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“You’d rather pay and have an unwilling partner?” she asked caustically.
“I pay for the best, princess,” he said softly. “And you only fight me because you think you should. I allow it because it makes my victory that much sweeter.”
She wrenched her hand out of his. “You’re such a—”
“Looks like my mom made it before us.”
They had passed through the front gates of the estate without her noticing. As they approached the house, she saw a rental car parked in front. Roth answered his phone as Mo pulled up to the front door. She slipped out of the SUV and headed inside to find Thea and Kaia in the foyer.
“You are getting married, miss?” Thea asked with wide eyes.
She hoped neither of them noticed the hitch in her step. “Yes, I am. I’m sorry I didn’t warn you.”
“A woman, I think her name was Sarai? She called me an hour ago to let me know you’d all be coming in today and to make sure I was here to welcome the caterer and guests. Who else is coming?” Thea asked.
“My sisters and their families. I’m so sorry, Thea. I should have given you a heads-up.” Well, she would have if she’dknownshe was getting married today.
“Are you all staying the night?” Thea asked.
“I believe so.”
“I’m going to freshen up the rooms,” Thea said and hurried upstairs.
She hugged Kaia who was dressed casually in jeans and jacket. “I’m glad you’re here. How are you feeling?”
She pulled back to find Kaia regarding her with a strange expression on her face. “Are you all right?”
Kaia looked behind her. “Where’s Roth?”
“He’s outside taking a call.”
Kaia gripped her hand. “I need to talk to you.”
“Okay,” she said and went along willingly as Kaia led her into the library. “Did something happen on the flight?”
“It’s not that.” Kaia stopped in the middle of the room and turned to her. “I need you to answer me honestly.”
A trill of foreboding trickled down her spine. “Okay?”
“Are you marrying him of your own free will, or is he forcing you in some way?”
She felt the blood drain from her face. “I’m sorry?”
“I knew it.” Kaia paced away and tugged on her braid as she mumbled under her breath. “This is all my fault. I should have let you leave when you had the chance.”
“What are you talking about?” she demanded.
Kaia turned back to her with an expression that was almost fearful.
“You can’t marry him, Jasmine. He’ll ruin you.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “What?”
“He’s my son. I should love him but…”
Shouldlove him? What the hell? “Kaia, what are you talking about?”
“I should have known once he saw you again, he wouldn’t let you go. The way he watches you…” Kaia shuddered. “He’s a master strategist, always one step ahead of everyone else. He’ll wait for years before he makes a move, and when he executes, he never makes a mistake. The psychologist says he lacks empathy. It allows him to focus on his goals without letting anyone get in his way. He’s always been cold, even as a child. Once he starts on a path, nothing can stop him.”
