Page 131 of Savage Don

“He’s agreed to,” Ray nods. “Go put something nice on. All that’s left is to meet with him and sign the contract.”

My heart drops at the thought. Father has agreed to give me away. Just like that. Just like he did to mother…

An emptiness grows inside of me as I pull myself away from Ray, desperate to hide my budding tears.

But he takes my wrist and pulls me back into his sizzling body. I’m glad he did, because his warmth slowly starts to fill the void.

At least I’m being sold to a man who wants me. It never felt like my father ever entirely did.

“I should go get dressed,” I whisper, not wanting to leave Ray’s side. But I also want to get this over with. It’s time to say goodbye to my old life. There was no future there. At least with Ray, I can be somebody.

I won’t just be his. I’ll be who I want to be. Who I was meant to be… right?

Hell, I’m still not exactly sure who I want to be. But my heart is telling me that it will all be okay, as long as Ray is by my side, cheering me on.

“What will you wear?” Ray asks, his big hand brushing up my thigh before landing on my stomach.

The reminder is well served.

I haven’t been taking my pills. It would only take one moment of weakness to give Ray everything he really wants, even if I’m not sure I’m ready for it.

“Do we still have to do… that?” I ask, my heart in my throat.

“Yes,” Ray confirms, his voice deep and unwavering.

“It can’t wait?”

“No. If it doesn’t happen by the end of the year, I’ll be dead, and you’ll be…”

“Lost.”

The word slips from my lips like a sad sigh.

I’m not as free as I thought. But my heart wanted to forget.

Keeping his one hand on my stomach, Ray uses his other to cup my jaw. With a tender yet powerful grace, he moves my face into his and plants a deep kiss on my lips.

This time, my whole body sighs.

Even the logical side of my brain has been corrupted. Conquered. Nothing shouts at me to escape. All I want to do is give in, no matter how scary it might seem.

“I’ve found you, kitten,” Ray says, his lips pulling back half an inch so that he can speak. “You will never be lost again. I promise. Tonight is just the beginning for us, but it is the end for those who would try to end what we have.”

After another soft kiss, Ray gently pushes me back. Then, he slaps my ass.

Just like that I’m shocked back to reality.

This is happening. There’s no other choice.

Trying to be strong, I take a deep breath and look up into those rich brown eyes.

“Promise you won’t hurt my father,” I can’t help but ask.

No matter how harsh Father has been with me in the past, he’s still family. And he’s the only family I have left.

“I can’t promise that, kitten. All that I can promise is that you won’t be hurt.”

“You can’t promise that.”