Page 17 of Ruthless Oath

He was serious.

“Do you know what year it is?” I stood and paced the room. “I’m twenty-one and have a college degree. I don’t need an arranged marriage. I have plenty of time to figure out my life.”

“A college degree you have no intention of using.”

“That’s not true.” I had a degree in fashion design because it seemed like that was the direction I was heading in when I was eighteen. But who can pick a career path right out of high school? “You said I could take a few months off to find myself.”

“It’s been more than a few months.”

“I graduated early.”

“And I’m extremely proud of you, but now I’m setting you up for life.” He checked his phone. “Trust me, this is the best decision for all of us.”

“It isn’t for me.”

“Lissia, this isn’t up for discussion.” He stood from the bed. “I’m telling you that you will marry Danny.”

“Does Mom know this?” I asked. “She won’t let you do this to me.”

“Don’t go to your mother and try to have her talk to me. It won’t work.” He kissed my cheek. “I know what’s best for you. You need to trust me.”

I looked into his icy blue stare, but his eyes were vacant. His mind was made up. I would have to figure out a way to get out of this on my own.

“I have to make a call.” He looked me over. “The shoes are a perfect choice. Danny will be here soon, and I’m sure he’ll approve of the outfit.”

“I didn’t put on this dress for Danny. I chose it for me.”

“Such a stubborn girl.” He grinned. “That’s my fault.”

Once my father left the room, I checked my face in the mirror. There was no sense in throwing a temper tantrum just yet. No one was forcing me down the aisle today. I had time to come up with a plan.

My mother wouldn’t agree with this. Well, she might if it meant my father would cut her off financially if she didn’t take his side.

The kiss I had shared with Marchello flashed in my mind. His lips were all I’d thought about since I stormed out of his office yesterday. If there was any man I would wear a dress for, it would be him.

I took the back stairs that led to the kitchen. My father was on a phone call out on the patio. He usually took calls outside when he didn’t want to be overheard. Was he talking to Danny? Were they conspiring to marry me off?

I wanted to scream or vomit. Maybe both.

Trying not to make any noise, I opened the slider door just a crack as I shielded myself behind the curtain. I needed details of this crazy plan so I could formulate my own.

“As long as Nico Accetti stays where he is, we should have no problems securing that shipment and getting it through the ports,” he said.

Marchello’s father. Did my dad know where he was?

“The longer we can keep Accetti on the run, the better off we’ll be.” My father walked across the patio. “Marchello and Milo are not ready for what’s coming. We have to strike now.”

“What are you doing?” said a voice from behind me.

I jumped and turned to see Danny had entered the kitchen.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked.

“I’m here to see you.”

“Great.” I stepped away from the door, annoyed that I couldn’t eavesdrop on the rest of the conversation. “What do you want?”

“Why are you lurking behind the curtains?” He gazed out the window.

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