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The moment the door closes behind him, I bury my face in my hands.

Consequences?

He’s right.

I don’t think I want to know what they are.

And I hate myself a little for wanting to uncover the good ones. Those that have to do with sex.

I get up and take a wobbly step.

After all, I’m married.

To a monster, yes, but maybe if I play nice, I can get what I want after all.

Quid pro quo.

I give him something and he rewards me with something in return.

If I have to pretend it’s mind-bending orgasms to make him happy, so be it.

Patience will get me what I really need.

Two years. That’s what he’s getting out of me, that’s it.

I clench and unclench my fingers, anger now searing my blood.

And when I’m gone, I won’t ever look back at the people who put me at this man’s mercy. My father included.

NINE

callahan

She’s mine.

I can’t stop thinking that.

She’s mine. To do with what I want, when I want. And I will. I’m looking forward to breaking her, learning about her, teasing out her kinks and desires.

“I half expected you to wear your mask down the aisle, Lucia.” I say that even though all masks have been discarded by this point.

“Too many horrible memories. Someone tried to cop a feel in a park last time.”

“I’ll kill anyone who does that.”

She opens her mouth.

I smile. “Anyone but me.”

And I’m being deadly serious. Right now, she’s mine. She’s important to the deal, to my plans, but the fact that she’s been in my brain since that night… hell, this sham is gonna be fun.

“Well, that’s a damn pity,” she says.

“Ah, hello, you must be the girl my brother Seamus wanted to shoot the other night,” Declan says, interrupting us. “Gladhe didn’t. Dance with me. I’m Declan. Cal’s brother.” He casts a glance at me and winks.

She takes his hand and says, “Call me Lucie,” then drags him off to dance.

“Shouldn’t you be having the first dance?” Torin hands me a drink. Sweet, beautiful whiskey.