Page 33 of Arranged Addiction

“You’re talking about getting me pregnant like it’s a science experiment.”

“I’m aware of what getting you pregnant will feel like.”

I shiver at the promise in the tone of his voice. “Agree to my terms.”

“Only if you agree to mine.”

I close my eyes. God, is this really happening? Natalie’s dead. There was so much blood. Now I’m negotiating about my future.

I’m going to get money, freedom, an arrangement with a beautiful man, and safety. All in exchange for my hand in marriage… and children.

“I choose when we have sex.”

He dips his head, a slight smile on his lips. “I can live with that.”

Something tells me he doesn’t think much about my self-control.

The bastard.

I shove my hand at him. “I get money, my own space, freedom to work and move around, control over our sex life, and protection. I get to say no when I want to. That means you have toearnme. You don’t get to own me. In exchange, you get a wife and children. Is that about it?”

“We should draw up an official contract.”

“Screw that. Shake on it here and now.” I lean in closer, glaring at him. “Or are you afraid I’m going to get the better end of this deal?”

His hand slips into mine. It’s big and strong as he grips tight. Slowly, he shakes his head.

“No, baby, I’m very sure I just got everything I could want and gave up almost nothing in exchange.”

That’s total bullshit. I got more than I should have.

But there’s one more thing.

“And I want to help you hunt down and kill Vincenzo Senesi.”

His eyes narrow. “That’s not possible.”

“I want revenge, Declan.”

His laugh is low and dangerous. “Do you have any idea what that even means?”

“I don’t care.” I refuse to release his hand. “Give me what I want.”

His gaze sweeps over my mouth before finally nodding. “So long as it doesn’t put you in danger.”

“Pleasure doing business with you.” I pull my hand back and quickly get up. “I’ll be heading home now.”

“Just like that?”

I reach into my pocket. The ring is still there. I pull it out and hold it up, about to slide it onto my finger.

But Declan moves fast. He grabs my wrist, dropping down to one knee in front of me. I stare in surprise as he takes the ring, flips my hand toward him, and slides it down onto my finger.

“Casey Brennan, you’re my wife now.”

Not a proposal. Not a question.

But a statement of blistering, horrible fact.