Bad Men - Piper Stone Page 0,38

heard the door close, I darted another look at the file, my curiosity getting the better of me. There were times I realized Dante played me like a fiddle. Perhaps that’s why he had the illustrious position of handler.

I moved to the couch, staring at the file for a full two minutes before pulling it in my direction. The moment I opened the flap, a cold chill shifted down my spine, my throat nearly closing.

“Motherfucker.”

Chapter 7

Lindsey

Present Day

“You have to be kidding me.”

I glared at Michael, shaking my head. His arrogance had become intolerable, his need to be controlling over every aspect of my life something I’d once found cute. Now I was sickened at the way he treated me. “No, I’m not kidding. This is important to me. I’m going.” I’d known him for half my life, but he’d changed significantly over the last few years, becoming more like his father.

“But we’re supposed to be getting married,” he said offhandedly, as if it had been predetermined years before. Even the look on his face made me sick to my stomach. He’d alluded to the concept more than once, but there was something about his tone that was entirely different. Maybe I’d led him on all these years, the on-again, off-again dating a mistake.

“First of all, couples are supposed to be in love and that’s definitely not the case here. Second, it’s generally acceptable to ask for the woman’s hand in marriage, not expect it. And third, I think this is a good opportunity for us to take some time apart.”

Michael burst into laughter. “Now I know you’re kidding. You belong to me, Lindsey. You have since soon after you were born.”

“What in the hell are you talking about?”

I watched as he took a swig of his drink, his gaze slowly dropping to my inexpensive sandals. I could read such disdain in his eyes, as if I was dressed inappropriately, something he couldn’t and wouldn’t tolerate. When he swaggered closer, my skin began to crawl.

He gripped my chin, digging his nails into my skin as he towered over me. The stench of the scotch he’d been drinking all afternoon forced bile into my throat. “As I said before, I already own you. You will not be traveling to fucking Brazil. You’re going to call that fucking doctor buddy of yours and tell him the deal is off.”

“I will do no such thing.” I didn’t care that he was hurting me. He wasn’t going to lord his family’s wealth and influence over me any longer. While he’d never been the sweetest man, I’d begun to realize over the last few months just how far he’d go to get what he wanted. Money and power were all he cared about, even more so than my father.

“Yes, you will, or I assure you that there will be consequences.”

I laughed in his face, jerking out of his hold and backing away. “This is over, Michael. We’re finished. I’m going to live my life exactly the way I want, and you can’t do a damn thing about it.” Seeing the shocked look on his face gave me such a damn good feeling. I smiled as brightly as I could before turning around, storming toward the door, damn glad I’d made the decision to get out of his clutches.

“My sweet, naïve Lindsey. You obviously don’t understand that you were given to me as a gift.”

“You’re fucking out of your mind.” I didn’t bother turning around.

“I think you need to have a long discussion with your father.”

“As I said. Fuck. You.” What in the hell was he talking about? God, I abhorred the man and his pompous attitude. I continued walking even as I heard his laugh. The sound was deeper than normal, laced with an evil tone. When he started clapping, I bristled, stopping just inside the doorway.

“Bravo, Lindsey. Maybe you do have more of a backbone than I originally believed. However, that doesn’t negate the fact that you and I are getting married. While I’ll allow you to work, you’ll do so under your father’s tutelage or you won’t work at all. After all, you’re going to raise my children and serve my every need.”

I couldn’t help but laugh once again, almost giddy that I was getting away from him. As I turned to face him, I kept the same smile. “You don’t own me, Michael. As a matter of fact, you aren’t man enough to keep me satisfied. That being said, I’m leaving the country