Page 87 of The Pakhan's Forced Bride
As I walk towards the open doors, I hear voices, and it makes me pause. Ardalion is in there talking to my brother. Is he already making plans to leave, saying his goodbyes? That was quick.
My heart clenches tight with anxiety. I creep closer and tilt my head to listen, holding my breath.
“Ardalion, it’s not that simple,” Benedikt sighs.
“It is. We make a deal. You tell me what you want, and in exchange, you let me be with her. It really is that simple.”
What the hell?They are busybargaining, using me in their business negotiations. Am I just a tool to both of them? Are they so immature that neither of them can get over the past and be decent to each other without getting something in return?
Anger shoots through me, and I shove the door wide open and burst into the room. Both of them turn to stare at me in shock. I don’t care. They can stare.
I march straight to Ardalion. He stands up as I near, his brow furrowed as he takes in my angry expression. “Belle, what’s wrong—"
“Who the hell do you think you are?” I shout. “I’m not a tool. I refuse to be a part of whatever negotiations you have with my brother. Yourbusinessis yourbusiness—but I am aperson. Someone who lives and breathes and has a heart. How dare you treat me like a bargaining chip. This whole time, I thought Imeantsomething to you. I thought maybe you’d fight for me, maybe utter one word that let me know you cared about me. But you haven’t.You don’t care.You don’t even see me as aperson.” My voice is quivering, shaking with anger and hurt.
Ardalion is about to say something, but I ignore him and spin towards my brother. “Andyou. I expected more from you. He saved your life, sure, I get it, but I’m your sister. You don’t pay him back by negotiating with my life. Does it even matter what I want? You’re behaving just like Mom when she sent me on those horrible blind dates. Planning my life, pushing me here and there, and wherever you can benefit from it.”
My cheeks are burning hot with rage, my heart racing, and my hands clenched so tightly my nails are digging into my palms. The words rush from my lips in a flood of rage. I won’tlet anyone control my life anymore. This is my life. I deserve to make my own choices.
“Belle,” my brother says my name calmly, catching me off guard.
“What?” I snap, ready to fight, ready to defend myself.
“If you take a breath and sit down, I’ll explain what’s been happening.”
“I don’t want to sit down,” I snap again.
Ardalion steps towards me, reaching out to touch my arm. I smack his hand away. “Don’t touch me,” I huff at him.
Benedikt shakes his head, chuckling.
It’s not funny. My broken heart is not funny.
“Belle, Ardalion has been fighting for you since the moment you left his mansion in LA,” Benedikt sighs, leaning back in his chair and cocking his head to the side with a stupid grin on his face. Smug. Why does he look smug?
“What are you talking about?” I hiss, confused, taken aback.
“It’s true, Belle,” Ardalion says cautiously.
“What’strue?” I ask, my eyes darting from one man to the other.
Ben shrugs. “Ardalion begged me to let him come to Vegas. He wanted to help me in any way he could, to prove that he was willing to work with me. I know he was just doing it in the smallest hope of catching a glimpse of you.” Ben glances at Ardalion.
“I didn’t know I was that transparent,” Ard mutters, clenching his jaw, looking tense.
Benedikt carries on.
“You were, but I valued your efforts, because I could see you were trying to get close to her without upsetting the balance of her family life. You were trying to do it respectfully. Belle, he’s been fighting for you the entire time, in his own way.”
“But—" I stammer, looking at Ardalion. “You didn’t say anything to me.”
He shakes his head. “Not without your brother’s approval, Belle. I’ve already done enough damage. I’ve been selfish, and I’ve put your family through enough. I wanted to work this out in the best possible way. That’s why I came to talk to your brother now. I can’t leave without resolving this.”
“But you two were discussing business,bargaining,” I say.
Benedikt shakes his head.
“There wasn’t any talk of business. Ardalion literally offered me his entire kingdom if I would give my permission for him to be with you.”
