Page 16 of Reckless Promises

Peyton stops in front of me, forcing a smile as she brushes her fingers over my forearm. “We’ll see you in the morning, Ms. Bardot.”

“Odette,” I correct her.

After all, tomorrow my last name will change, and I’d rather be called by my first name than to be referred to as a Cross.

Peyton nods, smiling once more before following Darci out of the room. And as they close the door behind them, my fingers tighten on the lace covering my stomach. Butterflies rage wildly as bile rises in my throat.

And all I can do is let my eyes wander around my beautifully decorated cage. A bedroom with charcoal wallpaper and contrasting white furniture. Intricately carved wood and perfectly pressed linens.

If this room were anywhere else, I’d probably appreciate the beauty in it. But that’s not the case.

Tomorrow I’m marrying the devil. And this isn’t my castle. It’s my jail cell.

6

Cillian

Chasing my headache withwhiskey isn’t smart, but nothing is releasing the pressure between my temples, so I down another drink.

If only it could erase the mistakes I made tonight.

Marriage auctions are an accepted social practice within the East Coast mafia, but it doesn’t mean I’ve ever agreed with them. They’re pathetic—disgusting—and I played right into it.

One million dollars.

It’s not enough to make a dent in my finances, but this isn’t about money. Every day I’m settling more into my father’s empire and if I’m not careful, I’ll become just like him. Like the men I’ve spent the last eight years trying to avoid. Men whose sole motivation in life revolves around ambition and dollar signs.

If I’m not careful, I’ll end up with blinders on and a bullet in my brain.

“Mr. Cross.” Two knocks come at the door as Darci pops her head in. “Ms. Bardot is settling in.”

“Did she eat?”

Darci shakes her head.

Of course she didn’t. One look into Odette’s wild green eyes and I knew she’d be difficult. I might have called her my shamrock, but she’s more likely going to be a curse.

Her father kept a tight leash on her and her sister to make sure no one was able to get too close to either of them, but his control didn’t temper her fire. She stood on that stage with her chin up and shoulders back, daring anyone to try breaking her in.

And I’m the idiot who made the mistake of bidding on her—of making her mine.

Mine.

I might not care about Odette, but that’s what she is now. And I’ll make that clear whether I wanted her or not.

Walking backstage tonight, seeing Sascha’s filthy hands on her, touching her like she was his, tested my patience. I could have broken every bone from his fingers up to his neck in a matter of a minute if I hadn’t paused to compose myself.

I’m not like my father—irrational and impulsive. The last thing I need is anyone thinking I care about Odette enough for them to use her against me.

But she is my bride now, and I have no problem reminding them of that fact.

“Thank you, Darci.” I nod, pouring another drink. “Try again in the morning.”

“Of course, Mr. Cross.” Darci forces a smile, nodding once more before disappearing.

Darci has worked for my family for over two decades, so she’s seen it all. Blood-stained clothing, bodies being carried out in pieces. Nothing surprises her anymore. But when I called her from the auction tonight to tell her I was bringing Odette home with me, I sensed the slightest crack in her perfectly polished exterior.

I don’t invite women to the house because it’s a risk for all the reasons my mother held over my head tonight. Still, I went and let my enemy’s daughter in. She’s breaking all my rules and doesn’t even know it yet.

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