Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
But do I want his help?
And why would he offer to help? What would he ask of me in return?
Somehow, after hearing Phoenix’s story about Baron, I don’t see Brash as the valiant rescuer of the weak. Brash strikes me as the kind of guy who’s only out for himself. His interest in me always felt disingenuous, which is why I didn't take our dates that seriously. It’s why I didn’t even remember to cancel the date when I left.
He said and did all the right things and was a total gentleman, but it felt performatory. Almost like he’s gay and was courting me to be his beard. The true spark wasn’t there.
“I’m not in trouble,” I hear myself say. I guess I’ve made my decision. I won’t be asking Brash Rostov for a rescue. I’m going to figure this shit out on my own.
“It sounds like you are. You said you suddenly had to get married? What happened?”
I close my eyes and draw in a measured breath through my nostrils.
What do I say? Do I tell him the truth, or do I put him off?
I settle for a muted version of the truth. “I’ve been engaged to marry a stranger since I was young. It was a family arrangement. Our parents decided it was time to pull the trigger on the contract.”
Surprisingly, Brash doesn’t even take a beat to absorb that. “Like an arranged marriage? That’s crazy. This is the 21st-century. You don’t have to go through with it, Lara.”
Again, I’m surprised he cares so much.
“It’s too late. I went through with it. I’m a married woman now.”
“You don’t have to stay married. No court enforces till death do you part.”
The idea of divorcing Baron and getting on a plane back to Paris has massive appeal. I was living my best life there. I had one year left to get my degree. I had just gotten an internship that would’ve provided me with the experience I needed to get a job as an interpreter after graduation.
Except…I’d be giving up Baron. The guy I thought was a bully, but I’m coming to suspect might actually be the guy who protects others from bullies. But how does that fit with the ruthless bratva family that demanded our immediate marriage? Maybe his dad is a bully, and he’s resolved to protect me from him.
If I divorced Baron and let Brash help me, I’d be safer. Whether my family would be safe or not is unclear. And I’d be giving up the kind of sex I had last night.
The thought of having sex with Brash instead registers as a balloon deflating deep in my soul.
Pass. After Baron…
It’s hard to imagine anyone else could hold a candle.
Still, am I going to pass up what might be my only chance to get out of this lifelong prison for good sex?
“Thank you for offering to help. I appreciate your concern. But I don’t need to be rescued.”
“You hesitated before you answered. Are you afraid, Lara?”
I suddenly feel dizzy. The bathroom swoops around me. Am I afraid? I certainly was. My dad seemed afraid–which terrifies me.
Yes, I’m afraid. But there’s also a kernel of hope starting to germinate in the center of my heart. Some foolish piece of me wants to believe I might find love here in a monster’s arms. My interest has been snagged enough that I don’t want to run. Not anymore.
Maybe I’ll change my mind, though. Maybe I’ll find out all the horrible things Ravil Baranov and his son have done and wish to run as far and fast as I can.
Or maybe this arranged marriage will save everything, as my dad seems to believe.
“No, I am safe. But I’ll let you know if that changes.”
“Lara, you don’t sound safe–”
“I’ll let you know if that changes,” I say firmly.
He stops trying to argue. “Where exactly are you? I’m coming out there. I need to see with my own eyes that you’re not a prisoner.”
I think of the blood on the table at the bar today. What would Baron do if my ex-boyfriend showed up with the intent to steal me away?
Something horrible, I fear.
He may be safe for me, but he’s not safe for the men who want me.
I try to keep the urgency out of my voice by forcing a laugh. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not a prisoner. I also don’t want you to come. Like I said in my text–I’m married now. I can’t see you anymore.”
Brash is silent for a moment. “Promise you’ll call if you need anything?”
“I promise.”
“Okay. Good luck, then. I hope to hear from you.”
I hope he doesn’t. That would mean that things had gone horribly wrong here.
“Goodbye, Brash.”
I end the call with a queasy feeling in my belly.
I hope to God I made the right choice.
Baron
I go on proactive mode for the party, calling Edgar, the Whisper Fire Marshal, between my morning classes to let him know we’re having a party and ask if he wants to inspect our alarms to make sure we’re up to code. Baranov house made a generous donation and volunteered student labor for their chili cook-off fundraiser last winter, so I have some collateral to draw on.