Page 177 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

“And I assume that I’m to remain?”

“Of course.”

“And what exactly changes when he leaves?”

“There will be expectations.”

It wasn’t what he said but how he said it that sent cold terror slithered down my spine. The air seemed thinner and harder to breathe. The sunlight at his back transformed his figure into a dark silhouette that felt almost demonic. Julian was not simply dangerous, he was something else entirely. I couldn’t pin down the word, but I felt it in my bones.

“Clarify,” I said, trying to mask my unease.

“You will continue with our daily routine until the wedding. After that, you will move from this room into the master suite with me. You are expected to be available whenever I require and to produce a minimum of three children.”

My back stiffened.

“Oh, is that all? Be your sex slave and pop out however many babies you want? How kind.”

He chuckled. “Don’t worry. Once a pregnancy is confirmed, I’ll find someone else to handle my needs. And if for some reason you cannot produce the heirs needed then I will find someone who can stand in and produce them for us. Of course, you will raise the children once they are born.” He smiled lewdly and stepped closer. “If you’re well behaved I’ll even let you join. You know, to make you feel part of the process.”

I tilted my head, almost impressed with the gall it took to stay that to my face.

“Well then, I guess it’s fortunate you’re marrying me.”

His eyes narrowed. “And why is that?”

“I don’t care.” I paused long enough for the words to sink in. “That kind of threat might hurt a woman who is stupid enough to fall in love with you, but I will not. All I heard was peace and quiet. Sweet, merciful distance. And the promise that I will not have to endure your insufferable touch.”

Any amusement vanished from his face. His jaw ticked, and rage burned in his eyes. Men like Julian couldn’t handle their egos being bruised.

He closed the distance between us and wrapped his hand around my throat. This was who he really was. Who I sensed lurking behind his eyes. I’d pushed him enough to reveal the darkness under the façade.

I didn’t grab his wrist even as he squeezed until I could barely breathe.

“You had better learn to mind that tongue of yours.”

“Sc…rew youuu,” I hissed out through my constricted airway.

“Mr. Harrington.” Sven’s voice cut through the room. “Unhand Ms. Mikhailov.”

Julian’s eyes flicked up to Sven. He hesitated a second longer and then slid his polished mask back into place, hiding the monster before he released me. He adjusted his cream suit and smiled widely, continuing as if we were in the midst of a civil discussion and not a domestic violence dispute.

“I guess there is no reason to delay the wedding.”

“When?”

“Two weeks,” he said, leaning in closer but not touching me. “I’ve given you plenty of space to come to terms with your new living arrangement. You will accept what is required of you, or there will be unpleasant consequences.”

My eyebrow cocked.

“I appreciate your generosity.”

His eyes flashed, and there was something entirely too satisfying in knowing he had to keep his rage bottled with my guard in the room. At some point, I would pay for it, but I planned to be long gone before that happened.

“Tomorrow evening, there will be a celebration in our honor. You will be ready to leave at five and not a moment later. Make sure you wear another one of those pretty dresses.”

Great, I was his dress-up doll.

I kept my mouth shut this time.