Chapter 5
I gathered what little courage I had left. “Why are you protecting me?”
Vincent rose from his chair and walked towards me, each step toward the bed deliberate and measured. I pressed myself further against the headboard, my heart threatening to burst from my chest.
His deep laugh filled the room. “Look at you, trembling like a frightened bird.” He towered over me, close enough that I caught the scent of expensive cologne and cigar smoke. “But there’s steel in you, isn’t there? Asking questions even when you’re terrified.”
I clutched the sheets tighter, my knuckles white against the silk. Vincent reached past me, pulling open a drawer in the bedside table. The movement brought him inches from my face, and I held my breath.
He withdrew a small velvet box, dark as
95% 16:11
1/5
Chapter 5
midnight. My confusion must have shown
on my face because his lips curved into that dangerous smile again.
“Simple, really.” He opened the box with a soft click. Inside, four diamond rings. caught the dim light, throwing rainbows across the walls. Each stone was larger than any I’d ever seen, set in intricate bands that spoke of old wealth and power. “Marry me. Take one ring or all of them – I don’t care which. But become my wife.”
The words hit me like a physical blow. I stared at the rings, then at him, my mind refusing to process what he’d just said. After everything I’d seen, after the horror of the evening before, he wanted… marriage?
“I…“–The word came out as barely more than a whisper. “I don’t understand.”
His eyes locked onto mine, that intense blue gaze holding me captive. “Don’t you? A beautiful woman like you deserves better than being cast aside by a fool who couldn’t
95% 16:11
2/5
Chapter 5
see your worth.”
“I don’t understand,” I repeated, my voice steadier this time. “Why would someone like you want to marry me?”
Vincent’s deep laugh echoed through the room. The sound sent shivers down my spine, but not entirely from fear.
“A promise, dear Cheryl. One I intend to keep.” He snapped the velvet box shut, but kept it extended toward me.
My mind raced. Everything I knew about. the mafia came from movies and news reports, but one thing stood out – they lived by a code. Honor among thieves. A promise was binding. Which meant…
I straightened my spine, finding strength in this realization. “No.”
His eyebrows rose slightly. “No?”
“I won’t marry you.” The words came out clearer than I expected. “Whatever promise you made, I’m not part of it. I didn’t agree
95% 16:11
3/5
Chapter 5
to anything.”
Vincent studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. The velvet box disappeared into his pocket. “You’re not afraid I’ll hurt you for refusing?”
“You said I was safe here. That no one would touch me.” I met his gaze. “If you’re a man of your word, that includes you.”
Another laugh, but this one held genuine. amusement. “Clever girl. Using my own principles against me.” He leaned closer, and I caught that mix of cologne and cigar again. “But what makes you think I’ll let you leave?”
“You said I was safe. Being held prisoner
isn’t safe.”
“Safe from harm doesn’t mean free to go.” His smile showed teeth. “Try again, little
bird.”
“What do you want?” My voice came out barely above a whisper, but in the silence of the room, it felt like a shout.
95% 16 11
4/5
Chapter 5
His blue eyes locked onto mine, holding me captive without a single touch.
“I told you what I want.” His voice dropped lower, rougher. “I want to marry you.”
A shiver ran through me that had nothing to do with the room’s temperature. “Why?”
“Because you’re perfect for what I need.” He reached out, one finger tracing the air near my cheek without making contact. “And I’ll do anything to hear you say yes.”
The confidence in his voice, the absolute certainty – it sparked something in me. I had nothing to lose anyways.
“Anything?” The word slipped out before I could stop it, soft and dangerous.
His lips curved into a smile that promised both pleasure and pain. “Anything.”
95% 16:11
