Page 17 of Sinner's Salvation

He has the decency to purse his lips. “I would like you to see it as a win-win situation.”

Color me fucking intrigued at his sheer arrogance to believe I need him. He needs me more.

“While you gain popularity by association, what do I get except a headache?”

His nostrils flare at my blatant disrespect, but he should know to cut the bullshit by now.

“My daughter—”

“She’s a little young for me, don’t you think?” I play dumb, enjoying the vein bulging in his forehead.

“Cam,” Kieran warns. I raise my hands in surrender.

“My eldest daughter, Violet.”

“I know. You want me to marry your daughter so you, one tiny piece in the big game, will support me from now on?”

“I will.”

“This is fucking crazy,” I snap.

He looks at Kieran and then back at me. “I know your end game is the presidency. But you still have a ways to go before that happens. And it’s going to take more influence than you have gathered to do it.”

This sounds interesting. What did I miss? I hate when someone has information that is not in my favor.

“You’ve been in this scene for a few years now. I have been around for over twenty-five years. I see myself in you. Everyone wants to make a name for themselves. Some swim with the current and either drown or stay afloat. And some—a very particular breed—will take another route, doing whatever it takes to get on top. We are the favor-givers.”

“When did you decide I would be a good fit for your daughter?”

His eyes widen in surprise. If he thinks I am going to blow him because he is clever enough not to drown, then he is plain stupid.

“You’ll be my son-in-law, thus making you part of my family. You would never harm Violet. Knowing you, you’ll let her be. Marry my daughter and you will have my alliance. You will be undefeated. You will become a legend.”

I can do all of that on my own. As if Kieran knows what I am thinking, he stares at me.

“What’s wrong with her?” I ask.

Campbell freezes and adds, “Violet has phobias. Of touch, of germs, of intimacy... of the real world.”

“So, she’s a nutcase.”

He shoots to his feet and paces around, fuming.

Kieran clenches his jaw, shouting in a whisper, “Cut the bullshit already.”

“I want to meet her first.”

“Before you leave this house, give me your word that you will marry her. I want a normal life for my daughter. Violet needs patience. You wouldn’t be here without that.”

“No, you want the heat off you.”

His lips thin and he has the decency not to contradict me.

“We have a deal,” I say, my voice flat.

“Good. She won’t be a problem.”

Fuck my luck.

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