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“So what are you expecting?” Maxine presses. “Please tell me you don’t mean to actually marry this man.”

I bite down on my bottom lip to suppress the torrent of emotions that’s been building inside of me for days. There’s only so much I can do to keep my feelings at bay before cracking. But I’ve been holding up, I’ve been trying to be strong.

“I may have to marry him,” I admit. “I don’t think I have a choice.”

They both start talking over themselves, trying to get me to see that it’s a terrible idea. But again, what choice do I have?

“We could get you away from him,” Maxine suggests. “On the day of the wedding. He can’t monitor you at all times. I could get everything in place. Hell, I’ll borrow a fucking private jet but I will not allow you to be stuck with that monster.”

“He has an army of men at his disposal who can and will be monitoring me at all times. Also, I think we should be careful what we say, I have no way of knowing if the call is being tapped and he’s listening in right now.”

“That’s an invasion of privacy,” Chloe bursts out.

For some reason, it’s funny. The man is a cold blooded murderer. Invasion of privacy is probably the least immoral thing he’s ever done.

Maxine stares at me through the screen, her keen brown eyes studying me.

“You have a plan, don’t you? I know you, Cassie. You’d never bow your head and just take it.”

I smirk. She does know me well. But since I’m not going to confirm that statement, I decide to move on.

“How’s my uncle?” I question. “Is he holding down the fort at the company?”

I’m a little angry he also knew about all of this and kept it from me. But my own father hid the truth so I guess I can’t blame him for falling in line as well.

“He’s fine. And the company’s running smoothly as far as we can tell. Although we’ve barely seen him,” Chloe replies.

Maxine nods, “I think he’s planning something.”

“Well he needs to unplan whatever it is he’s got in the works. I mean it. He can’t go up against Damien Luciano. He’ll only end up dead.”

And he’s the last blood relation I’ve got left. I don’t want him die.

“I understand. I’ll talk to him,” Maxine premises.

“Thank you,” I breathe. “Now, let’s talk bridesmaids dresses.”

They both trade similar worrying looks that make me smile. Honestly, I’d rather they weren’t present at the wedding at all. Who knows what’s going to happen? The last thing I want is for them to be in danger but I don’t think I’ll be able to face the day without them at my side.

I need strength for what’s going to go down over the next couple of days. My father raised me to be strong. And while Damien Luciano might be a powerful man. He’s not invincible.I just have to find his weak spot. Use it against him. And to do that, I might need to be more amenable to his requests, become exactly what he’d like me to be.

It’ll be hard. But I’ll even marry him with a smile if it’ll eventually lead to my escape. Thankfully we live in a century where divorce exists. I’ll spend the rest of my life getting away from him. Even if it’s the last thing I do.

After the phone call, I decide to step out of my room. My first time doing so of my own accord. When I open the door, I find a man standing to the side, on guard. I’ve noticed he seems to be in charge of watching me. He looks nice enough. Not intimidating with his long brown hair that he somehow makes work. Long hair on men can be obnoxious but he looks approachable, normal. And a little familiar. I wouldn’t be surprised if his guard duties have been going on for much longer than I realize.

“Miss Solis,” he says, inclining his head respectfully.

“Uh-hi. Good morning.”

“Morning,” he murmurs.

“You can call me Cassandra or Cassie. There’s no need to be so formal,” I tell him.

“What’s your name?”

“I’m Rafael. But I’d prefer to call you Miss Solis, ma’am.”

“Oh okay,” I mutter feeling uncomfortable.