“I know the difference between a woman who’s aroused and eager to play, a woman who’s nervous, and one who’s willing to suck my dick because she wants something.” He has my hair in a firm hold now. “What do you want? I won’t ask again.”
I draw a breath, and then another, as the shame spreads like an itchy rash, inflaming every cell of my body.This is about the people you love. This is your life. Fight for it. Take control, or cry in the corner, like a shelteredprincesa, because life’s become too hard. Too degrading.
“I have a deal for you,” I blurt ungraciously.
He raises his brow but doesn’t give anything away. “A deal?”
I nod. Feeling braver and more confident than my half-baked scheme should allow.
“I’m listening.”
23
Daniela
All of a sudden, money for Isabel and Valentina isn’t enough. I want my freedom. But there’s little to no chance he’ll let me go back to the US. If I take the risk, I might end up with nothing.
“You can do whatever you’d like to me”—I swallow the bitter pill—“sexually. Before the wedding. I won’t complain. In exchange for my—my cooperation, you’ll deposit the money that you planned on letting me spend into my bank account in the US for Isabel. I’m the sole breadwinner. Without me there, they have no source of income.”
“And what will you do, walk around bare-assed?”
I can’t tell if he’s game, or if he’s angry, or indifferent. His expression gives nothing away.
This is humiliating—carved so deep, I’ll never get the stench off.
“There’s enough clothing in the guestroom closet to last me a lifetime. I don’t need material goods. I need the peace of mind knowing that they have food and a place to live.”
He stands, dumping me off his lap. I lunge for the edge of the table so I don’t fall on my face.
“You’re willing to let me fuck you before the wedding?” he asks, his voice tight. “How generous.” The words whorl with biting sarcasm. “You think I’m going to wait to have you until some arbitrary date? Why would you think that? You’ve already spread your legs for a man you weren’t married to.”
Bastard. Like he hasn’t fucked anything and everything within a hundred-mile radius.
“What makes you think I’m going to wait for my turn?” he asks, stepping closer.
I don’t respond. It doesn’t require a response, nor does it deserve one.
He studies me while the gooseflesh rises on my arms. “Whatever I like, huh? Oh,Princesa, you’ll rue this day.”
My knees wobble, and I clutch the back of the chair to steady myself.
“My own personal fuck toy, and it’s not even my birthday or Christmas.”
It sounds so crass from his mouth, I feel like I’m going to vomit.
I can’t do it. There’s got to be another way. Think, Daniela.Think.
“You might not like the cards fate has dealt us,” he says with a bitterness that makes my stomach coil. “I don’t like them either.” He looks at me pointedly. “I’m not a good man. I’ve been up-front about it. But I came here this evening with good intentions. You came to play me. Remember that while I give you everything you asked for—and more.”
What have I done?“Please. Be reasonable.”
“It’s too early to beg,Princesa,” he sneers. “And don’t waste your breath. Begging won’t get you anywhere with me tonight.” He takes a lock of my hair, rubbing the strands between his fingers.
“I made a mistake. I need more time.”
He lets go of my hair, like it’s coated in poison, and slams his fist on the mantel.
“Do you think I care whether you need more time? I own you like I own your family’s vineyards. You’ll spread your legs and twine them around my waist anytime I ask. How many men have fucked your tight little pussy?”