Page 82 of Hunter's Revenge

Would Malik allow it?

“Are you really going to give me my share and let me go in six months?” I don’t want to be screwed over again, and I don’t want to allow myself to get involved in this only to end up with nothing.

“Yes. You get to keep what you’re supposed to keep, and in six months’ time, we go our separate ways.”

I hold his gaze, searching for that spark of truth I’ve grown accustomed to. It flickers for a fraction of a second and instils hope within me.

It’s six months.Only six months.

Compared to what I had planned, getting a billion-dollar fortune is beyond everything I’ve ever dreamed.

I can do six months for that.

“My father’s family isn’t just going to hand over everything to you because you found me. You know that, right?”

“You don’t need to worry about that part. Leave that to me. Right now, we just have to focus on getting married. Okay?”

Married. Me. Like many other things he’s said, the idea of marrying him still sounds strange to my ears. In three days’ time, I’ll be his wife.

“Yes.” My answer sounds like my signature on an unwritten contract.

“Perfect.” He issues me with an uncanny smile. “Now give me your left hand.”

“My hand?”

“Yes, give it to me now.”

I do with hesitation. He takes it, then pulls out the most beautiful diamond ring from his pocket and slips it on my ring finger.

Shock steals my senses at the sight of it. I wasn’t prepared for an actual ring but here it is. It’s as real as the ready-made fiancé sitting next to me.

A ring symbolizes shit just got real and I’m engaged to the devil.

The oval cut diamond is glorious, sitting on a thin gold band. It sparkles in the sunlight and the glint ripples on forever like an echo of a voice across a mountain range.

This is the kind of ring best reserved for royalty or girls like the Hiltons. But I have it on my finger.

“You will not take it off. I must see it at all times.” It’s as if he’s taking some kind of pleasure in this.

Really Gwen?This ring is a mark of ownership. Of course he’s taking pleasure in this. Men like him like the idea of owning a person. It’s not that much different to the collar around Sebastian’s neck.

Malik releases my hand but I stare at the ring for a few more moments. It truly is beautiful.

Did he go out and buy this for me?

It doesn’t matter. This isn’t real. The ring is just a prop.

I place my hand back on my lap and stare back at him. There are more important things I need to know. “Do I have to live here the whole time? For six months?”

“Yes. You will stay here with me. It’s safer this way. Once we’re married the doors will be opened to all sorts of threats.”

I believe him. “Does that mean you plan to keep me locked up in this house every day?”

His lips arch, revealing sinful dimples. “That part is entirely up to you. When I think I can trust you to keep playing nice outside of my watchful eye, we’ll talk some more about you leaving the property.”

I stifle a groan and hold my tongue. I’m walking on thin ice here with him, and I know I have to play his game to get what I want, but I can’t allow the people and the things I care about to suffer.

“I work,” I begin, keeping my tone measured while I level him a stare. “I work with Dru. We have plans that can’t be put to the side for six months. Regardless of what I get at the end of this, my business will suffer. And so will my grandmother for not seeing me.” Grams has already forgotten me. That night I left the nursing home, I planned to see her every week, so I need to see her.

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