Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98583 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98583 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Her lips twitch. Her eyelids spasm. I don’t think I’ve ever said no to her like this before in my entire life, and it feels kind of awesome.
But also terrifying as hell.
“You must not understand me.” Her tone is ice cold now. Her eyes narrow as she stands. “Your husband is causing trouble, and it will not end well for him. Speak to him and make him stop. I am not asking.”
“And I’m not listening. Adriano’s business is his own. I’m not going to tell him to stop, not when he’s the only person that seems to care about my safety.”
“How dare you? You’re my only granddaughter.” She has the nerve to look offended. “I care deeply—”
“You sold me to him. You did it purely because you needed money.”
“I did it because he can protect you from that monster Demir,” she hisses at me. “What, you didn’t know? He didn’t tell you? I promised you to Demir before I ever promised you to Adriano, thinking that the Turkish bastard would never come to collect. But then he did, and I realized giving you to someone even more powerful was the only way to keep you out of his hands. I saved you, girl!”
Laughter bubbles up from my guts. I can’t help myself. I stare at her, and suddenly I can see Grandmother for what she is: old, over her head, miserable, obsessed with status, and willing to do anything at all to make sure our family name continues. Also, she’s more than a little racist.
“What in the Lord’s name is so funny?” she asks, enraged now.
“You sold me twice!” I cackle at her, shaking my head. “And you think somehow doing it a second time makes up for the first? Grandmother, you’re insane.”
“Don’t you dare talk to me like that.”
“I’m not going to say a word to Adriano. If anything, I’m going to encourage it. Please don’t come back here anymore. You’re not welcome in this house.”
Her eyes widen. “How dare you?”
“Get out, Helena. I’m tired of you treating me like your lapdog. I don’t take orders from you anymore. I don’t care how many clubs kick you to the curb. I’m not interested in your rich lady problems anymore. Just get out.”
She clutches her purse against her chest, eyes wide with fury. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her like this before, and I love it. Though a part of me is worried her heart’s about to explode.
Assuming she’s got one. I’m not convinced.
“I knew marrying you to a man like that would corrupt you. I had just hoped that perhaps I instilled some decorum and manners in you, enough to counterbalance his peasant influence. But I suppose I was wrong. You always were a lost cause.”
“Thanks a bunch. It was a delightful visit.” I storm to the door and shove through it.
“I’m so disappointed in you!” she calls after me.
“Good,” I mutter to myself. “I’m disappointed too. Should’ve done that sooner.”
I stomp up the steps. Anger propels me toward Adriano’s study. He’s been locked in there all morning taking calls and making plans. I don’t even know why I’m going to him or what I want to say, but it’s like I need to wash the taste of Grandmother’s visit out of my mouth. I need to see someone who actually cares about me.
Adriano looks tired when I barge into his office. But instead of being annoyed that I’m interrupting him, his entire face brightens. Some of his exhaustion fades when he sits up.
“Couldn’t live without me for a few hours?” he asks, teasing.
I slam his door shut. “Grandmother was just here.”
His smile fades. “Is she still here?”
“No, I sent her away.” My jaw works. “God, the nerve of that woman. She came in here and demanded that I talk you out of whatever you’ve been doing around the city because somehow it’s making her life harder.”
Adriano sits back, looking thoughtful. “I’m not surprised. I’ve made more than a few enemies lately.”
“It’s true then? You’re pissing everyone off?”
“Rich people don’t like it when you burn their fancy art to the ground.” He grins slightly, head tilted to the side. “Helena must be getting some real nasty calls.”
I stare at him, heart racing, and it hits me all at once. The way he’s smirking, clearly delighted by the destruction. Grandmother’s anger downstairs, her whole demeanor, how afraid she seemed.
This is serious. It’s beyond serious—it’s a very, very deadly game.
“You don’t have to do this,” I say softly, going toward his desk.
“Are you doing your grandmother’s bidding now?”
“No, I mean, screw her. I’m just saying, you married me to get my family connections, right? If you keep burning down their art, then you can forget about any of that.”
He pushes his chair back and stands. I watch him come around the desk, moving like a lithe, deadly panther. The man is so sleek and beautiful, his athletic body like a piece of oiled machinery. I shiver when he touches me and pulls me lightly against his chest.