Page 83 of Bride By Initiation
Valentina doesn't flinch, drilling a glare at Sean until a smirk forms on her lips. She says, "Always the wise guy, I see."
He retorts, "I only speak the truth."
She glances at the other man, declaring, "It appears she has not chosen you."
"She hasn't chosen anyone yet," he quickly informs her.
She arches her eyebrows and curls her finger, ordering, "Zara, step away from him."
I don't move.
Sean pats my ass, encouraging me, "Go on. I'm right here."
I glance at him.
He nods.
I step toward her.
Valentina asks, "Have you decided to obey this man, or have you chosen him?" She points to the stranger who's moved another three feet away.
My heart races so fast that I fear I might faint. I pin my eyebrows together and open my mouth, but nothing comes out.
Valentina steps closer.
My tremors intensify.
Sean reaches for me and tugs me back into him, claiming, "She chose me."
Valentina doesn't look at him. She keeps her focus on me, asking, "Do you choose Sean or Antonio?"
I bite my tongue, afraid I'm going to get Antonio, Sean, or all of us killed.
Sean squeezes my waist.
"Speak. I know you're not mute," Valentina snaps.
"I... I..." I glance between the two men, then meet Valentina's gaze, admitting, "I don't want anyone dead because of me."
Valentina purses her lips and then looks at the crowd.
"Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill!" they start chanting again.
Sean steps in front of me and snarls, "Don't touch her."
Valentina puts her hand in the air, and the crowd goes quiet. She seethes, warning, "Step away from her and do not try to shield her again."
Sean doesn't move.
"Do you dare disobey me right now?" Valentina barks.
He clenches his fist at his side, then slowly steps to my left but tugs me into him.
She questions, "Were you not told to choose the redhead? Or do I need to go find Byrne and make him pay for not giving you the message?"
"No, he told me," Sean affirms.
She tilts her head, studies him, then continues, "So you know your father made a pact, and you were to choose the redhead? Yet you didn't?"
