Page 49 of Mafia King (Arranged Marriage 1)

I turn, glare at her over my shoulder, "So you admit, there is something between us?"

"I admit no such thing."

"You just said so."

"I meant…" She draws in a breath, "Okay, yes, so there’s some kind of weird chemistry between us. Doesn’t mean we have to get married." Her lips draw up in a parody of a smile. She’s smart, this woman, and quick-witted and able to think on her feet. Exactly the kind of woman I have been searching for. The kind I want by my side…

Wait, what? I don’t need anyone else. I have myself and my siblings. They are all I need to consolidate my position.

Oh, well, I do need her…but only as a means of getting to the Seven. That, and the fact that her father did promise her to me. It would be crazy to not use that to my benefit. So, I will… And then I’ll release her.

"Your father promised you to me in return for his life. I am just making sure you honor the debt. Also" I look her up and down, "I took your virginity."

"Oh, please, let’s get past that, okay?" She takes a step forward, "And my father may have pledged me to you, but we don’t have to fulfill it."

"No?"

She nods, "You and I both know you could do much better than me."

"Is that right?"

"Yes." She folds her arms around her waist. "Don’t you want to marry a nice, shy, demure bride who’ll do as you tell her to?"

No.

No.

"Yes." I jerk my chin.

"You do?"

"It’s how you are going to be by the time I marry you."

"Oh, pfft." She waves her hand in the air, "Have you met me? I am wild, evil-tempered, I swear like a trooper—"

Everything I find fascinating about you.

"I’ll never stop standing up to you."

Something I look forward to.

"You’ll never be able to tame me."

My cock instantly lengthens. "Is that a challenge?"

"What?" She frowns, "Of course, not. I am merely pointing out why I am so wrong for you."

And yet, why do you feel so right?

"Nice try," I allow my lips to curl, "but it’s not working."

"No?"

I shake my head. "Your father gave his word. Now you are going to keep it."

"And if I refuse?"

His grin widens. "I look forward to changing your mind."

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