Pretty Sinner (The Oligarchs)

“Your sister, Erin.”

I felt my tongue go numb, like I’d bitten into poisoned fruit.

He watched me carefully, judging my reaction. I tried to keep myself composed, but hearing her name sent me into a tailspin. What was he thinking, bringing her here? And what was she thinking, coming?

“You should invite Darren too,” I said, trying to make a joke, but it fell flat.

He seemed pained. “I understand you’re unhappy with your situation. I’ve done my best to keep you safe and comfortable—”

“A happy little bird in her pretty golden cage. Should I sing for you too?”

“It’s for your own good.”

“Of course it is. Isn’t that what all the good guys have to say?” I felt vicious, mocking. I wanted to slice into him and rip out his organs, one after the other. “Don’t start pretending like any of this is for me.”

His eyes blazed. “It’s always been for you.”

“You’ve done nothing but take and take. Even back at Blackwoods when I kept telling you to leave me alone, you wouldn’t listen. I know you have some freakish obsession with me, but it’s not going to happen, okay?”

That seemed to break him. He strode forward and I stumbled backward, suddenly terrified that I’d gone too far. He pinned me back up against the wall, slamming me hard enough to knock the wind from my chest, and kissed my neck, biting down gently, but hard enough to leave a mark.

He whispered as he moved up my exposed throat. He could kill me if he wanted to.

“I know what you think of me, but you’re wrong, little pet. I’m a monster, but not the kind you imagine.”

“What are you then? Some lovable, cuddly puppy dog? You’re a killer, Kaspar. I watched you break a glass on another Oligarch’s face.”

“For disrespecting you, and I’d do it again if given the chance. I’d put them all in their places.” His eyes blazed as he lingered close. His breath smelled like honey and spring, and I wanted to leave forward and sink my teeth into his lower lip. I wanted to draw blood. I wanted to hurt him.

Only I knew he’d like it.

“It’s not about me. This is about your own ego. You can’t have me, so you’re going to extreme lengths to try to make me yours anyway.”

He shook his head. “You still don’t get it. It’s not about wanting. This is a hunger, pet. This is a need. I’ll sate myself with you, again and again, and it still won’t be enough.”

“That’s your problem, not mine.”

He let out a breath and released my wrists. I sank away as he walked to the door, once again in control. I refused to cry, refused to let him know how shaken I felt.

“Erin will be here soon. I suggest you clean yourself up.” And he left without a word.

I sank down to the floor and stared at the ceiling.

I didn’t know which was worse: spending more time with Kaspar, or seeing the sister that sold me to the bastard and betrayed my family.

I didn’t know if it was hate pulsing through my heart, or something closer to desire.

A sick, twisted desire.

I was born to this life. Bred into disaster. Violence was wired deep into my very soul.

I still told myself I’d never become like Kaspar. Except the more I was around him, the closer he got, the less sure I felt.

We rode ATVs away from the farm. Kaspar’s dog, Lord Barkington, kept up at an easy loping pace, clearly loving the run. Kaspar led the group with his guards in tow, making sure I couldn’t try to escape even if I wanted to.

But I wouldn’t run from this.

We sped around the cornfield and out toward a deeply wooded region. I didn’t know where we were, but I guessed somewhere in the Midwest—the land was flat and dotted with prairie grass, interspersed with thin forests. At first, I hated driving the ATV, but it quickly grew on me.

I liked the illusion of freedom. Wind in my hair and on my lips. The rev of the engine between my legs. I could go fast if I wanted. I could speed far away from here.

Except even flying, I was still penned in.

We slowed in a clearing near a parking lot with a single charcoal grill, a water fountain, and an empty pavilion. Kaspar nodded toward the benches.

“The whole area’s a big park,” he explained at the confused look on my face. “My property’s on the edge.”

We sat down on cold benches as Kaspar’s men fanned out, disappearing into the trees, but remaining close.

I had so much I wanted to ask him. Why did he need Redmond? Why did he want to attack Maeve so desperately? And what was his relationship with Erin?

Most of all, I needed to know what he planned on doing with me when I refused to be his wife.