Page 73 of Undertow

I swallow hard as the last button on her shirt slips free. The fabric slides off her shoulders in a stunning invitation. She reaches behind her back for the clasp of her bra.

In the blistering silence, my confused mind spirals back to the question it can’t seem to answer:

She’s the best chance I have of surviving my life as a McArthur hostage, so what exactly is my objection?

14

DEAD LUNGS HEAVING

“What the hell am I supposed to do?” I rub a hand over my face and sink my head into the backrest of the couch in Merrick’s suite.

“There’s nothing youcando.” He takes a sip of his drink. “That’s why I told you to run.”

I roll my head toward him with a glare, and he shrugs.

“Run? How? Where? Even if I had a plan, I’m literally trapped on an island right now. You knew that wasn’t an option.”

He sighs. “No. You’re right. I guess… I don’t know.” His eyes broadcast the rest of what we’re both thinking.

Yes, Shaw. I remember what happened to you when you tried to run.

He should. My mangled body and weeks of virtual imprisonment were his artwork.

“I hate to say it, kid, but you’re just going to have to suck it up and take this one. Hewillkill you if you refuse.”

I release a heavy breath, repulsion swirling in my stomach.

McArthur wants me to officially propose to Scarlett. There’s no strategic reason for the formality. All it would take for this engagement is a wave of his hand. But he knows how I feel about his daughter. That it will gut me to get on my knees for her. Thisis just his latest ploy to humiliate me and reinforce who runs this empire. I’m only surprised he’s not insisting on being there to enjoy it.

I have under three weeks to figure this out because I sure as hell amnotmarrying that woman.

“If we’re engaged, you better call off the plan for her to visit me in Undertow. They’ll never buy that I went from barely being interested in the woman to proposing in a day. At the very least, make sure Scarlett plays the right part,” I mumble.

“Of course. I’ll talk to her. You better get going, kid. You were supposed to meet her at seven, right?”

Eyes closed, I nod and force in long breaths to steady myself. I can do this. Ihaveto do this. Just a few more days of playing along.

“Shaw?”

“Yeah?” My tone is resigned as I push myself up.

“If I could do it over again, I would.”

I stare at him, not prepared for the blast of sincerity. A chill runs through me at the silent message I can’t interpret. There’s more. What isn’t he saying? How does a stone-cold killer go from torturing a man to apologizing for it?

I open my mouth to respond, but I have nothing to say. Something isn’t right.Merrickisn’t right, but not in the way I always thought.

Facing forward again, I bury my concerns to focus on the present crisis. I’ll have to deal with Merrick later. For now, I have a proposal to make.

“Here,”I say, dropping the box beside Scarlett’s plate as I pass her on the way to my seat.

Another private dinner, but this time inmysuite, arranged by me. At least I can eat the food for once.

Her eyes widen with fake excitement, and it’s everything I can do to keep my cool. There’s no way she didn’t know this was coming. She’s spent over a year trying to back me into a corner, and her behavior over the last few days confirms she knew she’d won.

“Oh, Shaw, it’s gorgeous!” She plucks the ring from its holder.

No doubt. I never even looked at it.

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