Page 52 of Beautiful Trauma

His expression darkened. “Are you sure about that?”

“You said it yourself that the alliance was very beneficial to your family.”

“That’s before I realized I was getting damaged goods.”

“Excuse me?”

After downing another whiskey, Brian went over to the massive mahogany desk. He swept a manila folder off it beforehe came over to me. When he opened the file, I held my hand out, but he didn’t pass it over. Instead, he flicked photo after photo at me.

One glance at a fluttering image told me everything I needed to know. He’d discovered Annika’s well kept secret.

She was a lesbian.

When Brian stared expectantly at me, I replied, “I didn’t need the theatrics.”

“So, you’re well aware of your sister’s sexual orientation.”

“Of course I am.”

“Then you also willingly deceived me.”

With my patience running thin, I couldn’t stop myself from saying, “While I’m not well-versed with marital contracts, I assume there isn’t a box to check whether you prefer dick or pussy.”

Brian barked out a laugh at my response. “Aren’t you a frank one?”

“Yes, I am. As long as Annika consummated the marriage and gave you children, why do you care if she fucks women? It isn’t like underworld men are ever faithful.”

In a flash, the amusement drained from Brian’s face. “But our wives are!” he blared, causing me to jump. I’d barely recovered before he rushed forward to close the gap between us.

“Do you know what would happen to my reputation if it got out that my wife preferred fucking a strap on to my cock?” He shook his head manically back and forth. “I would be the fucking laughing stock of the underworld.”

“But if she was discreet–”

“You should know as well as I do that nothing in our world truly stays buried.”

I swallowed hard. “Then what do you plan to do?”

His gaze trailed down my body. “Take the next available Korolova daughter.”

Icy fear pelted against me at his words, causing me to stagger back. I gripped the arm of the sofa to keep from falling. “Me?”

He chuckled. “Why do you act so surprised? You’re unattached to any marital contracts, and you’re just as attractive as your cunt of a sister.”

No, no, no! This couldn’t be happening. As I fought to keep from losing it, I countered, “My father agreed to this?”

I’d been there in the meeting and heard how much my father wanted the alliance with the Byrnes. Because of his feelings, I couldn’t imagine he would want me to outshine Annika. Of course, while she might’ve been his favorite, not even his partiality to her would have him walking away from the deal.

“No. This is all my doing.”

A tiny flicker of hope burned in me that Father didn’t know. “He will never agree to this.”

“He will when he’s persuaded.” Brian loomed over me. “And trust me, Ms. Korolova, I can be very persuasive.”

I drew my shoulders back. “I have a life in America, Mr. Byrne. I will not give it up simply because you want to throw a tantrum about Annika’s sexuality. You can find yourself another bride.”

His palm cracked against my cheek so hard that my vision blurred. As a cry escaped my lips, I pressed my palm against my aching skin.

“How dare you speak to me like that?” Brian demanded.