Page 67 of Poison Vows

Vaughn smirks slightly then he takes a step closer to me, but he doesn’t crowd me in.

He leans down to whisper in my ear.

“You told me you don’t want to be anyone’s puppet,” he starts softly. “So let me be the puppet and you be the puppet master.”

Vaughn straightens, with a wolflike grin on his handsome face.

“He’s not capable of giving you what you desire, but I can give it to you on a silver platter.”

I must look like a cartoon character from the way I mutely stand there and blink, as my mind races.

“See you soon. Dress to the nines!”

“Wait, what? Why?” I call after him as he turns to leave. “Am I meeting your family tonight?”

“Not yet. Right now, I need to go handle something I’ve been working on for years. When I’m done, I’m taking you out for a celebratory dinner,” he says with confidence and a hint of mirth. “After tonight, you and I will have enough time to get to know each other, so when you do make your decision, I know it’ll be what you want.”

A celebratory dinner?

What’s happening tonight and why do I feel like whatever’s happening is targeted at Emmett?

Something horrible is about to happen… Do I warn him?

He owes me a baby!

CHAPTER 11

Emmett

“Alessio!”

I stop and slowly turn around to look at my uncle.

His seemingly dutiful son is standing a few paces behind his father, his studying gaze on me.

Knowing that they just came from meeting Senator Hughes and seeing Angel, my body is tight with a taunt strain that I need to control immediately, or who knows what I might do?

“Yes?” I say calmly.

“Aren’t you going to greet me?” Emilio questions, looking at me with scorn.

“I should be asking you that.”

After all, in terms of power and ranking, I’m far above my uncle and his son.

“You’re still so arrogant and prideful,” he seethes, looking rigid and stiff like freaking cardboard. “I’m your uncle!”

“My apologies, I must’ve forgotten whoI amin this Family.”

Emilio’s eyes flash with rage.

“But, since you mentioned it… how are you this lovely evening, Emilio?” I ask, with a smile.

The man narrows his eyes at me, seemingly suspicious. I just smile even more.

“I’m… well, thank you for asking,sir,”he grits out.

“It’s good that you’re well, Emilio, otherwise the future would be quite unpleasant.”