Page 26 of Theirs to Corrupt
Once more, Pax’s calm voice cuts through the tension. “We know it’s a lot to take in.”
I can figure it out.
Haveto figure it out.
First of all, I need to talk to Natalie so that we can make a plan to get out of Houston.
Guilt gnaws at me. Because of me, her life has been turned upside down.
“Look, Tessa…” Link drags a hand through his hair. “You already know your brother owes money to the mob.”
“And you were promised to Sartori,” Pax adds.
Despite myself, I shiver.
“This isn’t just about Axel anymore,” Link says, voice flat, cold. “Sartori wants what’s due him.”
Meaning…
“He’s part of the Chicago crew, Tessa.” He pauses. “The mob is afteryou.”
Link’s unemotional words are like a slap, reminding me of the harsh reality of my situation. Defeated, I sink against the back of my stool.
As always, the voice of reason, Pax says, “We’re trying to help you, Tessa, but you have to stop fighting us.”
“And trust us,” Link finishes.
“Trust you?” I laugh, a sharp, bitter sound. Link’s been warning me about the mob, but there are rumors about him as well. “I’ve seen pictures of you with?—”
“Tread carefully.” His order is laced with threat.
The warning ricocheting in my mind, I back off. Instead, I finish with, “I’ve traded one nightmare for another.”
Link and Pax look at one another.
“You don’t really have a choice.” Link’s tone is cold, chilling me. His blue eyes are dark with a gathering storm. “I am not letting Sartori have you. Which means one thing. You are going to marry me.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Tessa
Marry you?
I shake my head to clear it. There’s no way I could have heard him correctly.
“You need to think about it.”
Link’s suggestion is pure madness.
My mind reels as I try to grasp the implications of what he just said, but it’s drowned out by the frantic thumping of my heart in my ears. “You can’t mean that.”
“I assure you, I’ve thought this through completely.”
The earth beneath me shifts, and I’m standing on the edge of a cliff, teetering dangerously. My stomach churns, and I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly chilled despite the sunlight streaming into the room.
This isn’t happening.Can’tbe happening.
I search his eyes for a hint of a joke, some sign that he’s messing with me. But Link’s expression is deadly serious. There’s no humor in his eyes, no hint of a smile on his perfect lips.