Page 9 of Sadistic

"You have choices." We're on the highway now, Jacksonville falling behind. "Just not that one."

"Because I'm yours."

"Because you've been mine since your father shook hands with my uncle." He says it simply, like it's fact, not possession. "Fighting it just wastes energy we could use for better things."

"Like building your empire."

"Our empire," he corrects. "Everything I have becomes yours too. That's what marriage means."

"In your world."

"In every world that matters."

We drive in silence until Everly's house appears.

He parks but doesn't turn off the engine.

"One more thing," he says, pulling out a small box. "If we're doing this, we're doing it right."

The ring is perfect—not huge and flashy like I'd expect from Bratva money, but elegant.

Art deco style with a center sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

It's beautiful and I hate that I love it.

"Blue," I murmur.

"I thought it would compliment your eyes," He takes it from the box. "Wear it Monday. Let everyone know this is real."

"It's not real. It's a business arrangement."

"Is it?" He takes my hand, slides the ring on.

It fits perfectly because of course it does. "Five years of watching. Of waiting. Of wanting. Feels pretty real to me."

"Wanting," I repeat.

"You think I haven't imagined this?" His thumb brushes over the ring, over my skin. "Having you beside me. Having you under me. Having you?—"

"Stop." My face burns.

"Why? We're getting married. These are things we should discuss." He leans closer. "Unless you plan to have a celibate marriage?"

"I plan to have a practical marriage."

"Practical." He tastes the word like wine. "We'll see how long that lasts."

I reach for the door, but his hand on my arm stops me.

"Revna." My name in his mouth is a dangerous thing. "Whatever you think this is, whatever you think I am—I take care of what's mine. You'll never want for anything. Never fear anything. Never be less than you are. But get that biker boy out of your system. Be free this weekend, but afterward, you are mine and I am yours."

CHAPTER ONE

Revna

The morning light streaming through Everly's guest room window feels like a rude awakening.

I'm still wearing the red sweater from last night, still have his cologne on my skin, and the sapphire ring sits on the nightstand like a beautiful threat.

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