Page 42 of The Gangster King

But I hate him.

I hate what he stands for, that he makes me crave his touch, and that his kiss has me second guessing everything I believe about my life.

I can’t...I won’t be a mobster’s wife.

I’ve been a mafia princess all my life. I know how it works. I won’t have any more rights or independence than I do now, as Mrs. Baldassare.

Probably less.

The expectations of what my role would be in life would be outlined. God knows what sort of don he’ll be—or husband—based on the past week. He kidnapped me for crying out loud.

The clock is still ticking.

I’m terrified everything I’ve set up in Los Angeles and worked for over the past few years is going to go down the drain.

A complete waste.

And I’ll be trapped here forever.

I need a plan.

A real plan.

Tonight, he’s let me out of that damn room, proving to me that Dante doesn’t want to keep me locked up. He wants me to play the part of being his lover. If that’s what it takes, then that’s what I’ll do.

He’s right about my father. It’s very likely he’d send me off to get married now that he knows Dante is the head of the family. I’m surprised Leo hasn’t come crashing through the gates.

Gianna.

Of course. Dante is trading me.

Or at least he wants to. Gianna is missing, and there’s no way my family would know that. Has she run away with this Braxton guy?

God, this world of mine is insane.

I can’t wait to get away from all of them. It’s political, but without any ethics or rules. It’s cruel and unfair to women.

It’s dangerous.

Dante’s tongue demands mine, forcing its way deep inside my mouth, and his hand pulls at my hair harshly.

My panties are wet.

How does he do this to me every time?

His hips buck against me as his other hand coasts across my hips and bottom, then lifts to run a single finger down my spine.

The backless dress doing nothing to stop the shiver that runs through me.

A moan escapes me as I try to keep my head, knowing I have a decision to make. One that will save my life, but I’ll pay with my soul.

Sleeping with Dante wouldn’t be horrible. I know I’d enjoy it. But doing it to buy your freedom is not something any woman should have to do.

Hence me hating him.

If I want to be free, this is what I must do.

I let go.