Page 25 of Cruel Vows

When she bends over to slide the steaks into the oven to finish cooking, my gaze drops to her ass.

I need to get laid.

Her body can’t continue to be a distraction, especially when her personality is that of a venomous snake.

Ellie starts to clean up, putting dishes into the dishwasher as her stomach growls. “You know, marriage is supposed to be a partnership between two people.”

“Maybe in the bright shiny world we live at the edges of it is, but you’re walking through hell, Ellie. This marriage is about both of us getting what we need.”

She snaps her fingers, pointing at me. “See, you do understand the concept of working together. I’m proud of you.”

“For fuck’s sake!” I shove off the counter, taking a pack of cigarettes from the drawer near the butler’s pantry. “You might have spent your time at home mouthing off to Aiden, but you’re not going to do it here. Life is different with my family. My father wouldn’t hesitate to beat you if you spoke to him this way.”

A knife she’s washing catches the sunlight streaming through the massive windowpanes. She smiles and that crazy look flashes in her eyes again. “He could try.”

“You just need to behave.” I shake out one of the cigarettes, heading for the doors that lead to the back patio.

A walk around the garden with a pack of cigarettes might be the thing that cures the headache currently jackhammering at my temples.

If I knew that living with her was going to be this difficult—and it’s been less than three hours—then I might have had theguesthouse renovated for her. It would have been easier than having her in the main house with me.

She opens the oven, the mouthwatering scent of potatoes and steak filling the air. “We’re both responsible for this working. Partners. I may think you’re the scum of the earth, but that doesn’t mean that I’ll allow myself to settle for anything less than partnership either.”

The steak is left to rest on the cutting board while the potatoes set up. Ellie rises up onto her toes, digging through more cupboards until she finds my plates.

“Didn’t seem to think I was the scum of the earth when my cock was buried in your pussy.” I tuck the cigarettes away, suddenly ravenous for the food she’s made.

She scoffs. “Please. I’ve had better sex with eight inches of pink silicone.”

“I doubt that.” I take a seat on one of the chairs at the kitchen island as she dishes out the food, shoving a plate toward me. “Thanks.”

Her eyes widen a fraction of an inch before she digs into her own plate of food. “You’re welcome.”

The steak is one of the best I’ve ever eaten. The flavors meld together, and each bite I take only has me hurrying to cut the next medium-rare slice.

I glance at her once I’m halfway through my food. “The only choice you have is to listen to me and respect me in this scenario, Ellie. I’m doing your family a favor by keeping you safe.”

“Is that what you call this?” She takes her time nibbling at a slice of potato.

“It is. I didn’t have to marry you.”

“Funny.” She smirks, cutting through the steak like it’s butter. “From what I hear, your father wouldn’t settle for anyone else. Which means that you kind of did have to marry me.”

“Enough!” I prop one elbow on the counter, leaning forward and pinching the bridge of my nose. “I expect to be treated with respect. You will do as you’re told.”

“I would rather die than have to follow your every word to the letter.” She stands taller on the other side of the counter, her chin jutting out with a stubborn set to her jaw. “I would rather you kill me right here and now than force me to live a life that’s not my own.”

Gathering my plate, I stand and head for the door. “If that’s the way you want it, then so be it.”

7

ELLIE

I should poisonhim and be done with this whole charade.

Though I don’t know how I would get the poison into Sean’s house, let alone slip it into his food while he’s not looking, the idea is appealing.

It’s only one of the million scenarios I’ve gone through over the course of the last couple days.

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