Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82517 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82517 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
“For fuck’s sake, Roman, I saw those bloody sheets. An annulment would make you a mockery, and I would be laughed at. Our power, our reach, it would sever overnight.”
“There’s no guarantee she’s a virgin,” he said.
Lucas snorted. “Please, you think that woman in there is not a virgin? I have known Liam my whole life. I’ve had many dealings with him over the years, and I have also seen that little girl grow up into a beautiful woman. There is a reason I didn’t pursue the test. I knew she spoke the truth.”
“But you’re … you don’t like her.”
“I’m not used to a woman who can’t be controlled, Roman. Surely you can see that she is … different.”
“Yes.”
“Liam hasn’t trapped her in a life like we do. He allows her to be her own person, within his protection, and I know it makes her a subject of gossip in our family. Liam is a powerful person. I have watched him go from nothing to controlling the streets of the city, Roman. He is not a man to be insulted. The only weakness he has is that woman in that house. He will do everything for her, and if she is unhappy in this marriage with you, and seeks an annulment, then he will do it. Even if it means soaking the streets with blood. He will.”
“We will fight him.”
“Roman, I know you are a Greco. My blood runs in your veins, and I know we will put up a good fight with Liam, but I could never guarantee the outcome. Our men and our women would die just because you won’t make a young innocent woman fall in love with you.”
“Do you want me to rape her?” Roman asked, trying not to show his anger, but it was difficult not to.
“No. Of course not. I would have no choice but to let Liam handle you, and anyone who goes against Liam is never found again. You are set to take over one day. What I am telling you to do is get Alex to fall in love with you. By doing so, you’ll be able to bed her, and then any annulment cannot happen. Our families are united. We are strong apart, but together, we are unstoppable.”
“You don’t think it makes us look weak, binding ourselves to Liam?”
“No, it is the best and wisest decision we have made. Trust me on this.”
Chapter Six
Being seated at the dinner table with Lucas, her father, Roman, Antonio, Marlo, and Cash was the most surreal experience for Alex. She sat next to her father, while Lucas sat opposite him on the other end of the table. Roman was beside her father, next to her. Opposite were his three friends.
Millie and a few of their wait staff brought out platters of food for them to serve themselves.
“You have food prepared at home?” Lucas asked.
“Yes, it has always been this way.”
“And you don’t find that reckless?”
Liam smiled at Millie, who was shooting dangers at Lucas. The man had just insulted her cooking.
Alex wondered if Lucas had a death wish. She wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t do something awful, like not season his food.
“I have found that if you have the right allies, make friends, and don’t fuck them over, they don’t want to poison you. Maybe you should try it. It beats all that crap they serve at restaurants.”
“There is no way I would allow my family to eat at such … places.” Millie glared at him. “I’m watching you.”
Lucas held his hands up. “I’m sorry. In my experience…”
“We’ve had people die from poisoning. My little sister died because of it,” Roman said.
“I had no idea,” Liam said. “I’m sorry.”
“It was ten years ago, but still, you are right. I have too many enemies and certainly not enough friends.”
Liam grabbed his glass. “Then let’s toast to new friendships and a future of peace.”
Alex lifted her glass and joined in with the toast. There was no point in arguing with them.
“How was Stuart?” Liam asked.
“He’s not … the past couple of months have been hard on him.”
“I know, but he must learn to adapt.”
“I still think I could—”
“No.” Liam slapped his palm on the side of the table.
“Dad, please.”
“That boy is not your responsibility. You are not going to take the time adopting him or having anything to do with him. That is final.”
This was the only time they disagreed on something, and it sucked, big time. She stared down at her plate.
Silence rang around the table.
“Maybe I can be of some assistance,” Lucas asked.
“My daughter found a kid. A sweet kid, but he’s not hers. She wanted to adopt him at eighteen. From personal experience, raising a kid is not easy. Besides, you now have a husband of your own. End of discussion.”
Alex had never asked for anything. She’d never caused a problem. Never made waves. She’d been the perfect daughter to him. Gripping the edge of the chair, she tried to calm herself, to remove the tension building in her body, but it just kept threatening to get out. To expel.