Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 68858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68858 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Was it truly possible for me to do that? Could I actually marry Mateo in order to find my sister? The decision felt daunting, but as his penetrating gaze locked onto mine, I realized I may not have a choice in the matter.
His level of authority and power made it clear that this was not a mere suggestion, but rather a demand disguised as a proposal.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The problem with Mateo's proposal was that I had no clue what he wanted from me in return. Although I'd made some questionable choices in the past, I was not blind to manipulation. This wasn't a love story or a passionate affair—we were strangers. Not only that, but this man could have his pick of any woman he desired. There had to be a deeper motive behind his sudden need for a wife, and unfortunately, I was caught in the middle of it all.
"Why me?" I managed to ask calmly, despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me. "What do you gain from marrying me?"
He studied me thoughtfully. "It's partly out of necessity. You possess something that I need."
I furrowed my brow, mixing confusion with unease. "And what is that, exactly?"
"Your background," he responded smoothly.
"Your family name. The connections you may not even realize you have. By marrying you, I solidify alliances and increase my power and influence. And in return, I will help you find Eva. I will utilize every resource available to me to lead you to her."
Two things he said stood out to me, etching themselves into my mind like a sharp blade. First was the way he confidently stated he would lead me to my sister. Melody and Peyton had suggested he already knew her whereabouts; it was clear this information came at a price. Second, his mention of my family connections, nearly made me choke on my sip of water.
"Have you seen the state of my so-called family?" I scoffed, unable to believe that anyone would see value in them, especially Uncle Luis.
Mateo's eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile remained unnervingly calm. "I have," he responded coolly.
"And I know there's more to your family's legacy than meets the eye. Your lineage holds weight, Elena, more than you might understand right now. Aligning with you provides me with leverage in ways that go beyond the obvious."
I shook my head, trying to wrap my mind around his words. The idea of me specifically wielding any sort of power or influence seemed absurd. If that were true, I wouldn’t have been on that rooftop with him. "I think you're giving me too much credit," I muttered.
Mateo leaned forward, his piercing gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. "No," he stated firmly. "You have value, Elena, and together, we can leverage that value to achieve our respective goals."
The enormity of the situation crashed down on me like a tidal wave. The promise of finding Eva was the enticing bait, but the price was undeniably high, just as I knew it would be.
"You're asking a lot," I said quietly, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of his proposition.
"And I'm offering a lot in return," he replied smoothly as if sealing the deal with each word spoken between us.
My surprise couldn’t be tempered. His words, his geniality, once again threw me into a state of confusion “I don’t know what to say… this honestly isn't how I saw this conversation going.”
“I know.” His voice dripped with dark amusement as he cut into his food with precise, calculated movements. "I could practically see the thoughts swirling in your pretty little head. You thought I would fuck you the moment we were alone, take what's between your legs without mercy." He leaned closer, lips twisting into a cruel smirk. "But let me make one thing clear--I am not some inexperienced teenage boy who can't control himself.”
I swallowed hard, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. "And I'm not just any girl you can have," I retorted, my voice steadier than I felt.
"That’s an adorable show of strength, but I already have you, anjinho," he stated coolly. "And tonight, I have every intention of taking my time and savoring every inch of your body before finally breaking you and making you mine.” His eyes swept over my face noting my reaction. "Although I must admit, sitting you on this table and tasting your pussy right here and now is tempting...but first, you will be properly wined and dined like the lady you are."
"That's..." I trailed off and took another sip of water, hoping he couldn't tell how flushed my face was. "Like I said, I didn't expect that. I didn't expect anything to happen tonight."
"Then you're all the more naive."
I shook my head. I wasn't going to have that type of discussion with him.
"Do I have to decide now?" I asked, trying to buy some time to process.