Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“I don’t believe in it.”
“It’s not made up,” she argues.
“It is in my world.”
“Well, it’s real in mine.” I smile because she’s so earnest. I know I’m upsetting her, and I shouldn’t enjoy it, but I am.
“We live in the same world, Emmie.”
“I told you I didn’t like you calling me that.”
“You let Victorio,” I point out. I don’t want to say that fact bothers me, but it does. It’s probably because she’s entirely too friendly with her bodyguard.
“That’s different. Vic is my friend.”
“You’re a job to him—not a friend. If that line is crossed, it means he’s not effective at his job.”
“You make it sound so black and white.”
“Most things are, Emilia.” I’m annoyed she doesn’t want me using the nickname. I don’t fight it, however. There’s no point. I’m marrying her out of duty to her father and to protect her. That’s all this is.
“You’re wrong.”
“You’ve been saying that a lot tonight,” I point out.
“Someone needs to. I think you might be delusional,” she mutters, not looking at me. I get the distinct impression that she’s not even aware that she says the words out loud.
I put my fingers under her chin, lifting her head so that I can see her face.
“I know exactly what I’m doing, Emilia. We’re getting married. You need to start making yourself comfortable with that reality, little one.”
“I don’t understand, Niko. Why would you do this? Why?”
I stare at her a moment trying to figure out that question for myself. There are several answers, but somehow, I think every single one of them would upset her further. I doubt any girl wants to hear that her father asked and you’re doing it because you owe the man. I’m positive she doesn’t want to hear your body shows promise and one day I might even enjoy it. So, finally, I just give her the truth.
“Because I can.”
CHAPTER 14
Emilia
Three Years Later
“You look beautiful tonight, Emilia.”
I look at Niko—my fiancé. I’ve had three years to get used to that fact and I still haven’t. I’m not sure I ever will. Regardless, I have no doubt that we will be married. I’ve resigned myself to the fact, but that doesn’t mean I’m thrilled about it. Zoe gets after me all the time. She thinks I’m crazy because Niko is “dreamy”. Every time she says that, I roll my eyes. I mean, she’s not wrong. Niko is perfect. He looks as if he was carved out of marble by Michelangelo himself. The only thing that makes him even seem partially human are the smattering of freckles that run along his nose. Sadly, I even find those beautiful. Zoe doesn’t understand why I’m fighting this engagement so hard. There are days I even wonder why myself, but why would you marry someone who doesn’t know you? Niko is like a robot. We’ve gone out to “family” functions, and we have a standing date every Friday night. Yet, I know nothing about him. We never discuss anything personal. We talk, but it’s stilted at best. If it is a sign of what the rest of my life is going to be like, I don’t want it. I keep hoping for a sign that things will change, but I’m slowly giving up that hope.
“I look the same as I do every night.”
“And you’re always beautiful.”
I let out an annoyed breath. I’m starting to think Niko saying I’m beautiful is another way of saying he’s bored stiff trying to talk to me. I know it’s starting to grate on my nerves. “Why do you always do that, Niko?”
“Do what?”
“You always comment on my beauty, but you never really talk to me. We know next to nothing about one another and still, we’re supposed to get married.”
“We’re going to get married,” he corrects me and that just upsets me more.
“If you say so,” I murmur under my breath.
He doesn’t respond right away. I can tell by the stiffening in his posture I’ve annoyed him. I shouldn’t. I take a breath to calm my nerves. There’s a lot about Niko that I don’t understand, but I do know I’m safe with him. Niko’s hand goes to my back, heating my skin instantly. He directs me to our usual table at Mario’s. This is where we go for every would-be date. I don’t mean to be bitter about that, but if you are planning on marrying someone, shouldn’t you make some kind of effort to make them want to be with you? We follow the hostess to our usual table and Niko helps me to sit down. He slides into the booth across from me. He orders our usual drinks and then, just like always, silence reigns around us. I stare down at the menu, although nothing looks appetizing. It takes us ten minutes to finally order food. I know this because I stare at my phone screen that is lying on the table the entire time.