Chapter 6
“Mr. Chromos.” A suited man with an earpiece materialized beside us. “I apologize, but we need to ask you and your party to step outside.”
The security’s polite tone couldn’t mask the firmness in his request.
“Of course.” Primo’s fingers dug into my arm as he steered me toward the exit. “We
were just leaving.”
Yesha followed close behind, her heels clicking against the marble floor. As we walked, Primo leaned close to my ear.
“You have no idea what you’ve just started.” His breath was hot against my skin. “By tomorrow morning, you’ll regret ever speaking my name in public.”
I kept my face neutral, but something made me glance back over my shoulder. Adrian stood where we’d left him, one eyebrow raised in silent question. I gave
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him a slight nod.
We pushed through the heavy doors into the cool night air. The parking lot stretched before us, half–empty at this hour. Behind me, I heard the doors open again. Adrian’s measured footsteps followed our group at a discreet distance.
Primo’s grip tightened as we walked. “I built everything we have. You think you can just throw it all away?”
I could feel Adrian’s presence behind us like a shield. Primo might not know who he was, but I had a feeling I’d just gained a powerful ally.
Primo yanked me to a stop between two parked cars. “What the hell was that in there? You’re making a scene, embarrassing me in front of everyone.”
“You’re pathetic,” Yesha chimed in. “Running around like some scorned woman. At least have some class about it.”
I jerked my arm free from Primo’s grip.
Chapter 6
“Class? That’s rich coming from you two. You’re both full of shit. Standing there acting like I’m the problem when you’ve been sneaking around behind my back.”
“Watch your mouth,” Primo snarled. “This tantrum of yours ends now. You’re going to marry me, we’ll complete the merger, and in a year I’ll divorce you with enough money to keep you comfortable. Simple as that.”
I laughed in his face. “Keep your blood money. My family has enough wealth to last generations. I don’t need a single cent from you.”
“You ungrateful little-” Yesha started.
“Ungrateful? For what? Finding out my fiancé is screwing someone else? Or should I be grateful that you both thought I was stupid enough not to notice?”
“This isn’t about her,” Primo cut in. “This is business. Our families need this merger.”
“Then marry her instead. I’m sure your
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father would love having a gold–digging whore for a daughter–in–law.”
Yesha’s face turned red. “How dare you-”
“How dare I? How dare YOU! Both of you standing there acting self–righteous when you’re nothing but lying hypocrites.”
“You’re making a mistake,” Primo growled. “You have no idea what you’re throwing away.”
“The only mistake I made was ever trusting you. You can take your merger and your money and shove it up your ass.”
The crack of Primo’s hand across my face echoed through the parking lot. Pain bloomed across my cheek, and I tasted copper where my teeth had cut the inside of my mouth.
Yesha’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk. “Not so mouthy now, are you?”
A shadow detached itself from between the
cars. Adrian’s fist connected with Primo’s
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jaw in a brutal arc. Blood sprayed from Primo’s split lip as he stumbled backward into his Mercedes..
“You son of a bitch!” Primo wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, smearing crimson across his chin. “Who the hell do you think you are?”
Adrian stood between us, his shoulders relaxed but his stance ready. The elegant art dealer was gone – this was someone else entirely. Someone dangerous.
“I asked you a question.” Primo’s voice dropped to a deadly whisper. “Who. Are. You?”
I stepped forward, my fingers finding Adrian’s arm. The solid warmth of his muscle beneath his jacket steadied me. My
cheek throbbed, but I lifted my chin and met Primo’s rage–filled eyes.
“He’s the man I’m going to marry.”
Primo’s face went slack with shock.Yesha’s
smug expression shattered.
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“What did you just say?” Primo’s hands clenched into fists.
“You heard me.” I pressed closer to Adrian’s side. “I’m marrying him. Not you. Never you.”
