Page 32 of Arranged Addiction

“My father’s dying.” I start and look over. Declan’s watching the kids play on the playground. Their mother’s young and pretty, but she seems overwhelmed. “When he’s gone, I’m going to take over the family business.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. About your dad, I mean.”

“In our line of work, family is important. Stability is a sign of strength. The fact that I’m as old as I am and don’t have a wife yet is a big mark against me as a leader.”

“Is that why you want to marry me?”

“Among other reasons. I need to lay the groundwork now before my father passes. I have to ensure the transition is smooth.”

“You think taking a wife will help with that. You know it sounds crazy, right?”

He nods slowly, still not looking at me. “If you knew my family, you’d understand.”

“Sheila made it sound like you’re criminals.”

“Among other things, yes. We’re an old clan. The Whelan name goes way back to Ireland where my ancestors controlled territory all across the western coast.”

“Where do my parents fit into that?”

“They had their own organization. We weren’t allies, but we were something close to it. It was a shock to the whole city when your parents were killed.”

“By Senesi.”

“That’s right. Vincenzo Senesi.” He finally looks at me, head tilted to the side. “I know you feel like I’m blackmailing you. And maybe that’s exactly what I’m doing. But we can help each other, Casey. You can become my wife. Give me the foundation and the legitimacy I need as I take over my family’s business. I can make sure you’re safe.”

I don’t say anything. Instead, I let it sink in. I knew, the second I stormed out of his apartment, that we’d eventually come to this. Sheila made it pretty clear he’s my only option and I trust her more than anyone else in the world. With Natalie gone, she’s all I have.

Maybe coming here was stupid and impulsive… but also a good negotiating strategy.

Show him I’m willing to walk.

“I want more.” Now it’s my turn to look away from him. I’m worried that if I hold his gaze, I won’t be strong enough to keep going. “You need me as much as I need you.”

“What do you want?”

“Protection for Sheila. Make sure Senesi can’t hurt her.”

“I can do my best.”

“I want your word. And more too. Whatever we have, it’ll just be an arrangement. I want the freedom to work when I want to. I’m not going to be some submissive little mouse following you around all the time.”

“I wouldn’t want that.”

“And I want my own bank account with a contractually specific stipend paid every month.”

He sounds amused. “I didn’t realize we were negotiating.”

“I want my own space. I want the freedom to come and go as I please.”

“That will make protecting you very difficult.”

“You’ll figure it out. You’re a smart guy.”

His smile seems bitterly angry. “Alright. You want to negotiate? Then I have my own needs.” He moves closer. His body is so big and strong. I feel small next to him. “You will give me children.”

I pull back. “Excuse me?”

“I told you, family is important. Creating the next generation matters.”