Page 2 of Dex

Men especially.

I hate it.

Oscar Ramos scares me, and he makes me shiver for all the wrong reasons.I don’t want to be with him, but we’re out of choices now.I grip my father’s hand tighter.

“Please.I just don’t want anything to happen to you.I’ll do whatever it takes to help our business.It will only be for a year, Papai.And we’ll go back to how things were.”When my father was strong and well.

“You will not marry him,” my father says weakly.

“I will,” I insist.“I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“You will notevermarry Oscar Ramos,” my father cries.

I swallow, my throat burning.Because if I don’t form an alliance, my father might spiral into depression and become so ill, I fear the worst might happen.

“What about someone else, like the Knights?Another rich and powerful family?”

My father shakes his head.“Paul Knight never suggested anyone else.”

I frown.“How many sons does he have?”

“Five.”

I sit back, stunned.“Five?And he didn’t suggestanyof them for the alliance?You never thought to mention it, Papai?”

“He only mentioned the oldest son.He was eager for an alliance because this son was a widower with a daughter who needed a mother.I didn’t want to go back and beg, Daniela.People aren’t as agreeable for arranged marriages in the US, Daniela.They don’t need to make alliances.”

“But Paul Knight approached you, Papai!Heneededyou.”

My father closes his eyes and lets out a murmur.“He did.”

“The other sons … are they married?”My brain goes into overdrive as I try to find a lifeline away from Oscar Ramos.

“None of them are married, but as far as I understand, they are… not available.”

I exhale sharply.Five sons.Surely one of them might be single and agreeable to an arranged marriage?On paper only.

An idea forms in my mind.

I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to save my father’s business.I was ready to marry a man like Oscar, but if there is another way …

I remember the picture of Jett Knight.He was handsome.If he was good-looking, then maybe his brothers aren’t so bad either.

Also, there are potentially five of them to choose from.

If I can meet and marry a Knight, I can save my family and it won’t even seem like a big sacrifice.

Chapter 2

DEX

I left my apartment hours ago, losing myself in the gym until my arms and legs were cramping from exertion, and my t-shirt was soaked with sweat.I’d tried to exhaust my body and mind, tried to throw off my sullen attitude and utter boredom with life in general.

Lexi would have helped.And I could have called her even now but phone sex isn’t really my thing.I’m more of a physical guy.

Our friends with benefits arrangement worked fine when she was here, but she took off a few months ago to work in Spain as a nanny and she’s not planning on coming back for a while.

I haven’t met anyone since she left.No one who would be worth hooking up with.It feels like too much effort.

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