Page 179 of Risks of Temptation

"There is no discussion on this topic," Malin states.

The President licks his lips at Emilia. "Lead the way."

"I'll be back," Gustave says.

The red in Malin's face deepens. "Gustave!"

The men leave, and Malin stares at them, then slowly looks at me.

I can't stop shaking.

Why is Gustave trying to sell me?

How could he?

Malin sits and pulls me in his lap.

"M-Malin," I whisper.

His lips hit my ear. "Stay calm. No one will touch you."

"Wh-why..." I can't finish.

"Shhh. I will kill anyone before they touch you."

I sometimes wonder if you forget it's dangerous. Malin's earlier concerns fly to my ears.

Did I not take his warning seriously enough? Is Gustave going to sell me under Malin's nose somehow? Is it possible?

"Please... I...don't..."

"Shhh." Malin firmly hushes me and tightens his arms around me. "Gustave has no authority over you. I paid for you. You are mine."

It feels like forever until Gustave comes back. He sits.

"What are you trying to do?" Malin seethes under his breath, glaring at Gustave.

"He agreed to give me access to all intel on the drug crops for all four cartels, border security, and military access. He will endorse me to take the place of Louis at Interpol."

"I don't care. No one will touch ma belle."

"Make sure they don't. You will go to the President's suite. He will watch. The rules of the stage will be in play. For one full hour, Roger will give you instructions on what he wants you to do, but he cannot touch her."

I gasp. My lungs seize, and I struggle to breathe.

"We will do no such thing," Malin argues.

Gustave scowls, lowering his voice. "This is what we need to end this. It's sixty minutes. No one will touch Emilia. You will be there. Do not let your emotions distract you from what's important. Do what needs to be done and do not let her break."

"My wife is what is important," Malin growls.

"Yes. As are the millions of other women in the world and everything else that falls apart should we not end this."

More women will continue to be owned and destroyed.

"I'll do it," I whisper.

Malin's eyes widen, flaring with shock and rage. "No, you will not."