Page 19 of Ruthless Oath

“You’re following me?” This was out of control. What could my father be thinking?

“I’m keeping an eye on you.” He shrugged. “Making sure I know what you’re up to and who you’re up to it with.”

“I’m not marrying you.” I shook my head. “I won’t.”

“You already said that.”

“Then get it through your head.”

“Your father is having a party for us in a few days. I’ll propose that night in front of your family and some associates. Once our engagement is announced, he and I will form a partnership that no one will be able to stop.”

“You don’t need me for that alliance.”

“It’s the only way I can make sure your father stays loyal to me and he can trust that I won’t turn on him.” He tugged on the end of my hair and brought his lips close to mine.

I turned my head, forcing my cheek on him.

“Don’t worry,” he whispered into my ear. “I’m going to wait until our wedding night before I touch you. I’m traditional that way.”

“Leave me alone.”

“Your father speculated you’re a virgin.”

My breath hitched in my throat when he caressed my cheek.

“I’m going to make sure that’s true.”

“What?”

“Before the party, you and I will visit my doctor, and he will make sure you’re pure.”

“You’re vile.” I pushed him away from me. “I’m not going anywhere with you, and I’m certainly not going to prove anything to you.”

“Stop fighting me.”

My father came into the kitchen from the patio, and Danny stepped away.

“Good, you’re here,” my dad said. “Doesn’t Lissia look beautiful?”

“A vision.” Danny winked at me. “I’m a lucky man.”

“You are.” My dad smiled at me. “Lissia will make the perfect wife.”

“I need some air.” I took a breath. “I’ll be back later.”

“Where are you going?” Danny asked.

“Out.” I didn’t need to tell him where I went. If he was watching me, he would know. “I’ll be back later.”

“I would rather you stay here,” my dad said. “We’re going out to dinner, and I’d like for you to accompany us.”

“Us?” I asked.

“I’m taking you and Danny out so we can discuss the expectations of this arrangement.” My father looked at Danny. “But first, we have to take a meeting. I have some information that could be useful for our next shipment.”

“Don’t let me stop you.” I waved to them, but they already had their backs to me and were on their way to my father’s study.

I leaned against the counter. How had I gone from living a carefree and privileged existence to being forced into an arranged marriage with such a disgusting individual? A marriage I didn’t want or need.

---