Bitter Vows: A Twisted Arranged Marriage Romance (Crimson Falls Duet Book 1)

by Dani René

  Shrugging on the jacket of my charcoal tux, I fasten the two buttons before straightening my tie. Usually, I’d forgo the outfit, but tonight is special. Grace will be there, and I wonder if she’s going to try and stop me from marrying Scarlett. Needless to say, it won’t go down well, but then again, I don’t give a shit.

  My fiancée needs to speak with her grandmother, which I’ll allow. But once that’s over and done with, she will be coming home with me. For the moment, I’ll allow her to believe the story of revenge against her father, but once she bears my name, I’ll gift her with the truth.

  I’m the monster in our story.

  Never once have I denied it. But watching Scarlett come apart for me has made me feel like a man for the first time in a long while. She’s made me feel something other than the need to dominate. Granted, I would devour her whole if she were to submit. And that’s something I will be working on over the years we will spend together, but for now, I’m happy to play the gentleman just as long as it gets her to wear the ring, carry my name, and end her father.

  With that thought in mind, I head out into the hallway, finding it silent and empty. I’ve become accustomed to the quiet, but I do prefer my apartment in New York, where I can keep a closer eye on Scarlett. Once this sham of a gala is over, I’ll fly her out there and make sure she’s under my watchful eye twenty-four seven.

  When I reach Scarlett’s bedroom, I push open the door without knocking. Her gasp echoes through the room, as I step into the space, taking in her slender frame in a bright red dress.

  “You do realize knocking is considered polite,” my feisty girl spits in frustration as she pins me with a glare so fierce it causes me to chuckle.

  “This is my house, as you’ve learned. I make the rules.” Ignoring her pursed lips, I close the distance between us. My thirsty gaze drinks her in from her perfectly painted toes to the top of her long, red hair. She doesn’t flinch when I reach for her, my fingers tangling in the silky strands, and I gently tug her closer. The scent of her perfume invades my senses, and I can’t stop myself from inhaling deeply, taking her fragrance in as if she were a drug, and I need to get high.

  “This might be your house, and yes, you have your rules, but I still retain my privacy, as well as my need to have space from your overbearing nature,” Scarlett hisses when I tighten my hold in her hair, causing glistening emotion to sparkle in her pretty eyes.

  “Put your coat on. We’re going to be late,” I inform her, ignoring the rather arousing, yet petulant behavior of my little red. Perhaps after the gala, I’ll show her exactly what my rules and her space entails. “I don’t like to show tardiness when I’m the guest of honor.”

  “What?” Shock paints her pretty face, but I don’t respond. Instead, I make my way to the door, leaning against the frame as I wait for her to pull on the crimson coat that matches her dress. There’s a hood, which will come in handy since it’s chilly outside.

  She joins me with no more questions. Side by side, we look like a couple, and I know most of the guests tonight will want to know how the wedding plans are going. I’m almost certain her grandmother has warned the guests not to attend, but I have more pull around here, and I will make sure it’s the event is the talk of the town.

  The moment we reach the landing, my phone buzzes in my pocket. A call from Kahn. “Yes?”

  “I have a problem.” His icy tone is filled with frustration. I sent him and his team to look for my brother, but we also have Lorenzo to deal with. Everything is happening at the same time, and for a moment, I wonder if there’s a connection. I’m not sure why I would even consider this, but the coincidence is too obvious.

  “If it’s my brother, kill him. If it’s Lorenzo, let’s call Alex and see if we can move in on the church,” I respond, glancing at my fiancée to find her staring, wide-eyed at me.

  “Lorenzo has gone underground. I have an inkling on where, but we raided the church and found nothing of consequence. That’s not something you would want to tell Alexei.” He’s right. Going back to the mafia boss to tell him I lost the bastard he’s looking for will only be a confirmation that we’re not able to tackle a job so insignificant.

  “Where was the last place he was spotted?”

  “New Mexico,” Kahn tells me, and I have a feeling we may need help from the Cartel, which means calling Victor Cordero, and that’s not a man I want to be involved unless we need him.

  “I’m headed to the gala right now. It’s important.” I don’t need to explain. Kahn knows why I have to be there. “Get the jet ready. I’ll fly out tonight and make sure the apartment is ready for Scarlett. She’ll be joining me.”

  “Yes, boss.”

  Once I hang up, I turn to a stunned beauty who’s glaring at me as if I’ve grown a second head in the time of my phone call. “I’ll have the maid pack some clothes. We’re leaving after the gala.”

  “Where? I can’t just leave.”

  “New York. And you will do whatever I say. There are secrets in the city that may offer you the answers you’re seeking.” It’s not entirely a lie, but it’s also not the whole truth. Yes, there are answers in the Big Apple that Scarlett would need to learn about, but it may have to wait until after the wedding.

  “This is ridiculous. I can stay with my grandmother. I don’t need to follow you around like a lost puppy.” Her adamant tone has anger surging through me. She doesn’t realize just how much I’m doing for her, and perhaps that’s the problem. Maybe I should offer her more answers, just to ensure she’s on my side.

  “Listen to me,” I say, turning to face her fully. My hands cupping her smooth, tanned cheeks. “Your father has secrets in New York, things he’s been hiding for years. I cannot tell you about them, or I’ll break the contract—”

  “You mean that if you were the one to divulge the secrets, I wouldn’t have to marry you.” Such an intelligent girl. “Is that why you want to keep me in the dark? I could just go to my grandmother and ask her about it. She’d tell me the truth.”

  “Would she?” I challenge easily, knowing that Grace Bardot would rather die than tell her sweet granddaughter about her past and present secrets.

  For a long moment, Scarlett stares at me. Her lips part on a soft sigh before she shakes her head. “I don’t know.” There’s a sadness to her face, an emotion I want to eradicate.

  Stepping closer to her, eating up the distance between us, I allow my larger frame to loom over her. With my index finger under her chin, I tilt her head until she’s looking directly at me. The silence hangs heavy with desire. As much as Scarlett doesn’t want to feel something, she knows there’s a magnetism between us, it’s palpable.

  “I want nothing more than to keep you here tonight, to sit with you on the couch, drink whisky, and talk about growing up as a Shaw.” My admission is startling to both of us, but I don’t stop. “I want you to know who I am. Even though I’m the monster in this story, the wolf seeking out his prey, I wouldn’t hurt you. Not unless you want it.”

  “You’d just devour me whole until nothing is left,” Scarlett responds, the confession true as it escapes her glossy lips.

  Arching a brow at her, I challenge, “I didn’t hear you complaining the last time I made you come.”

  The corner of her mouth quirks. “No, you’re right. I want to hate you—”

  “But you can’t. It’s not who you are.” It’s true. The woman before me may have anger toward me for what I did, but she doesn’t hate. It’s not in her vocabulary. Not in her personality. And as much as I wish I could remain cold-hearted where Scarlett is concerned, I can’t deny the pull, the desire that warms my blood each time she’s near.

  Call it lust.

  Call it stupidity.

  But it’s most definitely undeniable.

  25

  Scarlett

  I didn’t think I would find myself intrigued by Lycan. Or grow to want to know more about him, but over the past couple of weeks, I have. It feels as if I’ve been h
ere for months already. Instead, it’s not been that long at all. As we near the Bardot house, Lycan offers me his arm, which I accept.

  I wanted to bring him down. But I have a feeling there’s so much more to this story than I wanted to admit. There are secrets he’s keeping from me, and the more time I spend with him, I’m almost certain I can learn the truth about my family.

  The admission Gray offered about the curse has also been playing on my mind. I’ll ask Grace what happened with Conall; she has to tell me. I’m her blood. Her family. She cannot refuse me answers when I’m about to walk down the aisle with the son of her first love.

  The door stands open, golden light flowing from the entrance, and we’re welcomed by one of the servants I recognize from when I arrived. Seconds after our coats are taken, we’re escorted through the living room entrance where a few guests are already mingling.

  “There she is.” Grace’s voice comes from behind me, and I turn to find my grandmother looking as elegant as ever. “Darling, you look beautiful.” She leans in, gripping my shoulders and places a kiss on each of my cheeks. When her gaze lands on the man beside me, I notice a flicker of annoyance, but other than that, my grandmother is a steel mask of happiness. “Lycan,” she grits but smiles as she does it. Shocking me, my grandmother takes his hands, leaving me to gawk at them. “I trust you’re well. It’s been far too long.”

  A cruel smirk curls Lycan’s lips, and I’m sure he’s about to insult her in some way, but he says, “Likewise, Mrs. Bardot.” I realize my soon-to-be husband is playing a role. “I think once the party is underway, we should have a chat. There are a few things I need to go over with you.” It’s not a friendly request; it’s an ice-cold command.

  “I have company, Lycan.” All my life, knowing my grandmother, I’ve never seen her falter, but right now, she’s shaking as her throat works on a nervous swallow.

  As much as I want Lycan to drop it, I have a feeling he’s only going to continue on his quest until she agrees. And I’m not wrong, but also shocked when he says, “I’m hoping to take Scarlett to the Big Apple tomorrow, so what we need to talk about has to be tonight.”

  “Oh!” A gasp from my gran is the only expression of shock to his words. “Are you sure you should be traveling to the city this week?”

  “There’s no need to worry. I’ll take care of her,” he assures my grandmother, who seems even more uncomfortable now than she was moments ago.

  Her gaze locks on mine, and she offers a grin. “You’ll absolutely love it.” My grandmother says before she’s dragged away to other guests. I attempt to appear normal while my life feels like it’s falling apart before my very eyes.

  “Close your mouth, little red,” Lycan whispers in my ear. “The only time I want that mouth parted in an O is when my dick is about to slide between those lips.” His words are filled with amusement, but I don’t laugh.

  “What is happening? Why does she not want us traveling to New York? What are you not telling me? She seemed almost scared to refuse your request to talk to her. Why?” My questions are drenched in curiosity as a hiss of frustrated breath escapes my lips.

  Lycan’s green eyes sparkle with indignation as if he’s angry that I’m even asking him about his relationship with my family, with my grandmother. His hand reaches for my arm. Taking me by the elbow, he leads me away from the crowd down a long, darkened hallway until we reach an office where he shoves me inside and kicks the door shut behind him.

  “If you want to be punished, little red, I’ll gladly oblige,” he informs me as his hands grip the thick leather of his belt. Thoughts of him spanking me, whipping me until I’m begging for more, invade my mind, and I’m squirming on the spot.

  “Don’t change the subject,” I bite out, crossing my arms in front of my chest after tugging myself free of his hold. “I want to know the truth. I’m done staying in the dark.”

  “I thought you liked the darkness, little red?” Lycan challenges as he moves closer to me, eating up the distance I’ve put between us in two long strides. As much as I want to run, I don’t. I tilt my chin in defiance.

  “We better get back to the party before my grandmother looks for us,” I tell him, ignoring his question because if I had to be honest, I would say yes. I do enjoy the darkness. I want more of it, but right now, I want answers.

  “You didn’t answer my question. I don’t like repeating myself,” he informs me. “That calls for a harsh punishment.” A fire blazes in his eyes as he steps into my personal space, his hands gripping my elbows as he holds me steady. There’s no running from Lycan, not right now. “And tonight, I’ll show you just what kind of punishment comes from you not answering me when I question you.”

  “Then do it,” I bite out as frustration claws its way up my throat. “Why don’t you do it right now?” I challenge, hoping he’ll quell the ache that’s started twisting in my gut. I may have denied the fact that I’m submissive to him, but it was a lie. Right now, all I want is for him to bend me over right here on the arm of the sofa and spank me.

  I don’t have to wait long before Lycan spins me around, hitches my dress over my hips, and one of his large hands comes down on my ass with a loud swat. A squeal of surprise tumbles from my lips, and another spank lands on the other cheek. He continues my punishment with grunts and growls rumbling in his chest. And my lips expel moans of pleasure with each smarting swat.

  By the time I’m trembling, he stops. I don’t know how many times his hand landed on my behind, but the sting is apparent. I’m certain my ass is bright red. Lycan’s fierce grip in my long tresses tugs me to stand, and the hemline of my dress slinks down my thighs, hiding my panty-clad butt.

  “Next time, it will be my belt,” he promises along my neck before his teeth graze the lobe of my ear along with the threat. “Now, let’s go out there and look like a happily engaged couple.”

  He takes my hand and leads me out into the throng of the party, where guests are drinking, chatting, and laughing. Music tinkles from the speakers as we move through the crowd and into the dining room, leading out onto the patio. Similar to Lycan’s home, this one is illuminated with fairy lights that twinkle around pillars.

  “It’s scary how alike your house is to my grandmother’s,” I remark as we stop at the bar where Lycan orders me a white wine, and he gets himself a whiskey.

  “It’s the reason they built them, the ancestors of our families.” A new tidbit of information I had no clue about. It seems every day with him, I’m learning something new. Lycan leans in his hot breath at my ear. “I bet that sweet cunt is soaked for me right now. Even with all these people around, you’re needy for me to make you come again. Aren’t you, little red?”

  A gasp of surprise expels from my lungs at his salacious taunt, but I can’t deny it, so instead of answering, I sip my drink. With our glasses in hand, we greet a few guests. Some I recognize as celebrities or famous politicians. Others are strangers to me. But it seems Lycan knows a lot more people here than I thought he would.

  When the dinner bell rings, we move to the long table that’s been set with the most expensive china and the shiniest cutlery. I slip into a seat near the far end of the table from where my grandmother sits, and Lycan settles in beside me.

  The staff brings out plates of steaming food, but I can’t concentrate when a looming figure slips into the chair to my right. Beside me, Lycan stills, his body turning rigid, and his knuckles turn white as he grips his knife so tight I’m half expecting it to shatter.

  “What are you doing here?” His voice is laced with poison as if his words could kill the man beside me. When I turn my head, glancing up at the intruder, I’m shocked to see hazel eyes looking back at me.

  “Brother,” the man says, and that’s when it hits me. This is Lycan’s brother. The man who chased me through the woods, scaring me into his brother’s arms, sealing my fate without knowing it. “I don’t think you want to cause a scene,” he says, glancing past me toward Lycan. “But I wanted to
say hello to your pretty new fiancée.”

  “It’s best that you walk out before I kill you.”

  “Always with the theatrics.” A chuckle vibrates in his throat. With everyone’s focus on dinner, nobody has noticed the interaction at this end of the table. But when I glance to my left, I find my grandmother watching intently, her knife and fork poised, waiting for a war I’m sure will soon be here.

  “Darius.” The name is a warning, causing my gaze to land back on Lycan. “If you even dare touch her, I will end you.” There is no humor in his tone, and I don’t doubt he’s capable of killing someone. Something about his demeanor tells me he’s done it before. And that sends an icy shrill of dread racing through me.

  “Let’s enjoy dinner,” Darius says. “I’ll be leaving shortly after. Also, I wanted to tell you face-to-face, call your bloodhounds off me, or I will end them one by one.”

  I feel like I’m watching a tennis match. Left to right, the threats are thrown, and I wonder who will give in first. I doubt it will be Lycan. He’s a man who gets what he wants, and no doubt he will spill blood to do it.

  “If I weren’t convinced you are a threat, I would,” Lycan responds before gulping down his drink and signaling for another. I take my own glass and swallow back the wine. I’m caught between feuding brothers.

  A dangerous place to be.

  26

  Lycan

  He’s so close, yet so far.

  If I did anything to him now, I’ll fuck up my chances of business with every man in this room. As much as they may be corrupt, they won’t allow first-hand violence into their lives.

  And Darius knows it.

  But what bothers me more is that he’s seated beside Scarlett. Jealousy surges through me, along with rage and the need to kill. My brother was nothing more than a two-faced bastard who ran before he even realized what had happened to our father.