Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 89985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
I rolled my eyes. “You’re not my dad.”
“I know. But that doesn’t mean I can’t act like it now. You clearly need someone to take care of you.”
I laughed. “Please, I’ve been taking care of myself my whole life. I don’t need anyone to start now.” I hated how hard I sounded. I reached for the drink and wrapped my fingers around it, feeling the warmth. I took a sniff, and the aroma of coffee was so heavenly. My mouth watered for a taste, and I took a quick drink of the liquid, and it tasted so good.
“It’s good coffee.”
“The bakery is the best in Peter’s territory.”
“Do you have different bakeries you love?” I asked.
“Yes, in each territory, I have found several that I like, and yes, I take each wife to all of them.”
“You’re close with each of your men’s wives?”
Ivan nodded. “Yes, I am well liked. It’s a gift.” He laughed. “It helps to remind them all of what they’ve got. They never take their women for granted.”
I stared at him and knew he did it for a reason. I didn’t for a second believe Ivan took his wife for granted. I had a feeling when it came to Ivan, he had loved his wife with all his heart. I didn’t know who she was, but anyone who enjoyed that kind of devotion would be a lucky woman.
“What about the men who are forced to marry? Do they feel the same way?” I asked.
Ivan smiled. “You think Peter’s been forced into this relationship?”
“You cannot try to pretend he hasn’t been.”
“Do you think I’m so careless when it comes to a man and woman that I don’t know what’s best for them?”
I smiled. “So, now you’re an expert on what is good and bad for people?”
“Yes.”
It felt so good to talk to someone. Even though I was pretty sure Ivan was a terrifying person. Men were afraid of him. I knew Peter respected him.
“You have no doubts, do you?” I asked.
“Eat your sandwich.”
I shook my head and unwrapped the paper bag it had come in. The scents of tomato, garlic, beef, and provolone assailed my senses. “A meatball sub?” I asked.
“Yes, only the best for you.”
I was growing partial to that little wink he gave. Ignoring that spark of happiness building in my chest, I lifted the sub and took a large bite. The flavors ignited on my tongue.
“I am going to kill your father.”
With a mouthful of food, it wasn’t exactly the greatest conversation starter. I coughed a little and then quickly chewed my food and looked toward Ivan. He took a bite out of his own sandwich. I wasn’t sure what he had gotten for himself.
“What?”
“Your father and indeed your mother, both are going to die. I predict Peter is going to be the one to kill your father.”
I had no idea what to say to that. Did I just keep eating and hope he didn’t ask any questions?
“Once your family is taken care of, you should be able to make your choice,” Ivan said.
“My choice?”
“Yes. You’re not aware of it now, but you are a very wealthy woman. You’ve inherited the Byrne fortune. It doesn’t make you the richest woman in the world, but it will give you a good life.”
This made me frown. “What about my marriage?” I held up my wedding ring finger.
“That is your choice. There is going to come a time when the threat to your life is no longer there. I’ll have dealt with the Byrnes, after I get what I want from them. That is the only reason they are still alive.”
“Can’t you take what you want?”
“I like to play the long game. I go for what I want, people end up killed.” Ivan took a bite of his sandwich. “When the time comes, you’re going to have to make a choice. You can either stay married to Peter, or you can leave. I, nor Peter, will stop you.”
“That’s just what every woman wants to hear,” I said.
“I took the choice out of your hands once. I will not do it again.”
“Why do it to me in the first place?” I asked.
“I owed you one.”
“What? How is sending a man to lie and manipulate me, owing me one? I didn’t do anything wrong to you. I don’t even know you. I thought I was helping you.”
“And you did. More than you know, you have helped me, time and time again. It’s why I know Peter is a good match for you. I know he likes to believe he doesn’t know what love is, but we both know that’s bullshit.”
“Really? Because he told me some of what he has been through. I don’t expect any man to be able to love that easily. When he should have been loved as a boy, he was tested.” And here I was defending him. What the fuck was my problem?