Page 97 of Lethal Vows

“You willnotbe sleeping with anyone else.” My grip tightens on her wrist enough to leave bruises. But how else do I get through to this stubborn woman?

“You don’t own me.” She shoves past me.

I’m about to snap and shoot every single person in this restaurant.

My rage is a burning inferno.

This woman is insufferable. Intolerable. And fuckingmine.

I try to casually walk out behind her, but it’s obvious how furious she is, and I’m probably a toxic dark cloud behind her.

“I have to go. I’m meeting someone. But I’ll come by the house tomorrow. Are you fine with my things?” Rya says to her father.

He nods gravely.

“You’re leaving already?” Honey jumps out of her seat and looks between me and Rya. “Is everything okay?” she whispers as if to not draw attention.

Honey’s a well-trained woman. Completely opposite to this seething harpy across from me who haswaytoo much attitude.

“Everything’s fine,” we both grit out at the same time as our gazes connect again.

“Actually, I think your fiancé is a complete dickhead.”

“Rya!” Mr. Ricci snaps.

I raise my hand to him. “That’s rich coming from the spoiled little runaway lawyer who is so ridiculously good at winning cases but so completely dense when it comes to her own duties.”

“Duties?” she scoffs. “Why, because I refuse to spit out a baby and greet you with your slippers and a cigar every day you walk through the fucking door like a good housewife?”

We’re both leaning over the table, yelling.

My gaze flicks around the room, everyone quickly averting their attention. This fucking woman has made me completely lose my composure.

But then her eyes fall to Honey.

Honey seems to shrink back.

When I reach out to her, she steps out of reach. It’s a surprise that this good girl has a sliver of the backbone of her sister. What is it with these Ricci women? I’ve killed for less than this.

“Honey, let me explain,” Rya begins.

“No. I think that’s enough for one day,” she says, sounding diplomatic, and looks at her father for approval. “I think that’s enough of a show for everyone, isn’t it?” But quietly, she turns to me. “It was never me you wanted, was it?”

Honey looks at me pointedly. And I don’t know what it is that she expects to see. Mercy? Comfort? She will see neither of those traits.

“I am contracted to have a Ricci bride, and Iwillhave one,” is all I say.

“You are such apig!” A glass of water splashes my face from Rya’s direction. She isall ragenow. Even Honey knows better than to get in the middle as she steps back. Rya, however is vicious and hateful. And, fuck, those eyes of hers are shining with rage. I want to grab her and pin her against this table. This woman provokes every need in me, even in a situation like this.

My men step forward, but I raise my hand for them to stay out of it. Could I really reprimand Rya publicly in the same way I would others? If I did, she’d be dead.

“I’m sorry for my daughters,” Mr. Ricci begins. “It’s a very confusing situation.”

“I think it’s time we left,” Honey says, quickly gathering her things.

“Honey, can we talk?” Rya stretches her hand out to her sister.

“No,” Honey says with a tight smile. “Not today.”

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