Page 101 of Risks of Temptation

18

Malin

"I won't do it,"I tell Gustave.

He crosses his arms and sits back in his seat. The last hour we've been going around and around. His voice calms. "Tell me what you are going to do to protect her."

I scrub my face. "I don't know. But she cannot be subjected to the room."

"There are no other options. If any man knows what you are going through right now, it's me. But you must claim her. President Tyler wants to buy her. Louis wants the money. You know what she is worth."

I cross an arm over my chest, put my elbow on it, and press my palm to my forehead, trying to stop the headache that's been throbbing for the last few hours. "She's innocent."

"Which is why she's worth so much."

I want to tell Gustave he's wrong. I wish there were somewhere for me to hide Emilia. But deep down, I know there is no other solution. If I don't claim her as mine, they will track us down. She will be broken in at the whorehouse, bought, then destroyed in front of everyone again. I shudder at the thought.

"Bernadette will spend the next two weeks training her. I will teach you."

"I don't need—"

"You are weak around her. Anyone can see your infatuation. You cannot act like this in the room. Training is a must."

"I still haven't agreed to this," I argue, but it's a no-win situation.

"Do you want her with you or the President when this is over?"

I scowl at Gustave.

"This is the reality we are in. If you do not save her, he will buy her. It will only be a matter of time. He will let others use her, to watch her suffer. And I need you in the room with me. If we don't move quickly, everything as we know it will be gone forever."

Why does Emilia have to be part of this?

I rise. "I need to talk to ma belle." I go to the back of the plane. "I need to speak with ma belle alone."

Bernadette rises, gives me a small smile, and pats my arm on her way out.

Emilia stands. Her blue eyes are mixed with fear and worry. But I also see love and her fierce determination. It all pulls at my heartstrings.

I pull her into my arms. "Ma belle—"

"I'm going to do it." She looks up. "We are going to do it. I need to be with you. I can't run from this. We both know that. You must do what it takes to claim me as yours."

"I already have claimed you," I growl.

She cups my cheeks. "You know what I mean."

I close my eyes, wanting to keep her in my arms forever. "I don't want this."

"Look at me, Malin."

I open my eyes, and there's so much courage in hers. I hate myself that she has all of it right now.

"It will be us. You and me."

"But it won't be."

She puts her finger over my lips. "Shhh. No matter what, it's you and me. As long as you are the only one who can touch me, I can handle the rest."