“This is not okay.”
Creed nods. “I know. But your father wanted you safe while you finished your studies in Thorne Haven. I agreed to do him a favor.”
“My father?”
“Micaela.” My name in the familiar Irish accent comes from the doorway. My father, a tall, redheaded Irishman, who is feared by many and worshipped by his followers, stands on the threshold of the kitchen. The garden behind him, black as night, with him looking like a warrior.
10
Micaela
“I’ll leave you both to talk,” Creed says, but my father shakes his head.
He meets the eyes of the man who just killed Devon. “No. You stay here.” The order is clear, and Creed offers him a nod. Then my father’s green eyes, that match mine, are on me. “Sit.” He points at the table. I can’t argue because my father is not a man who enjoys negotiations.
I slip onto the bench seat that overlooks the backyard. From here, I can see everyone drinking, dancing, chatting with friends. And yet, I’m here caked in blood, while my father doesn’t even flinch when I pierce him with an angry glare.
He moves toward the table, settling in a chair that faces me. “Creed has done our family a service.”
“I don’t understand,” I tell my dad, my voice wavering between sadness and exhaustion.
“I’ve known the Havens for a long time. Octavius is one of my oldest friends, but he’s nothing like me. He has always run his business aboveboard. I knew sending you to Thorne Haven would be safe. That you’d be watched over by him, but I didn’t realize his son would take such an interest in you,” my father explains, causing my eyes to flit to the man who saved me tonight.
His angular jawbone with those sharp features make him seem like a prince rather than a rogue. His dark eyes and hair, a stark contrast to his smooth, fair skin. Full lips tilt into a smile and his strong, broad shoulders square, as if he’s proud of the act he’s done for my father.
He is handsome.
His grin, stupidly, makes my stomach do somersaults, and I can’t deny I’m affected by him. But he is a killer. So was Devon. My mind reminds me of what I’ve been through, reminds me of the man I used to love.
“Micaela,” my dad says, drawing my attention back to him. “I have to get back to the city, but I needed to come and see you were safe. I had to know if you’d be looked after if I left you with Creed Haven.”
“What? You’re pawning me off as payment for a job well done?” The indignation in my voice is clear, but my father doesn’t even flinch. I knew he wouldn’t. He’s a man of means, and he doesn’t need to give me to anyone, but Creed’s family is rich. No amount of money would be payment enough for him. So instead of cash, my father has clearly agreed to Creed having me.
“You’re going to live in Thorne Haven until the end of your studies. Creed has asked for a chance to get to know you. I’ve agreed, only because I believe he is a good man.”
“You mean a man who will do your bidding.” My insolence can and most probably will be punished. My father hates when I retort back, but I’m not some piece of property that can be bartered.
“The Havens and the McCrays will be working together on future business opportunities. I’ve spoken with Octavius, and we both agree you and Creed will make a formidable couple. A power couple.”
“You’re marrying me off to him?” Pushing to my feet, I shove the bench back with a loud, resounding screech along the smooth tiles. “No. No!” My father doesn’t move. He just watches me, like Creed does. It’s as if they’re one and the same, and it has me moving for the door, but Creed is quick on his feet, his arms wrapping around me.
“Either you stay in Thorne Haven and do as I ask.” My father’s voice is cold as ice. I’ve grown up with him, I know it’s what he’s like, but this is too much. An arranged fucking marriage? No. I won’t do it. “Or you come home, and I speak with our Italian compatriot. Either way, you will need to do your duty in this family.”
“This is ridiculous,” I bite out. Creed’s arms are still around me. They’re warm, and for a moment, I feel safe, even though anger at my father is at the forefront of my mind.
“Give me time, little mouse,” Creed coos in my ear. It’s a whisper only I can hear. My father watches us, satisfaction brimming in his eyes.
“I think you’ll see my way of things.” My father doesn’t like when I don’t obey. “Your mother and I were in much the same position you and Creed find yourselves in now. She learned to love me.”
“And then she was murdered.” Even though my retort is meant to hurt him, I know it hurts me more. “I didn’t—”
“Yes, she was,” my father says. “Because she didn’t want to listen to me. She didn’t obey my orders when I told her to stay put. Like you, she had a fire inside her, and, at times, she didn’t realize when it needed to be tamped down.”
I blink. Once. Twice. The tears that trickle down my cheeks don’t even faze my father. He has been so cold for so long I doubt anything will ever change that. Even when his daughter, his princess, is sad.
“I want this for you so that I know you’re safe. It’s the only way.”
“What about what I want?”
He shakes his head sadly, and I already know what he’s about to say. I don’t want to hear it, but I have to. I force myself to look into his eyes. “Sometimes, in our world, we have to do things we
