Page 3 of All's Fair In Love & War

I thought about Dallas, and instead of the surge of love my older brother should ignite in me, I felt the need to scream. That bastard had gotten me into this, and there was no way out. I hated to admit it, but that was the truth. My life was no longer my own.

I paced for what must’ve been half an hour, plotting escape routes to nowhere, until a knock came that was so soft, I almost missed it. I spun, half-expecting Doreen again. However, instead, the door opened to reveal Khalil. Of course.

That was a first. “I’m surprised you didn’t just barge in like you do any other time,” I snapped, doing nothing to hide my annoyance.

“No worries. I’ll be sure not to be as polite next time.”

He stood in the doorway, shadow filling the space behind him, crisp and composed as he always was. Khalil didn’t say a word at first, just let his presence be the first thing to hit me, like he was daring me to speak or to break before he did. Maybe mostwomen would have looked away, or tried to smooth their hair, or bite their lips, and hope a better version of him could be salvaged from this mess, but I only stared back, hands on my hips and a glare so mean it probably left dents in the damn air.

He looked at the shattered mirror across the room, raised his brow, and then shut the door quietly behind him. Afterward, his gaze, slow and unhurried, went from the choker to the note to me.

“I see Doreen succeeded in preparing the room,” Khalil said, as if we were discussing room service and not a tactical move in psychological warfare.

“Can we get this over with?” I asked, voice flat. “I want to get back to not seeing you.”

He crossed the room and removed the diamond choker from the box, handling it the way a jeweler would a rare jewel. He set it down on the edge of the vanity, right in front of the comb I’d stabbed through his note.

“Usually, when I spend this much money on a woman, she at least pretends to appreciate it.”

“Maybe you should spend it on someone who gives a shit.” I leaned against the window frame, watching him through the broken mirror intently.

Even smashed up, he looked dangerous, maybe even more than before.

“Get dressed for dinner, and make sure you wear this. It’ll look good on you.”

“Like hell I will.”

His eyes flicked up, dark and bored but steady. “You really don’t have a choice. Do what I say, so things can go smoothly.”

“No! I never agreed to this shit.”

“And you didn’t have to. The choice wasn’t yours to make. You know how these things go. You’re not stupid,” he said, voiceso even it was infuriating. “Just be smart and not make things harder for yourself.”

“Oh, I’m gonna make it as hard as possible. I’ll make you and Dallas wish you’d just left my body in the trunk.”

A twitch of his lips made his cheekbones stand out. “If you want to test your limits, that’s fine by me, but wear the choker.”

I pressed my back against the boarded window, staring him down. “What’s next? You’re going to pick out my underwear? Or have someone check my teeth each day before a meal?”

He grinned, lopsided and mean. “If I thought it’d make you happier, maybe.”

I wanted to spit on the rug, but I wasn’t about to let him see my nerves.

“You can give me all the pretty things you want, but you can’t dress up a cage.”

He nodded slowly, almost like he respected the shot. “Maybe so, but you belong here now, and that’s all that matters.”

“I don’t belong anywhere, especially not here.”

He tilted his head, expression unreadable. “Then why didn’t you run?” he asked, and I couldn’t believe it.

“I knew you were testing me.” I barked a laugh. “You left the door open just to see what I’d do, right?”

“A test, challenge, call it what you want.” Khalil held my eyes until the truth got heavy. “Now, you can get yourself ready or have Doreen help you. Either way, I’ll see you at dinner.” He slid the diamond choker closer with one finger. “Make sure that’s around your neck and never take it off.”

He didn’t wait for a reply. Just turned on his heel and left, not even slamming the door like a normal asshole.

Ugh, I swear, I hate his ass!

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