Page 116 of Ruthless Oath

“Your father said you were difficult, but you’re going to have to learn some manners by the time we get married.” He gripped my hand and tugged me toward the cabin.

I tensed my legs, digging my feet into the dirt.

“What are you doing?” He stared at me. “We’re going inside.”

He dragged me up the steps, causing me to fall forward and bang my shins.Fuck, that stung.

“You’re the one who will carry the brunt of the injuries in this scenario.” He unlocked the door. “I can promise you that.”

When he pushed me toward the door, the odor of dampness and mold surrounded us inside the dark, cold, and dingy cabin.

“It’s not the Ritz.” His smug smile infuriated me. “I hope you’ll survive.”

“It’s filthy.”

“I’m sorry it doesn’t meet your expectations, but this isn’t meant to be a vacation.” He shut the door. “We’re here for a specific reason.”

“What’s that?” The grimy windows were difficult to see out of. “If you want to get to know me, follow me on social media.”

“I’ve already done that.” He forced me down the hallway and into a small room with a wood-burning fireplace and furniture that had to be at least forty years old. “You’ll be deleting all of that once we’re married. I don’t need you putting our business out there.”

“We’re not getting married.”

“Say that all you want, but it won’t change anything.” He knocked me onto the lumpy couch and sat next to me. “We’re here so I can get you in line. Tame you and explain to you what I expect from you.”

This was worse than any nightmare I’d ever had. I would be Marchello’s hostage any day of the week.

“You’ll never tame me, so don’t waste your time.” I wiped the dirt from my jeans. “I want to speak to my father. Call him right now so I can tell him what an animal you are.”

“Shut up.” He gripped my face. “I’m tired of your nonsense. I’m going to tell you how it’s going to be.”

I struggled out of his hold and pushed him away. He grabbed my wrist and brought me back to him.

“This can go one of two ways,” he said. “You settle down and get yourself under control. If I see a major attitude adjustment in the next few days, we will go back to your father where we can start planning our wedding.”

I scoffed at the idea of marrying him. I was only ever going to be one man’s bride.

“You can have the wedding of your dreams. I’ll spare no expense for you.”

I have my own money, you chauvinistic pig.

“You can have a good life, but you have to show me the respect I deserve. You have to be a dutiful wife who does what I tell her to do. If you do that, you’ll have your freedom.” He arched his brow. “Within reason.”

“And if I don’t?”

“That’s totally up to you.” He stroked my cheek. “If you can’t adjust your behavior and try to give us a chance while we’re here, we’re still getting married. It won’t be a fairy-tale wedding, though, because that’s for a woman who can show she deserves such a lavish day.”

“You’re a real gentleman, you know that?”

“I’m not seeing an adjustment.” He sighed. “We’re getting married either way. You decide if you want it to be with your family and friends in attendance, or if you want to do it right here in this disgusting cabin. You have a few days to decide.”

I pressed my hand to the side of my neck, pondering a backwoods ceremony with him.

“If you choose the second option, know that I won’t make any of this easy for you. The life you knew will be over. You’ll live with nothing. I will keep you out here for as long as it takes.”

“Why are you doing this to me?” I forced the lump back in my throat and willed the tears not to flow. I would never cry in front of him. He didn’t deserve my tears. “Why is this arrangement so important to you?”

“Because you were promised to me, and I’ve already given up a lot for your father. I sacrificed a solid connection I had with some very valuable men because he assured me that, once he gains Nico Accetti’s territory, he will be on top.” He took my hand. “I’ll stand with him, but you will be with me. We will show the cartels and the other families that Gian and I can’t be stopped.”

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