Page 60 of A Forbidden Arrangement

“That’s not very nice.” He catches my wrists and gently pries me back.

I fix my gaze on the fourth button of his shirt. If I don’t move, maybe everyone will forget I exist.

“Look up for me.”

I shake my head harder. From now on, this is my permanent position.

“I told you you were safe with me.” His mouth lowers until his lips brush my ear, his voice a low hum that sends goose bumps racing over my skin. “Look around. I promise I have you.”

My chin snaps up, and I glare at him. “If your plan was murder by mortification, congratulations. You succeeded.”

His lips press together in that half smile I’m starting to recognize.

A soft breath escapes him, almost a laugh. I focus on his perfectly knotted tie to keep the world blurry around us.

“Dahlia.”

“No.”

“Dahlia.”

“Jerkface.”

This time, his laugh fills the space, rich and unguarded. Sparks dance low in my stomach. I clench my teeth, trying to ignore how proud I am to be the one to crack his perfect composure.

“I’ll give you five seconds before I lift you again if you don’t look around.”

I glare at his neck, wishing looks could kill.

“Five. Four. Three. Two?—”

I shove him back with both hands. “Fine. Whatever.” My teeth grind together as I brace myself and face the crowd head-on.

I’m ready for battle.

The air whooshes out of me. No one’s looking. Every back is turned, forming a quiet pocket around us.

I can almost feel their curiosity, their need to turn, but whatever holds them still is stronger.

My mouth falls open as I take it in.

“Did you think I’d let them watch?”

A shiver races down my spine.

“The second I lifted you, no one in this room dared look your way.” His forehead rests against the back of my head, his breath warm against my neck.

“I get it. You’re terrifying. They wouldn’t dare disrespect you.”

His hand finds mine, thumb rolling my ring. “You’re wrong, Dahlia. They wouldn’t dare disrespectyou. You and Misty are the most powerful people in this room. All you have to do is ask, and they’ll give you what you want. Tell them to bow. Tell them to kneel. That’s the kind of power you hold now.”

His words hit hard, flooding through me until I tremble. I’ve felt helpless my whole life, like all I could do was take what came. When I woke up married, I thought it was another decision made for me, proof I never had control of anything.

But right now, with blood roaring in my veins and my heart pounding against my ribs, I feel alive. For once, I could take anything I wanted. My useless parents, the Fosters, the Bradleys. They were all just steps leading me here.To you.

“Do you understand now?”

I exhale, then inhale slowly. My shoulders square. My chin lifts. When I speak, my voice doesn’t shake. “You may resume.”