“Your mother wanted me to connect you with my contacts in the modeling world. I could, and I have no doubt you’d succeed. However, I found a better place for you, and it repays a debt owed.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” I demanded, peering back at my mom again.
She avoided eye contact with me. Sergio smiled. Marian wouldn’t even look in my direction, the ugly, tight smile she always wore fixed on her face.
“You were trash when I picked you up. I gave you a life. Your father wanted that before he left.”
“How the hell do you know what my dad wanted?” I demanded, sitting forward.
David let out a soft chuckle. “We had a business transaction. Your mother just concluded it this afternoon, right, Dana?”
Mom nodded, still not meeting my eyes.
“What’s going on?” I got to my feet, nerves taking over.
Sergio spoke up, “Mikhail needs to marry like anyone else within our circle. Since David managed to acquire such a beautiful daughter, it only makes sense to combine our families and become one of the most powerful in the city.” Sergio’s words did nothing for the anxiety gripping me.
The blood drained from my face as the possibilities took hold.
“Hail needs a wife,” David continued.
My guts churned faster.
“That wife will be you, Bianca.”
“The hell it will!” I shouted.
David grabbed hold of my arm as I launched myself forward. I fought against him, but Hail was quick to get to his feet and tug me back.
“Easy, my little rat,” Hail hissed in my ear, sending shivers over me.
The fact he wasn’t fighting this union made my heart trip in my chest.
“Dana, the news has been delivered. You may leave.” David didn’t bother to look at her.
She rose to her feet, not saying a word.
“Marian, the same goes for you.” Sergio’s voice had taken on a dark tone.
I stared at my mom in horror as I struggled against Hail’s strong hold.
“Mom! Mom!” I called out to her retreating back. “Don’t let him do this!”
“It’s done,” was all she said as she left the room with Marian.
Bitch.
Hail wrapped his arms around me, draw
ing my back flush against his chest and holding me in place.
“You have been selected, Bianca. Don’t disappoint me. It will not end well,” David growled.
“I’m not doing this,” my voice shook as Hail tightened his hold on me.
“You don’t get a choice, girl,” Sergio snarled, advancing on me. He stopped in front of me and looked down at my chest, licking his lips.
Nausea curled through my stomach.