Wicked Love - Michelle Dare Page 0,85

do somersaults, and I can’t deny I’m affected by him. But he is a killer. So was Devon. My mind reminds me of what I’ve been through, reminds me of the man I used to love.

“Micaela,” my dad says, drawing my attention back to him. “I have to get back to the city, but I needed to come and see you were safe. I had to know if you’d be looked after if I left you with Creed Haven.”

“What? You’re pawning me off as payment for a job well done?” The indignation in my voice is clear, but my father doesn’t even flinch. I knew he wouldn’t. He’s a man of means, and he doesn’t need to give me to anyone, but Creed’s family is rich. No amount of money would be payment enough for him. So instead of cash, my father has clearly agreed to Creed having me.

“You’re going to live in Thorne Haven until the end of your studies. Creed has asked for a chance to get to know you. I’ve agreed, only because I believe he is a good man.”

“You mean a man who will do your bidding.” My insolence can and most probably will be punished. My father hates when I retort back, but I’m not some piece of property that can be bartered.

“The Havens and the McCrays will be working together on future business opportunities. I’ve spoken with Octavius, and we both agree you and Creed will make a formidable couple. A power couple.”

“You’re marrying me off to him?” Pushing to my feet, I shove the bench back with a loud, resounding screech along the smooth tiles. “No. No!” My father doesn’t move. He just watches me, like Creed does. It’s as if they’re one and the same, and it has me moving for the door, but Creed is quick on his feet, his arms wrapping around me.

“Either you stay in Thorne Haven and do as I ask.” My father’s voice is cold as ice. I’ve grown up with him, I know it’s what he’s like, but this is too much. An arranged fucking marriage? No. I won’t do it. “Or you come home, and I speak with our Italian compatriot. Either way, you will need to do your duty in this family.”

“This is ridiculous,” I bite out. Creed’s arms are still around me. They’re warm, and for a moment, I feel safe, even though anger at my father is at the forefront of my mind.

“Give me time, little mouse,” Creed coos in my ear. It’s a whisper only I can hear. My father watches us, satisfaction brimming in his eyes.

“I think you’ll see my way of things.” My father doesn’t like when I don’t obey. “Your mother and I were in much the same position you and Creed find yourselves in now. She learned to love me.”

“And then she was murdered.” Even though my retort is meant to hurt him, I know it hurts me more. “I didn’t—”

“Yes, she was,” my father says. “Because she didn’t want to listen to me. She didn’t obey my orders when I told her to stay put. Like you, she had a fire inside her, and, at times, she didn’t realize when it needed to be tamped down.”

I blink. Once. Twice. The tears that trickle down my cheeks don’t even faze my father. He has been so cold for so long I doubt anything will ever change that. Even when his daughter, his princess, is sad.

“I want this for you so that I know you’re safe. It’s the only way.”

“What about what I want?”

He shakes his head sadly, and I already know what he’s about to say. I don’t want to hear it, but I have to. I force myself to look into his eyes. “Sometimes, in our world, we have to do things we don’t want to do.”

“How can you want me to marry a man I don’t love?” The break in my voice causes me to flinch. I don’t want to sound weak, but I am. In this moment, I’m torn apart, and it’s not because of what my father wants me to do it, it’s because of how he’s gone about it. Instead of sitting me down and explaining what he’d like, he’s practically sent me here with one goal in mind.

“How can you know you won’t love him if you don’t give yourself a chance to get to know him?” The challenge is clear. My father will not falter. “You’re here. Time will be