Page 128 of Ink Deep Devotion

“You want a man who is forcing you to marry Dash to walk you down the aisle?” Titan questions.

“Don’t start with me, Titan. Dash is no better.” I sneer as I grab the wedding dress.

I do want my father to walk me down the aisle. I want a taste of the fairytale even if I know it’s just that, a fable that is not real. I want to walk down the aisle and look ahead with my chin raised, knowing that Dash will love me fully.

He never will now.

“He is better!” Titan hisses,“You know why. In the end, he will always protect you. I don’t see your father saving you. Dash saved you last time, and he’s saving you again.”

Tears cloud my eyes as memories assault me. Titan’s hand grabs me as he hugs me.“Shit, Mila,” Titan sighs,“I didn’t mean to bring up unwanted memories, but you know that Dash will stop at nothing to keep you safe. You both need time, but in the end, your love is going to survive.”

Titan releases me from his hug, and like a caring father, he straightens my veil.“This is going to happen, Mila. Please do this for him. He needs you just as much as you need him.”

“I wish the tables were turned, Titan. I wish you were fighting in my corner and not his.”

“I am in your corner.”

My lips tug into a flat smile.“Then why do I feel so empty?”

Chapter 45

Dash

“She will hate you for this.” Titan reluctantly swings on his jacket.He’s extra pissy because Damian isn’t here. Plain Jane tried to run away from him. Huge mistake, especially with all the shit that is about to go down.

It’s a good thing for me because if Damian were here, he would stop the wedding. He’s too protective of Mila, whereas Titan understands the need to keep her safe at any cost.

I grab my tie, wrap it around my neck, and knot it as I look out the window at the aisle the staff has made on the beach.

“That’s why you’re doing it. You want her hate.” Titan slips the final button into place.

I want her love, but it’s attached to every other emotion she has. You can’t have sunshine without thunderclouds and rainy days. It’s all or nothing.

“You know the repercussions for breaking a deal with Greg.”

“I’m not breaking it. I’m altering it.” I have everything planned out. I should feel assured; I’ve never felt sicker.

“You’re looking your fear in the eyes,”Mila once told me.

I am, and I’m going to conquer it by ensuring she is safe.

Titan can’t dispute that. I already called Greg to warn him. Like most families, I don’t get along with my in-laws.

“She will be safe.”

Titan looks down at the flesh-colored tattoo on his wedding finger.“Safe isn’t loved. Look at Damian’s mom.”

Damian’s mother was safe in the house built by his father, but in the end, she took her own life.

“This is my form of love, Titan.” I snap, whirling around to see my cousin dressed in a tux, ready to stand by my side as I commit an act that will make Mila abhor me.“What would you have me do, bury her next?”

He hangs his head.

“The Brotherhood is on the verge of taking over; my father is dead, and soon, your dad and Uncle Lucas will be forced to step down or die when we take over. Everything is changing; power is shifting. Mila isn’t safe out in the open or glued to my side.”

“And where will you put her?” He crosses his arms, biceps flexing in his tight jacket.

“I already spoke to Dante; his castle is larger than most towns. Mila will love it there.”

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