Page 13 of The Merciless Don's Bride

“Want me to tell him to fuck off?” Maxine questions from beside me.

I shake my head, “I don’t want you going anywhere near him.”

I’m just about to call one of the guards over when I feel it. His gaze, searing into me like a brand. When I look at him, he’s staring straight at me, those icy blue eyes locked onto mine. A low, dangerous smirk curves his mouth. My heart stutters.

Before I can move, he pushes off the tree and starts walking towards me. Unhurried. A part of me wants to run. A part of me knows I can’t. It’s an odd mix of feelings this strange man arises in me. Every instinct screams at me to stop back, but my feet stay rooted to the spot.

He stops a few feet away, close enough that I can see the faint scar slicing through his left eyebrow. Close enough to smell the leather and spice clinging to him.

“Hello, Cassandra,” he says, his voice low and rough, like gravel wrapped in velvet.

I blink, “Do I know you?”

His smirk deepens. “No, but you’re about to.”

I glance at my uncle for backup but he’s silent, glaring at the man in front of us, his lips thinned. He’s obviously uncomfortable by his presence.

“I think you’re at the wrong funeral,” I say, folding my arms over my chest. “If you could leave now, that would be great.”

“I’m exactly where I need to be, Cassandra,” he replies vaguely.

“Stop saying my name like you know me or we’re friends,” I snap.

He tilts his head to the side, studying me like he’s memorizing the shade of my anger. My uncle chooses that moment to step forward.

“You’re not supposed to be here, Luciano,” he states, raising a hand like it’s a barrier between himself and the man in front of me. “You could have waited until after the funeral.”

Luciano? Why does that name sound a little familiar?

“I’ve waited long enough,”Lucianoretorts, his voice sharp like a whip. “Cassandra’s coming with me.”

A surprised laugh escapes me at that, the words effectively jolting me out of my thoughts.

“Excuse you? I’m not going anywhere. And especially not with you.”

He’s not even the least bit thrown off by that. He simply watches me, patient as a wolf, waiting for the right moment to strike.

“You don’t have a choice,bella.”

“Like hell she doesn’t,” Maxine snaps, stepping closer to me and pushes me slightly behind her.

She’s always been protective, the mama bear of the group. I love her like a sister which is why I feel a slight prickle of fear when the man’s gaze lands on her, slow and probing.

“I don’t know who you are but you can’t just waltz into a funeral and demand that Cassie go with you to God knows where. She doesn’t know you so why the hell would she do that?”

He doesn’t reply her, simply makes eye contact with the huge mean looking guard behind him. The guard proceeds to roughly wrap a hand around Maxine’s arm, pulling her away.

“Hey, don’t touch her!” I grit out.

“Stay calm, Cassandra. I have no interest in hurting your friend.”

My heart beats erratically in my chest, “Who are you?! Why are you doing this to me?”

The next moment feels like it stretches on for an eternity before he speaks.

“You’re to be my bride, Cassandra. I’m here to take you home.”

I freeze, sure I misheard, “I’m sorry, what?”

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