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“Not exactly. I just want to make the right choice for the company.”

“Hmm,” Miguel nods thoughtfully. Then, almost too casually, he asks, “Does this have anything to do with your new husband?”

I blink, “Why would it?”

He shrugs, “You’ve always been an independent thinker, Cassie. I’m sure you’ve thought about this eventuality before. All signs pointed to your father bequeathing the company to you. And yet you’re delaying making a decision. Which leads me to believe Damien Luciano might be well,” his smile flattens slightly. “Pulling your strings in the background.”

My fists clench, “I assure you, uncle, I’m perfectly capable of thinking for myself.”

“I’m sure you are, Cassie,” he says softly and then there’s a pause, “May I speak candidly.”

I nod, cautious.

“It’s no secret who he is and what he does for a living. I cannot stress enough how imperative it is that you do not fall into his wed.”

My throat tightens but I don’t say a word, letting him continue.

“You married him under duress. That much is clear. The circumstances of your wedding were trouble and now you’re his prisoner.”

“I’m not a prisoner,” I argue quietly.

“No?” his voice is still even, but cooler now. “This is the first time you’ve been allowed away from his home in weeks and even now, bodyguards surround this house. He’s keeping you in a cage, Cassandra.”

“The situation is complicated,” I say defensively.

He leans forward, “Cassie, listen to me. I can see that you’re starting to get drawn by him. I know who Damien Luciano is. I know what he’s capable of. He’s dangerous and not just in the abstract, mobster sense of the word. He is truly dangerous.”

“I know that,” I mutter.

“Do you? You think just because he’s being kind now, he won’t snap late? You think there won’t come a day when you’ll say the wrong thing, and he’ll remind you what kind of man he really is?”

“He would never hurt me,” I say with conviction.

My uncle rises from his chair, walking slowly around the desk. I can see his patience unraveling. Miguel has always been calm, composed, but right now it almost feels like that’s vanishing before my eyes. And something colder is rising in his place.

“I watched you grow up, Cassie. Raised you when your father was stricken with grief after your mother died. I won’t stand by and watch you fall into a monster’s trap.”

“I’m old enough to make my own choice.”

He exhales sharply. “You want to know the kind of man you’re defending? The one you’ve tied yourself to? The one you’re slowly giving your heart to? Don’t even think about trying to deny it. it’s clear as day. He’s whispering advice in your ear and trying to turn you against your family.”

My jaw tightens, “Nothing of the sort is happening uncle. And I know who Damien is. He would never hurt me so you can stop worrying.”

“He killed his own mother, Cassie. The woman who gave him life. What makes you think he wouldn’t do the same to you?”

My heart stops. The words hit me like a slap.

“What?” I breathe.

He nods slowly. “You heard me. Damien murdered his mother. Shot her in cold blood. without any repercussions because that’s the kind of man he is. He has power. Power to do whatever he wants. And when he finally grows tired of you, what makes you think he won’t do the same thing again. Kill you and find the next pretty innocent woman to make his.”

“Enough,” I say, my heart thudding loudly in my ears.

“No. I can assure you, my little niece, there’s still so much you don’t know about him. So much you don’t know overall,” he says, lips pressed in a thin line.

He looks to be genuinely hesitating to say his next words, which has my heart thundering with fear. Oh God, what else?

“Uncle,” I say, swallowing lightly, “You might as well say whatever’s on your mind.”