Page 8 of Haunted Nights & Savage Sins
Slowly, I turn my head and show the group of them the burn I’ve been trying so hard to keep from being the center of attention.
This meeting is already starting off on the wrong foot. I should’ve expected my father to humiliate me. It’s just one of the many ways he likes to show he still has all the power.
From the corner of my eye, I see the men in front of me fight back looks of revulsion. I do my best not to let it get to me, but it still stings.
“Aye, that’s him.” The one who had to check in with whoever was on the other end of the intercom says, and with that, everyone moves aside and lets me enter the house.
The minute I step foot inside the large home, it hits me how similar this place is to the mansion back in the States. Sure, it’s not as big, but the décor is almost identical.
Part of me wonders why my father would choose to decorate like this. Is it because there’s a sense of nostalgia, or is it simply because he wants a reminder of some of the evil deeds he’s done in the past?
I shudder slightly as I make my way down the hall, praying that the ghosts I’ve left back home haven’t found a way to follow me here.
My father steps out of a side room, stopping me in the hall. “I’d like to say that this was a welcome surprise, but you’ve interrupted an important meeting.” He glares at me.
“Apologies. I thought this conversation would be better to have in person.” I pull my shoulders back, unwilling to show him any fear.
“So be it.” He waves me forward, and I follow him into a room that looks to be used as an office.
In the corner is a woman. She is dressed in a see-through gown with bright red lipstick and unnatural red hair. She looks more like a clown than a beautiful woman. Her beauty could never compare to my mother’s. I think my father must know that. Maybe he’s chosen to spend time with her on purpose.
“You can wait in the room. I’ll be along shortly.” My father dismisses her, and I watch as she scurries out.
“Don’t worry, there’s no stepmother in your future.” My father smiles at me almost gently as he takes a seat in the chair behind the desk.
“That’s good to hear. Though I’m not here to talk about your marital status, but mine.” I grab the seat on the other side, sitting up straight with my hands folded patiently on my lap. I’m trying to be as calm as possible, though everything inside me wants to rage at him.
“What about it? It’s already planned and taken care of. Honestly, you should be thanking me. I’ve managed to secure you a live-in slut to take care of your needs. It’s a gift, really.”
“A gift?” My eyebrows shoot up to my hairline. There’s no possible way he could think that. “It’s not a gift I want.”
“Too bad.” He shrugs.
“Father, choosing a wife for me is going to do nothing but bring problems. I can take care of my part of the family business without a ball and chain holding me back. It’s foolish to have a stranger in the house with me.”
“She won’t be a stranger. She’s going to be your wife. There’s a difference.”
“Not to me. I don’t know this woman, and the last time I checked, her family wasn’t very happy with ours. How do you know this woman isn’t being sent in as a spy or something worse? Why take this risk?” I continue trying to fight this losing battle.
“Even if she is, you’ll be able to punish her accordingly.”
I close my eyes and let my head drop. “And if I don’t want to punish her?”
“Then she’ll be your downfall. It’s like that with women sometimes.”
The conversation is only just beginning, but I can already tell the outcome. I won’t win this battle.
“Cormac, you’re my firstborn son. It’s your duty to me and the family to further our name. Your duty is to make this empire stronger than when you were born into it. Brenna Doyle may not have been your first choice, but she’s a good match, at least for our purposes. For once, stop thinking about yourself and do what needs to be done.”
I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing out loud. For once? I don’t remember the last time I’ve been able to do anything for myself. All I have left that is truly mine is mysolitude. Now he’s asking me to give that away too. Hasn’t he already taken enough from me?
“Of course, I want to do right by the family.” I say, giving up my useless argument.
“Good, I’m glad to hear it. Put it this way. You only have to be married to her long enough to solidify the alliance. If, after that time, you still find yourself burdened with her presence, I’ll look the other way if you get rid of her.”
My eyes jerk back up to his. Get rid of her? I’ve never been much of a mind reader, but it sounds like he just gave me permission to kill my wife after a certain amount of time.
His head tilts slightly as he continues to take in my form. “That scar has healed up nicely. Barely noticeable.” His smile widens, and I turn my face away from him. Of course he wants to remind me what happens to people who don’t do what he asks. I have less of a choice in this matter than the precious Brenna Doyle.
