Page 39 of Gilded Cage (Kovalyov Bratva 1)

We’re in a crowded room filled with people he wants to impress. That knowledge gives me a false sense of security. It makes me brave.

That is going to cost me.

“I won’t marry him,” I say, my voice strong and steely.

He narrows his eyes and moves a step closer. “What the fuck did you just say?”

“He’s old and gross,” I continue, noticing a few of the women watching us closely. “He’s had several wives, children that are older than I am, and if the papers are to be believed, he’s sexually assaulted at least half a dozen different women. I’m not marrying him. I’d rather die.”

“That can be arranged,” Papa says without blinking.

I suck in my breath, but my bravado vanishes.

I need an ally so badly in that moment.

Someone to protect me. To help me find my voice.

Normally, I’d want Cesar. My whole life, he was the wall that kept me safe from Papa’s wrath.

But strangely, the man I’m picturing isn’t my brother.

It’s a dark-eyed stranger with blood on his knuckles and lust in his gaze.

Papa reaches out and takes my hand at the elbow. He digs his nails in and squeezes so hard that a little cry of pain escapes me.

My eyes catch one of the women standing a few feet away. She’s older, elegant, beautiful.

For a moment, it seems almost like she’s going to intervene. To save me from Papa.

But then her eyes fall to the floor and she turns away.

Nothing has changed. I’m as alone as ever.

“Listen to me, you little whore,” Papa snarls in my ear. “You will do exactly what I tell you do to. Juan Garcia is one of the most influential politicians in Mexico. And if our interests are tied to his, our family and the business will be untouchable. So youwillmarry him. You will smile on the wedding day and tell people how lucky you are. And on the wedding night, you will get on your knees and suck his cock like he wants. Youwillmake him happy or I will make you very, very unhappy. You understand?”

Silence. Tense and painful.

“You’re hurting me, Papa,” I whisper. Tears stud my eyes but I refuse to let them fall.

Papa’s gaze bores into me. “Do. You. Understand?” he hisses.

I open my mouth—to say what, I don’t know—but before I can get the words out, another voice slices in.

“Joaquin? I’ve been meaning to ask you about these sconces all night. They are fabulous.”

I look over Papa’s shoulder to see the woman I made eye contact with only moments ago.

Does she know she’s saving me? I can’t be sure. But I try to send silent gratitude in her direction either way.

My father’s smile slides back in place as he releases his hold on my elbow and moves toward her.

I can feel tears welling up more and I know that this time, I can’t hold them in any longer.

So I back out of the room as surreptitiously as I can.

The moment the doors close behind me, I lift my dress and run down the hall towards the staircase.

Nausea overwhelms me but I don’t stop running until I’m in my room. I make it to the bathroom just in time.

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