Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 100470 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100470 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
“Please don’t make me,” I whimper, pleading with Michael. “Please.”
He releases me to shove me forward. Tom and CJ both grab my arms, righting me so I don’t fall to the ground. I attempt to tug from their hold, but Tom’s hand is an iron grip around my bicep and CJ’s bony fingers dig into my flesh.
I’m trapped.
A big, loud, embarrassing sob chokes out of me. Fat tears well and then spill down my cheeks. I don’t want this. I don’t want this!
“Tom,” Michael booms. “Let CJ handle his wife alone.”
My panicked stare finds CJ’s eyes. They flash with triumph. I’m stunned stupid, unsure if I feel relieved or horrified CJ is the chosen one.
“No,” I cry out. “Please.”
Someone rushes forward, venom in their tone. “You can’t do this!”
Ronan.
Tom releases me, and for a moment, I think they’re going to let me run into my brother’s safe arms, but CJ’s hold tightens to the point of pain. He never releases his grip, twisting to face off with Ronan.
“It’s done. She’s my wife now,” CJ growls. “Back the fuck off.”
My heart trips over itself when Ronan takes a swing at CJ. His fist smacks into CJ’s jaw, forcing him to stagger into me. I try to shake my arm free, but CJ is too strong.
“Logan,” Michael snarls. “Deal with your problem now, Son.”
Ronan, before he can advance on CJ again, is yanked back by his hair. Logan’s furious glare burns a hole through me. He twists his fist in Ronan’s hair, making my brother howl in pain. I’m helpless to do anything but stare uselessly.
“Ronan,” I wail, tears running hot rivers down my cheeks. “Ronan!”
Logan forces Ronan to his knees and then onto the ground face first. He then slams his foot down on the side of Ronan’s head, pinning him to the ground.
“You’re hurting him!” I screech.
A hand flies out, smacking me across the cheek so hard I see stars. When I blink them away, Michael is towering over me, nostrils flaring in fury. I wilt under his terrifying glare.
“CJ, control your wife. Now.”
I allow CJ to jerk me away from Michael, thankful to withdraw from the fiery hatred emanating from their leader. CJ forcefully drags me over to a log and makes me sit. His arm wraps around me, locking me in, and his other hand is a vise over the top of my thigh.
I’m not going anywhere.
I’ve lost this fight.
“That was an unfortunate interruption,” Michael growls. “And, as you can see, Logan, he’s not ready to be a husband for our dear Mya. He’ll need more time with you.”
Logan gives a clipped nod, but his lips curl into one of satisfaction. My poor brother doesn’t move from his flattened position aside from the heavy rise and fall of his back as he breathes.
“That’s not fair,” Mya whines. “I want a husband!”
“That’s enough, sweetheart,” Owen chides, pulling her to him. “Soon.”
As her father comforts her, I glower at her. I’m caught between being thrilled she won’t get my brother and horrified that he’s going to take another punishment from Logan.
I did this.
“Tom,” Michael calls out. “Your wife will be Sadie.”
Sadie gasps and I freeze. She starts shaking her head frantically. Tom walks over to her, snagging her small hand in his giant one. Her eyes lock on mine. I try to convey to her that Tom isn’t the worst—that he might treat her well since his kids are there too—but she doesn’t find comfort in my stare. The poor girl starts crying hysterically until she collapses. Tom easily scoops her up like a sack of apples, whistles for his kids, and then the four of them disappear into my tent.
Not my tent anymore.
I’m ready for this night to be over with.
To crawl into my sleeping bag and sleep this living nightmare away.
“What an eventful night,” Michael croons. “And now, for our last pairing.”
Last pairing?
From across the fire, Destiny sits beside Jace, her head bowed and silent.
No.
“Son, I trust you’ll be a good husband for sweet little Destiny?” Michael asks, grinning his way. “She seems like she’s a lot more compliant than the wife your cousin is dealing with.”
I attempt to stand, but CJ grips me tighter. Spluttering out my words will have to do. “She’s just a kid. Please don’t do this.”
Jace hugs Destiny to his side. “Don’t worry, Raegan. I promise I’ll protect her.”
Protect her?
He’s who she needs protecting from!
“Now that that’s settled, men, secure your wives so we can have a celebratory drink.” Michael nods at CJ and then Jace. “And, Logan, make sure your problem won’t continue to be a problem.”
With tears continuing to stream out of my eyes, I watch as Logan takes his foot off Ronan’s head and then hauls him to his feet. He’s rough with him as he forces him back to his tent. Kristen hops to her feet and trots after them. Before the zipper closes behind them, CJ stands, pulling me to my feet.