Cruel Vows

“That means nothing,” she says, glaring out of the window.

I can see her reflection in the glass and she looks utterly stunning. She’s captured my attention in a way no woman ever has before. Sex and women were all the same to me. You’ve had one, you’ve had them all. And yet, staring at my beautiful princess, I’m certain that’s not true when it comes to Paisley. She’s intoxicatingly beautiful and having spoken to her, it’s only increased my desire to make her mine.

The car comes to a stop outside the grand gates of the Morrone residence. Paisley remains silent as we drive up the sweeping driveway toward the mansion we call home. My father will be angry with me for keeping my ulterior motive with the bikers under wraps, but he’ll get over it.

His list is full of spoiled mafia princesses that can’t wait to fuck me, but none of them can hold my attention the way this woman does.

I get out of the vehicle. Arturo glances warily into the back where Paisley is pathetically attempting to break out of the handcuffs.

“I need to speak with my father. Can you take my guest to my room and lock her in there?” I hand him the key, having every intention of keeping her close until we’re married.

“Of course, sir.”

I walk toward the house, leaving my driver to deal with her while I deal with the bigger problem at hand. Remy Morrone doesn’t like being refused anything and I know he’ll hate my plan to marry a nobody. A girl I hardly know all because she gets my dick hard and my heart pounding, but I don’t give a shit. I won’t marry any of the girls on his list, so if he wants an heir, he’ll agree to me marrying Paisley.

His study is on the ground floor near the back of the house, looking over the extensive grounds. It’s past nine o’clock, but I expect he’ll still be in there. He always is. The door is cracked ajar, and the light is on inside, signaling he’s in.

I rap on the door.

“Who is it?”

“Massimo,” I call.

He grumbles something before calling for me to enter. “How did the meeting go?”

I cross my arms over my chest. “We agreed on the same terms as suggested three months ago.”

“Fuck. Why didn’t you make him pay for disrespecting us?”

I smirk at that. “I did.”

He raises a brow. “How?”

“I found my wife.”

His eyes light up, but then there’s hesitation. “A girl from the list, I hope?”

I shake my head. “No, you don’t know her.” I move closer to the desk, picking up the paperweight in my hand. “She was part of the negotiation with Axel.”

His eyes darken. “You can’t just pick anyone, Massimo.” He stands, towering over me. “I expect you to choose a suitable wife.”

I raise my brow. “And what makes a suitable wife?”

“Any of the girls on my list would have made a suitable wife.” He grabs the paperweight mid-air as I toss it. “When did you meet this girl?” His eyes narrow.

“Monday night at Mia’s party.”

“Cazzo.” He runs a hand through his messy, graying hair. “I should have known you had an ulterior motive for dealing with the bikers after what happened last time.”

I shrug. “She’s my choice. End of story.”

His eyes narrow. “You are the heir to the throne and expected to marry well. Who the hell is she?”

“Nobody,” I say simply. “A bartender at the MC’s bar.”

“No.” He shakes his head. “You will marry someone suitable.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “It’s her, or it’s no one.”

My father is taller than me at just shy of seven feet, but I don’t allow his height to deter me from standing up to him. On this matter, I won’t back down.

“At thirty years old, I have a right to make this decision.” I stand as tall as I can. “I want to marry her, and she will provide me with an heir. That’s all that matters.”

“You know it’s not all that matters, Massimo.” He turns away, pouring himself a scotch from the decanter on his desk. “We’re at war and your choice of wife is more important than ever.” Peering at me over the rim, he sips the whiskey. “Where is this girl?”

“I asked Arturo to take her to my room and lock her in there.”

“So, she’s unwilling?”

“Of course.” I stand my ground. “I’ve just bargained for her less than an hour ago from the bikers and dragged her away from everything she knows.” I shrug. “But I love a challenge.”

Father sighs heavily, glaring at me. “There’s no changing your mind on this, is there?”

I shake my head.

“Fine, you will bring her to dinner tomorrow night at Sal’s so she can meet the famiglia.”

I nod in response. “Of course.” I can only imagine what fun that will be with my rather unwilling fiance. It’s laughable how she can be so eager in the bathroom that night and now proclaim she hates my guts. Once I get my ring on her finger, she’ll accept her new reality.

“Away with you.” He waves his hand, dismissing me.

I walk out of his study, satisfied that the two hardest aspects of my plan are accomplished. Father has practically agreed to me marrying Paisley and I have her in my possession. Within a month, Paisley will be Mrs. Morrone, I’m sure of it.