‘I’m sacrificing everything I dreamed of. My freedom, my happiness, even a chance at devotion that isn’t tainted by duty or expectation,’ she confessed. ‘I never wished this. I never wanted to be trapped by a marriage of extreme convenience. Hell, am I dreaming this awful nightmare? Can you pinch me awake?’
She blinked tears away, sorrow burning a hole in her chest.
Understanding the assignment, Aveline found Saba’s bag, gave her a paper tissue to dab her eyes, and then touched up her makeup.
Her voice softened, and she placed her hand over Saba’s. ‘Babe, the only way into the light will be a step-by-step through the darkness. Know this: I’ll always be here for you, even if the entire Akkadian clan and the Lisades family are against you.’
A brief, hopeful smile tugged at Saba’s lips. ‘Sante, but I can’t even see beyond today. All I hope is to survive the next few hours.’
A rapid knock sounded at the door. ‘Šarim? It’s time to return.’
Saba jolted and glanced at the entrance with a sigh.
She stood, brushing away tears. ‘Even though I want to stay here forever, let’s get out of here and face them all again.’
Aveline rose, lifted her chin, and extended a hand out to Saba.
Saba took it, and they stepped out together.
The strongman assigned to her gave a short bow and fell in behind them as they walked back to the banquet hall, where the party roared on without pause.
Aveline helped her back to her seat, curtsied, and left with a furtive glance at Mak’s glowering face.
Saba slumped into her chair, eyes unseeing, and wondered.
Would this union ever be more than a tragic necessity?
Or was it the beginning of her slow descent into a fate she could neither escape nor deny?
Chapter 5
SABA
‘Get the truth, brother, rightfokkin’ now,’ one of his strong guards growled.
Whipping her head around, Saba locked eyes with the speaker.
It was Xander Roman, the Commander of the Signet company and one of the most influential men in the room.
His mesmerizing eyes narrowed in a careful study of her, measuring her, probably finding her wanting.
Saba started as Mak’s amethyst gaze turned to her, like twin flames that threatened to consume her whole, defying her to refuse.
‘We need to talk.’
His hoarse grunt grated over her burning skin like sandpaper.
The time had come to reveal the truth, to lay bare the secrets eating away at her.
She met his glower with a calmness she did not feel. ‘A quiet place, please, away from prying eyes.’
He jerked his chin in agreement and twisted to nod at one of his strongmen.
Within moments, theŠargripped the back of her chair.
She rose as he pulled it out.
He growled at her hesitation to fold her fingers in with his, his firm, muscled hand falling over hers.
