Page 86 of Lethal Vows

Angel and Dominic stand, and right next to them is Crue’s mother, who does not look happy to be here.

“Uh, Crue?” Crue doesn’t say a word as he leads me toward the unknown man, who, on closer inspection, is definitely a priest. “What is happening?” It takes me longer than it should to realize what’s happening. When it finally registers, I try to tug Crue back, but we’re already in front of the priest.

Finally, I can pull my hand free, and then I glare at Crue. “What are you doing?” I hiss.

“You told me not to ask you again,” he says like it should be obvious. “So I won’t.” He turns to the priest and nods his head.

“Welcome,” the priest says.

I place my hand on Crue’s cheek, turn his head to get close, and growl, “I willnotmarry you. How many times do I have to tell you?” I pull away and take a step back.

“Rya—” He starts, but I put up my hand.

“Sex doesnotmean I will marry you. What don’t you get about that?”

“I have to get married, Rya. I’d like it to be to you.”

“You don’thaveto do anything,” I tell him.

“Oh, but I do.Please…” he slowly approaches me and cups my cheeks, “… let it be you.”

“I won’t marry you, Crue.”

“Well, this is fucking torture,” I hear Dominic mutter, but I don’t pay him any attention. Crue looks deep into my eyes, and the pleading look can only be described as desperate.

How is it possible this man could be desperate? He could have anyone he wants.

“Thishasto end,” I say out loud. “I have entertained this too long.” I shake my head. “I have to go.”

Crue’s hand shoots out and grabs my wrist, pulling me in close. That’s when his nostrils flare, and the vein in his neck pulsates like it might explode. His high chin and protruding eyes tell me he is more than angry. He is furious!

But does he not realize that what he’s done here is wrong on so many levels?

“I’ve played nice, and I’ve been patient,” he seethes.

“You shot a man for touching me!” I scoff and hear the priest behind us splutter, but he covers it with a cough. “Is that what you consider nice or patient?” I try to loosen his grip on me but he smirks and lifts his hand to the back of my head, then leans his forehead against mine. “Yes, because any other woman who dared say no, I would have made her crawl down that fucking aisle if she had half the attitude you do.” I try to push away, but he holds me tightly, and his eyes remain firmly on mine. “Marry me, or so help me God—”

Before he can say anything else, I reach for his waist and grab his gun.

“You won’t use it,” he says confidently.

“Yes, I damn well will,” I reply, then shoot his leg. He releases his grip on me.

I drop the gun and then say, “Marry your fucking mother for all I care!” I scream at him before I run, as fast as my legs will fucking carry me.

CHAPTER56

Crue

Runaway bride and a fucking bullet wound in my leg.

Perfect!

Just fucking perfect!

“It’s fine. She just nicked me,” I say as my mother fusses around me while I am trying to brush her away.

“You are too kind to that woman. It’s time to show her the real you,” she demands, vengeance lacing her tone, and her eyes are flinty as all fuck.

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