

Yes, a thousand times better.

“Why not?” His jaw tightened and his face twisted into what could only be described as fury.

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