Page 14 of Claimed
Just like that, this day had shifted to insanity, and no amount of applause could drown out the absurdity of this moment right now.
My stepfather thought I fucking owed him.
Even more, I had no idea how he figured I was going to pay him back.
My heart pounded. “I don’t understand what you’re saying, but again. . .call me tomorrow and we can meet somewhere to discuss it.”
“It’s cold outside. You should put on a jacket.” Maximo gestured to it. “We don’t have time for you to change into something suitable. We’re already late.”
“Late?”
“But. . .I wanted you to have your moment on the stage, and you did.”
“W-what are we late for?”
The small dressing room now felt like a prison.
“You don’t get it, do you, Bella?” Vito’s voice went low, almost a growl. “This isn’t something you can just walk away from.”
“I don’t even know what I’m trying to walk away from.”
My stepfather spoke, “I waited a long time so that you could live your life and at least dance one night, however as I already said, we cannot wait any longer.”
I tensed. “And asIsaid. . .what are we late for?”
Surely, he wasn’t used to anyone talking to him like that.
Maximo cleared his throat. “You are part of my family. My daughter. You know what that means.”
I shook my head. “I don't know what that means.”
I almost added that he never really treated me like his daughter but left that alone. All I could do was make sure they were both out of here in time for me to put on my next costume and dance for the final act.
Maximo backed up to the vanity table and leaned against it. “When a man with my empire has kids, there are duties expected of them. Sons must take over the throne one day.”
I leaned my head to the side. “And. . .daughters?”
“They must marry in a way that either saves my empire or expands it.”
“Oh no.” I edged back. “No. No. No. I'mnota part of this—”
“You are my daughter.”
“I am not.” My pulse quickened.
His face hardened even more at my defiance. A wickedly cruel edge sharpened his features, and he narrowed his eyes.
“Not his daughter?” My brother, Vito spoke, “Yet, you had no problem getting money from him every month and having him pay for your cozy life.”
“It was not that cozy, and I worked for damn near everything I have. I thank you for the allowance, Father, but that allowance doesn't give you the right to arrange any marriages for me. In fact, I don't even plan to marry—”
“Once I married your mother, I was given that right and you were consideredmyblood by all.” He scowled at me. “And youwillmarry. . .tonight.”
I almost passed out. “What? W-what did you say?”
“You will marry tonight.”
“N-no, I won’t.” I inched back some more.
