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Had he continued to give me trouble, I’d have waited until he left the building, followed him home, and slit his throat there.

During the interview, I scoot Genesis’s chair closer to mine, and her body un-tenses an inch. I rest my hand on her bouncing leg, and it stops.

They ask her the same questions Warren said they would, and she replies as he directed her.

I’m fucking proud of the way she’s carrying herself. She might not think it right now, but Genesis is fucking strong.

This interview had better get the Feds off her back. I’m worried they’ll keep messing with her, needing to make an example out ofanyonethey can to scare others from pulling the same shit Carlisle did.

When finished, we return to Warren’s office to discuss the marriage contract.

“Tell him the changes you want,” I direct Genesis.

She recites what she said in the kitchen while also adding a few things.

“An allowance of twenty grand a month,” is her first addition.

“Done,” I reply with no hesitation.

“A monthly donation of five thousand to the shelter.”

“Done.”

“Agreement that I’ll work at the shelter four days a week.”

“Fuck no.” That’s one I’ll put a stop to.

“Three days.”

“One.”

“Two.”

“Fine.” I motion toward Warren to add that pain-in-my-ass clause.

I’ll figure out a way to get her out of volunteering even if I have to pay someone else to take her shifts there.

Maybe I should’ve chosen an easier baby mother. Antonio could’ve arranged a marriage for me that’d give us real estate, power, or money. Possibly all three.

Men in this world have no problem exchanging their daughters for deals.

Just like Genesis’s father did.

A sour taste fills my mouth at the reminder.

I wish I could slit that fucker’s throat. I’d have watched him bleed out with relish.

I never planned to take thearranged marriageroute.

Forcing a woman to marry me always felt too Draconian.

My father wasn’t a fan of them either. He made it clear to the Lombardis that Melissa was never up for sale.

I gave Genesis the choice.

She could’ve said no and walked away.

She didn’t.