Page 31 of Relentless Oath

I was curious why nothing about Dario was mentioned, but I didn’t need to know more. I knew he was up to no good. There was no way his family went legit and had gone from terrorizing and shaking down people to being philanthropists.

“Dinner is in a few minutes,” a voice said behind me. “Why aren’t you dressed yet?”

I found his expectation to look presentable and act cordially at all times to be unbelievable. He was nothing but a criminal in a suit.

“I don’t need to dress up for dinner.”

“You’ve been wearing that same shirt and jeans since yesterday.”

“Thanks for noticing.”

“Look, I’ve been thinking that maybe you need a change of pace.”

“Do you mean you’ll finally let the prisoner out into the public?”

“You aren’t my prisoner.”

“Really? Then why can’t I go where I please? Or do what I please.” I couldn’t help the next words that came out of my mouth. “And why are you watching me?”

His eyes searched mine. I expected him to deny it but he sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “If you’re referring to the cameras, they’re for your safety.”

“Bullshit.”

“Mya, you tried to kill my brother. Do you think I’m the only one who noticed?”

“What are you trying to say?”

“You’ve made enemies, Mya.”

I gasped. I hadn’t ever considered that.

“No one would dare touch a hair on your head under my protection.”

“You’re just saying that…you’re making things up?—”

I stood up and attempted to walk out of the room past him, but he caught me by my elbow.

“Can you sit down and listen to me?”

I dropped down into the chair. “I’m listening.”

“You feel trapped. That wasn’t my intention.”

“You fully intended to trap me in this marriage.”

“I won’t deny that, but it was for your own good.”

“You’re delusional. And I don’t believe a word coming out of your mouth.”

I walked away.

He followed behind me. Things had come to a head between us. I could feel it.

“You don’t have to trust me or believe me. I’m accustomed to people questioning my judgment and my motives. And most of those people are dead.”

“Because you had them killed?”

His voice was soft, and I saw a glimmer of pain in his eyes as he said, “No, because someone else did.”

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