The Reluctant Bride (Arranged Marriage #1)(24)

This explanation feels like a complete lie.

“How does this benefit us? We’re Lancasters. I’ve never even heard of the Constantine family until I was told I have to marry into it,” I retort.

“Then you’ve been living under a rock your entire life because the Constantines are one of the most powerful families in the state, if not in the entire country. Winston Constantine took over the family business after his father died and built it into a billion-dollar company. They are a force to be reckoned with,” he explains.

“And what does that have to do with us?”

He leans back once more, contemplating me, his hands steepled in front of his face, his elbows resting on the arms of his chair. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“I’m not a baby.”

He just looks at me.

“I’m not!”

Okay, I sound like a baby. I need to take back control of this conversation.

“What do Perry and I have to do with this family merger anyway? It doesn’t make any sense.”

“He’s the only unattached son from that particular branch of the family. The most important branch, I might add.” He tips his head forward. “And as my only daughter, I believe you two would make an excellent match.”

“He’s a jerk.”

“I don’t want to break your heart, but most men are.”

“I already know that.”

We share a look, and I see it in his eyes when he realizes what I’m referring to.

Or more like who.

My secret shame. My one illicit moment when I said fuck you to my familial restraints and did what I wanted in Paris. When I was nineteen and thought the world was mine for the taking.

Father is right. Most men are jerks.

I’m sure Perry is no exception.

“You’ll eventually warm up to him,” Father says, dropping his linked hands so they rest on his chest.

“I don’t want to.”

Annoyance flickers in his gaze and he sits up so quickly, I gasp. “You don’t have a choice in the matter. What’s done is done. He’ll be your husband in a month. I say you take this time to become better adjusted to it.”

“He doesn’t want to marry me either,” I offer, sitting up straight as well, eager to bolt.

This conversation didn’t go at all like I planned. Though how I thought I could make this work in my favor, I’m not sure.

“Oh really? Is he planning on getting out of it?” My father’s laughter is downright sinister. “I’d like to see him try.”

I rise to my feet. “You underestimate me, Father. And you underestimate Perry, too. We don’t plan on being pawns in your game.”

He jumps to his feet as well, so fast that he’s suddenly in front of me, his fingers curling around my elbow and holding me in place. “No, you underestimate me, little girl. Don’t even think you’re smarter than me. Or Caroline Constantine. The contract is signed. The deal is complete. You’re marrying him whether you like it or not. And if you keep pushing the matter, I will put you under lock and key until your wedding day. Understood?”

I’m shaking. His fingers are pressed so firmly into my skin, I’m afraid he’ll leave bruises. I know his threat is true. My father doesn’t boast or threaten lightly. He doesn’t need to. “You’ve already kept me under lock and key for years. What difference will it make?”

“Don’t test me, and you won’t find out,” he says with the faintest sneer.

We study each other for a moment, fear making my pulse throb in my head, my ears, drowning out all other sound. His expression is barely restrained violence. One I recognize. When his fingers squeeze even tighter, I choke out, “The engagement party.”

He pauses, a frown on his face. “What?”

“My dress.” I glance down at where his fingers are like a band of steel wrapped around my arm. “It’s short sleeved.”

He lets me go, shoving me so hard I almost trip on the chair behind me. “Get out.”

I run out of his office without a backward glance, too scared to look at him. I don’t stop moving until I’m in my room, the door shut and locked tight, the only light coming from the salt rock lamp I keep on my desk.

Collapsing on my bed, I stare up at the ceiling, closing my eyes when I feel Doja rub her furry head against my cheek, her unmistakable purr bringing me instant comfort. I grab hold of her and cuddle her close, dropping a kiss on top of her head, fighting tears.

The interaction with my father once again reminds me that I am better off outside of this house. I’d rather marry a man I don’t know than remain here.

How bad can the Constantines be?

*

“Your mother requests your presence in her study.”

Jasper brought me my coffee and this announcement, given only after I’ve taken a couple sips under his watchful eye. It’s far too early in the morning to start my day this way, especially after my interaction with my father last night—and the fact that I have a throbbing headache.

“You waited on purpose,” I tell him, settling the mug on my nightstand.

“She’s rather eager for you to make an appearance.” He pauses, watching me. Jasper is at least sixty-five, with a head full of white hair and an aristocratic flair. He’s been a butler for my family since I can remember. I don’t know life without Jasper.