Cruel Vows

Everyone is quiet at dinner,bowled over by the revelations Rourke brought to us. Although we still need to verify the intel ourselves, I doubt he’s stupid enough to come to us with this if he doesn’t believe it’s true.

When Father announced his intention to approach Spartak about this, everyone’s expression was either pure rage or sadness.

Mia was positive about it, hoping we can mend bridges with Imalia if we’re forced to work with him.

Leo and Luca had very similar opinions to me.

My father sat on the fence and was silent throughout most of the discussion, and now an awkward, somber silence has fallen over the table.

“I’ve finished eating,” I announce, standing. “If you’d excuse me, I have a big day tomorrow.”

Leo stands and blocks my way, shaking his head. “No way. Your last night as a bachelor. You have to get very drunk and party.”

Luca stands too, nodding. “Yes, we’re going out.”

It’s the last thing I want, as all I really want is to be with Paisley, even if she hates my guts still.

Her futile attempts to derail me have all been for nothing, but when I saw that watch, I’d panicked. If it had been my grandfather’s watch, I possibly would have killed her.

Since that day, I’ve ensured I moved all valuables into my safe in the study instead. I won’t risk her breaking anything I care for.

However, she did try to set a few of my suits on fire, which backfired spectacularly when she set off the fire alarm and the guys on guard put it out very quickly.

They also moved all my suits to another room, to ensure she couldn’t try it again.

“I’d rather not.”

Leo and Luca smirk. “We don’t care, you’re going out.”

Mia stands. “I’m coming too.”

Their brows furrow. “Men only at a bachelor party, sis. Sorry,” Luca says.

Mia crosses her arms over her chest. “Fine, then I get to take Paisley out.”

“No chance,” I growl, narrowing my eyes at her. “Paisley is a flight risk, and you know it.”

“And why is that? Because she’s being forced to marry you against her will.” Mia walks toward me. “I won’t take her out, but she deserves to have some fucking fun after you locked her away for two weeks.”

“No, it’s out of the question.”

Father clears his throat. “It’s only fair that Mia and Paisley can have a few drinks here at the house together, with Mia’s bodyguard as chaperone, of course.”

I glare at him, as I don’t want her out of the room. In fact, I don’t want to be out either. All I want is to be close to the vixen that has captured my attention. “If that’s happening, then we will remain here and drink with them.”

“No,” Leo says, grabbing my arm and dragging me toward the door of the dining room. “It’s already arranged. We’re going out.”

I yank my arm from his. “Watch it brother, unless you want me to knock you out.”

Father stands. “I’m coming too, and Massimo, stop fighting it. It’s tradition. Your uncle, Matteo, and Rico, are all waiting at the bar for us.”

Mia looks satisfied as she stands nearby, watching me get dragged away by the men of our family. “Have fun.” She waves her hand in the most irritating way as I’m forced out of the house by my family.

“Where exactly are we going?” I ask Luca.

He smirks. “It’s a surprise.”

Great.

I pull my cellphone out of my pocket and text Mia.

No funny business. I want to marry her tomorrow. If she escapes on your watch, I’ll never forgive you.

A text comes back shortly after with a rolling eye emoji and a smiley face. What exactly that’s supposed to mean, I don’t know, as I put my phone back into my pocket.

The car takes us to the upmarket strip club that our father owns called secret obsession.

“A strip club, really?” I ask, shaking my head. “Not very original, is it?”

“No, but it’s Morrone tradition,” Father replies. “I came here the night before I married your mother.” His jaw clenches as he mentions my mother. A woman who he loved above all else, and who was taken from him by Rourke’s grandfather fifteen years ago. At the time I was fifteen years old, and my father was so distraught it felt like I became the head of the family over night, picking up the pieces left from the void her death created. Camilla was only three years old and Mia was only six. Neither of them remembers her well. There are many times when I wish she’d been able to see us now, all grown up.

“Fine.” I get out of the car and follow my family into the strip club. The idea of watching strippers dancing on poles is less appealing than it normally is. I’d much rather be stripping my fiance and edging her with my tongue all night.

The place is dark and the women are dancing on the poles as usual, as we sit in our VIP booth, reserved only for the famiglia.

Uncle Marco, Matteo, and Rico are sitting down and our drinks are already there waiting for us. They stand to greet us.

And then Luca is the one to make a toast, lifting his glass. “To Massimo and Paisley. May they get down the aisle without Paisley trying to run away.” Luca smirks at me, knowing how much his comment will piss me off.

Everyone repeats. “To Massimo and Paisley.” And then they down their drinks.

Father smirks. “And now for your wedding gift, son.” He nods toward a rather beautiful brunette stripper with huge breasts, walking toward me.

“Hey, handsome,” she says, placing her hand on my chest. “Sit down and enjoy the ride.”

I feel no arousal looking at her, even as she pushes me into the seat and lowers herself onto me. It’s as if Paisley has broken an inherent part of me.

Three weeks ago, I was here and enjoyed getting a lap dance and then fucking the stripper in the back alley of this place. Now, I’d rather be home with the woman that drives me crazy with need.

Paisley has broken me, but I can’t wait until I can well and truly break her tomorrow night.