“This isn’t your fault, Lucas,” I sobbed as his cold glare returned.
“Yes, Alice, it is.”
It was then that the door burst open, and the green eyes of my father fell upon us both, causing my heart to burst out of my chest.
“Get behind me, Alice,” Lucas ordered.
21
LAYLA
Steve grinned at me, pushing the brochures into my hands.
“I booked that one. I hope you like it.” Steve sat back in the chair as I stared at him in disbelief.
The crystal green water that lapped the soft white sand in the glossy book before me did nothing to ease my frustration.
“You booked our honeymoon without asking me?”
Steve frowned, chuckling as he rubbed my leg.
“Darling, it’s not like you won’t like Jamaica. It was a no-brainer.”
It was fuck all to do with Jamaica. It was to do with the fact it was something we should have donetogether.
“Carrie called. Her flight gets in tomorrow, and she wants to pick the bridesmaid dresses.” Steve yawned, reaching for me as my mouth dropped open.
His sister Carrie was an absolute nightmare and so controlling. You’d think it was her wedding.
“Actually, I was going to choose them with my mom,” I said icily, folding my arms as I spoke. He rolled his eyes before sighing loudly.
“Why are you always so ungrateful, Layla?” he said softly, as unease grew in my stomach. “I’m paying for the whole damn wedding, so behave, will you? Unless you are planning to contribute anytime soon?”
“Well-”
“There we are then. Shopping tomorrow with Carrie. Not long till you have to fit in that dress either, so watch what you’re eating,” he said in a low voice before pulling me close to him. “I think you need to remember our arrangement, darling.”
“Steve, I understand perfectly. I should be allowed to choose my damn bridesmaid dresses.” I argued quietly as he chuckled. His hand fell to my ass, pulling me towards him as he pressed his lips against mine.
“I saved your pops from hell, sweetness. I can just as easily put him back in,” he breathed into my ear as nausea crept up my throat. It wasn’t that he was unattractive- he was typically gorgeous. But inside, he was vile, and I had agreed to marry him in exchange for my dad’s freedom.
But no one knew that.
“I’m looking forward to our wedding night,” he growled against me as he kissed me roughly. I kissed him back, knowing it wasn’t worth the argument. I had told him I was a virgin and that my condition was to wait until my wedding night. I was eternally grateful that he accepted those terms because otherwise, I didn’t know how I could bear to have him on top of me night after night.
“Do you know how many women I’m fucking, waiting for you? Hmm?”
His hardness press against me as I swallowed.
“Thank you.” I smiled, kissing his lips lightly. “For understanding.”
His blue eyes drifted over my body as his fingers rubbed my nipples harshly. If this was pleasure, I didn’t want it.
“Hmm. Not long now. Tick tock. How is your dad, by the way?”
I tried not to react, shrugging my shoulders.
“He’s clean.” I bit my lip as I tried not to cry, remembering when Steve came round for his payment that fateful day.
