Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 31205 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 156(@200wpm)___ 125(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31205 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 156(@200wpm)___ 125(@250wpm)___ 104(@300wpm)
She laughed. “Oh, wow, this is insane. Really, you want me to accept your marriage proposal in that way?”
“I’m offering you a good deal here. You do not have to return to your old life. You will not be at the mercy of a man you don’t know.”
“I don’t know you.”
“I won’t beat you. I won’t force you. You can have your own life.”
She frowned. “I can have my own life, but there must be a catch to this. What do you want in return? I’m not a fool, I know this comes with a cost.”
“You will submit to me. You will be my wife, and you will not question me. You will not fear me, nor will you ask questions. I’ll give you the world, but you must give me yourself in return.”
Vanessa looked at him and he expected to see her frown, but instead she just stared at him, lips slightly pursed, and he knew she was considering it.
“Does this mean sex?” Vanessa asked.
Now this did surprise him.
“Yes. I will expect to fuck my wife.”
She put the spoon back into the carton.
“Okay, but what about … being faithful? Will you be out with other women?”
“No, and I will kill any man who thinks he can touch you,” he said.
“So, in a way, we will be in a relationship that works for us. I won’t have to worry about you selling me off, and in return for safety and security, you want me to be your wife in all the ways I can be?”
“Yes.”
“But, how do I know you won’t kill me?”
He leaned in closer and she didn’t back away. Diago didn’t know if that made her foolish, to not fear him. Most women in her position should fear him. He wasn’t a good man. “Betray me, and I will slit your throat. Be loyal, submit to me, and I’ll give you the world.”
Diago waited, allowing his words to sink in, and Vanessa forgot about her ice cream, and for the longest time just looked at him.
He wished he knew what was going on inside her head, but it was unclear what she was thinking.
She licked her lips and frowned, and then nodded her head.
“Yes, yes, I agree with you, but … I don’t want to lose my virginity on my wedding night. I don’t want a big wedding. I want it to be just us, and whoever we need to verify it, and then I just want us to live our life.”
This was strange.
“And … I’d like you to kill my father,” she said. Vanessa got to her feet. “Where do you want to do this?”
“I’m not fucking you tonight,” Diago said. “Why don’t we get back on track with why you want me to kill your father?”
“He sent men to hurt me. He is the reason I’ve got this scar, and he has gotten away with being a monster for too long. I don’t know what else he has done but if he is willing to set up charities to steal money, then I know he is into far worse. You asked me not to ask questions, not to badger you. I want you to kill my dad, and I want you to make him hurt.”
Diago got to his feet and cupped her face, tilting her head back. “Your father is already on my list, Vanessa. The first time I fuck you will be on our wedding night.”
Chapter Six
Three Weeks Later
Vanessa knew her father was still breathing, which pissed her off, but she glanced over at Diago. They had a small wedding reception. She had expected him to completely go against her and arrange an elaborate wedding, but instead they had Susan and a few other people witness. They contacted a priest, and got married in a small office building.
She wore a simple yet stylish white summer dress that worked for her. Susan did her hair and makeup, and she looked pretty.
Diago would not let Susan hide the scar. He’d also insisted on wedding photos, not that she paid much attention. She’d been surprised at the ring he slid on her finger, which was a beautiful diamond, and quite large. There had also been an engagement ring, so she now wore two bands that signified she belonged to Diago. They were married.
“You look so beautiful,” Susan said, coming toward her.
Vanessa smiled at the other woman and accepted the hug, even though she didn’t feel overly happy. Her father was still alive, and in the last three weeks, she had barely seen Diago. Whenever she asked him where he’d been, he lifted a finger to her lips and told her not to ask questions.
“Thank you.”
“I know this is new to you, and Diago is not the easiest man to get along with, but trust me, you’re not making a mistake,” Susan said.