Page 30 of Vicious Seduction

I could have refused him. I could have hired an attorney with money I didn’t have and battled the charges for God knew how long. Chances were, I’d still end up convicted. Even I thought I looked guilty as hell. I couldn’t see even a remote possibility where that scenario worked out in my favor.

Think, Lina. Think.

And if I agreed? What would that mean for me and everything I’d worked toward?

Oran was a member of Olympus, which might still be helpful, but I was almost certain he hadn’t yet joined the Society. They were too secretive to take on a new member so quickly unless he already had a connection on the inside. Someone who knew him well enough to unveil the group’s existence. Even then, I suspected he would have to be a member at Olympus for some time while they vetted him.

Even if you were seemingly engaged to Oran, would that deter Lawrence from wanting more time with you?

He was so morally corrupt that an engagement would probably enhance my appeal. If I still had access to Lawrence and could add Oran as a possible information outlet, maybe this wouldn’t have to be a total disaster.

I hated that my choices were being stripped away from me yet again by an entitled asshole who thought he could have whatever he wanted. And to think I’d almost been taken in by his charm. I was embarrassed by my naivete and whimsical fantasy that a selfless, kindhearted man might swoop in to save the day. That type of mythical creature didn’t exist.

“Only in public,” I demanded. “I’m not fucking you.” If we were doing this, I wanted to be clear on the terms.

“Assuming you don’t want to.” A fire lit his eyes. “Never say never, Lina.”

“Honestly, how do you even fit through the door with that ego of yours?”

He tipped the tiniest bit forward. “Very. Carefully.” Then he breathed deeply in through his nose, his brows knitting together as if savoring the flavors of a fine wine. “Now, get out your phone. You need to text Wellington and tell him you’re not attending the party.”

“Why not? Don’t you want to show off your newfiancée?”

“Not tonight. We have a wedding to attend tomorrow.”

He wouldn’t. Hecouldn’t,could he?

Look at everything else he’s done. What makes you think he wouldn’t?

The world spun.

CHAPTER 15

ORAN

Shit,she was going to pass out.

“Breathe, Lina.” I pulled her against me to keep her upright. “You can relax. The wedding’s not ours,” I quipped sharply. “My cousin’s getting married, and you’re my date.”

The woman knew how to humble a man.

I’d meant to toy with her, but she acted like I’d threatened exile in Siberia.

Surprising me again, she shoved my chest, a fire lighting in her eyes. “That wasn’t funny, asshole.”

I let a wicked grin darken my face. “Depends on who you ask.”

“This is mylife, Oran. Notsome fucking game.”

“Considering the clown you’ve been dating, I’m not sure you know the difference.”

The slap came without warning. It resounded in my ears and stiffened my cock. I wasn’t sure why, but seeing her feisty side made me want to bend her over the desk until the entire precinct heard her come.

“Glad to see you still have some sense left.” Hunger clawed at my voice, leaving it raw and guttural.

“No thanks to you.”

“Remember you said that.”

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