Chapter Eight

Bri

The desire I had for this man was almost like a craving, an addiction I couldn’t deny, and I hated myself for allowing it to overpower my good sense. The thought of resisting never crossed my mind when his hands touched me. Although I still protested when he claimed that I belonged solely to him, the idea of being in his bed was not nearly as disturbing as it should be. There was something about him, something that was almost as magnetic as it was alarming. Whenever he kissed me or touched me in places no one had before, it was as if I was in a drugged stupor unable to fight against the hold he had on me.

Even the danger surrounding him did not detract from the sexual appeal that radiated from his every pore. I had to get control of my emotions, of my desires. I couldn’t let my body betray me. The man was a threat and I had to find a way to walk away. I couldn’t continue to allow him to control me, to use me, no matter how much pleasure his touch brought me.

The car came to a stop in front of a large cathedral.

“Why are we stopping here?”

He reached over and took my hand. “There is something that needs to be done.”

“If we are here for the priest to listen to your confession, we will be here all day.”

The driver opened the door for him, and he stepped out of the car tugging me behind him. “Confession is not my thing, Angel. We are here for something entirely different.”

I followed behind, not really paying attention until we entered the sanctuary and saw a priest standing at the end of the aisle, wearing his long robes and holding a bible in his hand. An ominous feeling swept over me, and my nerve endings began to tingle as my brain started sending out warning signals to the rest of my body.

I stopped suddenly and pulled my hand from his grasp. “What’s going on? Why are we here?”

I wasn’t sure why my instincts were sending me red alert warnings. Surely, he had not brought me here to have a priest give me last rites before he killed me. I shook the absurd thought from my head. I was being ridiculous. No, I wasn’t here because he wanted to kill me.

I felt his hand reach for mine again, this time holding me tighter. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the priest who was still standing and waiting.

“Do not make a scene. I will caution you about what you say. Father Michael is a friend of mine and while he knows what I do, I still do not wish for him to think the absolute worst of me.”

“Great. I’ll just wait here in this pew while you conduct whatever business you and the good Father must do.”

He squeezed my upper arms a little firmer. “I’m afraid your presence will be required.”

The increased intensity in his eyes made my pulse quicken. “Stop being cryptic. There is a reason you brought me here, what is it?”

It was easy to see from the arrogant tilt of his chin that I would not like what he was about to say.

“When you first walked into the club, I knew at that moment that I would have you in my bed. At first, that was enough. But after touching you and tasting you, after learning that I was the only man to have ever had you, I knew a few nights would not suffice. But as you have already learned, the world in which I live is dangerous. I am surrounded by it. It isn’t safe for you to be around me, in my life, without protection. Not to mention the fact that you are running from a man that tried to rape and kill you. This way I know you will be safe, and you will receive the respect you deserve; other men will not even entertain the thought of having you for themselves, and it will make it easier for me to protect you.” He gave me a crooked smile. “Not to mention the added benefit of no longer having to listen to your constant insistence that you don’t belong to me.”

I listened but still wasn’t sure of what he was trying to tell me. “So, are you going to leave me here with the priest? Why not just let me go home?”

My face must have given away my confusion. He leaned closer, his voice was at the same time soft yet firm as steel.

“No, my plans do not include leaving you here. You are mine, Bri. I have already claimed you. You can deny it, you can try to fight me on it, but nothing will change that fact. If you try to run, I will chase you. You can try to hide, but I will always find you. You can scream and rage at me, but the inevitable will happen. You will become my wife on this day.” He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. “And as my wife, you will be protected from both your enemies and mine.”

I couldn’t have heard what I thought I did. I must have misunderstood or maybe this whole thing was some weird dream. There was no way in hell he thought I would agree to marry him. “You brought me here to marry me? Are you delusional?”

I put a hand over my mouth as a burst of laughter sprang forth. “This is a joke, some sort of trick or game you are playing. Trying to shock me or cause me to panic? Because I know you can’t be serious.” I laughed again and his eyes narrowed slightly. “You can’t think that I would agree to something so ridiculous, so incredibly bizarre. We haven’t even known each other for a week.”

“I know how hard you come for me when I am deep inside you. I know the seductive sounds you make when you reach the point where you can’t hold back anymore. I know what it feels like to have your body against mine. I know you like the way my tongue feels when it licks your folds before I suck your clit. I savor the sweetness of your taste, your smell, the feel of your skin, and every curve of your body. I know I was the first and only man that will know those things about you.”

From the way his eyes had narrowed, and his lips had thinned into a firm hard line, I was beginning to think that he was indeed serious.

“This can’t be real. I’m not going to marry you.”

“I am quite serious, and I don’t have time to indulge you in another argument. So, shall we get on with it? Father Michael was gracious enough to work us into his schedule today.”

He gripped my arm and pulled me to my feet. “You are crazy! I’m not doing this. There isn’t a priest in this country that will marry someone that adamantly refuses. And I will not agree to this.”

He began pulling me forward. “Like I said before. You can fight, kick, scream. I can drag you up the aisle, no doubt causing great embarrassment to both you and Father Michael, but the result will be the same. So, what will it be? Will you walk on your own or shall I carry you?”

I took a deep breath. Perhaps if I calmly and rationally tried to reason with him. “Please try and pay attention to me, I am not going to marry you.”

He came to a sudden stop, turned, and loomed over me and a shiver of fear moved up my spine. “Do you know what could happen to you if I give in to your demands and release you now? Let you walk out of here to return to your old apartment and your old life.”

I shook my head slowly.

“There are some very bad men looking to take from me. I suspect that I have been under surveillance for some time now, which means they have seen you. They already know you are someone important to me, someone they can use to hurt me or get whatever it is they want. Believe me, Bri, they will. If I release you, if you are no longer under my protection, they will not hesitate to take you and use you as a bargaining chip to get to me.”

He leaned closer and I swallowed hard.

“They will not be as kind as I have been to you. Do you honestly think you could withstand the torture they would inflict upon you? The cuts to your tender flesh, the breaking of your bones, or the removal of your nails. Perhaps they would let their men use you in ways that would destroy both your body and soul, or they could simply kill you. And if that isn’t enough to convince you, what about the man hunting you? He could have already found out where your old apartment is and just be waiting for your return. Do you think marriage to me is worse than either of those two fates?”

I reached for the pew behind me. My knees grew weaker with every word he spoke. He pushed me down to sit, then gripped my chin, turning my face up to his.

“As my wife, you will have the respect and protection of my organization and those who work for me, not to mention the use of my name. The choice is yours, Bri. I will allow you to walk out of this church right now, free of me, free of this life, but without my protection. Stay, agree to be my wife, and I will use my power and influence to keep you safe, to keep you alive and free from the danger that surrounds us both.”

“But couldn’t you protect me without taking such drastic and permanent measures?”

He shrugged his shoulders again. “That wasn’t one of the options you were given. I have presented you with your choices, Bri. Now you must decide.”

My heart was pounding, my breathing erratic, and I was sweating. He didn’t touch me, or say anything else; he just waited and watched. His eyes seemed to peer inside my soul. If I stayed, I would be forever tied to a man that scared the shit out of me but had never hurt me. If I left and took the freedom he was offering, I could be tortured and killed by whoever was trying to hurt him or face Tony again. Was that really the only two options I had?

I saw him look at his watch and I knew he was running out of patience. I glanced up at the priest who was still waiting in front of the altar. His face was sympathetic, but he appeared to be ready to perform this sham of a ceremony anyway.

“Why me?” The question was quiet, my voice wobbly as I pushed back the tears that threatened to fall.

He leaned closer to me. His lips only an inch or so away from mine. “Because I have never wanted something so bad in my life. You are my obsession, a need I can’t explain. I am not sure why or the reason behind it, but I want you.”

“But you would still let me leave if I chose to?”

He narrowed his eyes and while he may theoretically have given me a choice, I’m not so certain he would abide by that promise.

“It seems as if I don’t have much of a choice, do I?”

Rogue stepped off to the side, giving me a free path to run, to escape the fate that loomed before me. “We always have choices, Angel. Now is the time for you to make yours.”

I took a deep breath, wiped a stray tear away that had slipped past my lashes, and stood. “You say I have a choice, but I truly do not.” I brushed a hand through my hair and smoothed out the dress I was wearing. “Well, this isn’t exactly how I pictured meeting the man I would marry. But I suppose being married to you is a step up from being tortured.”

I pushed past him and walked toward the priest on my own. Each step heavier than the last. I could feel his presence behind me, but he didn’t try to stop me. When I came face to face with Father Michael, Rogue caught up to me and took my hand. I didn’t try to pull away. His thumb glided over my knuckles as if he were trying to bring me some comfort.

Father Michael gave me a sad, concerned smile as he inclined his head toward me.

“Are you alright, Miss Rogers?”

My head shot up and just for a moment I contemplated begging him for his help, but if he was friends with Rogue, it would be useless to try.

“I am fine, thank you.”

He then turned his gaze back to Rogue, his eyes showing his disapproval. “Are you certain this is something you both wish to do?”

“Just perform the ceremony, Michael.” Rogue’s voice was curt, and I could detect a hint of annoyance in his tone.

The priest opened the bible he held in his hands before shooting daggers in Rogue’s direction. “It’s Father Michael to you, and I will thank you to remember that. I don’t usually perform marriage ceremonies under duress so you will give me a few minutes to make certain the bride is going to be alright. Right now, she looks as if she could kill you, and I have no wish to perform a wedding and administer last rites in one day.”

Rogue sighed heavily as if he knew that any more insistence on his part would not speed things along as he had hoped.

Father Michael looked back at me, a mixture of sympathy and kindness mingled in his glance. “I don’t know the circumstances behind this rushed marriage. I didn’t ask, but if this is something you don’t wish to do….”

“Michael,” Rogue said in a harsh voice.

I tried to give him a small smile, but I couldn’t muster more than just a slight curve of my lips. “I will be alright. Can we please just get this over with?”

He sighed heavily and nodded his head before beginning the ceremony. I don’t believe I heard most of the words that were spoken. I repeated what was asked of me, but tuned out the rest of the ceremony. I do remember shivering and feeling dizzy as Rogue slipped a plain platinum band over my finger and wondered where he had procured a ring on such short notice. When his arm wrapped around my waist, I couldn’t help but be thankful for his strength because I wasn’t sure how much longer I could remain standing. He turned me to face him, and I could see the concern on his face.

“Are you going to faint?”

I blinked a few times. “Is it over?”

“Yes, it’s over.”

“But you didn’t kiss me.”

He led me over to the first pew to take a seat. “With the way your face had gone ghostly pale, I was afraid you were about to hit the floor. Sit here with Father Michael, I will go get you something to drink.”

He walked away and I lowered my head, hoping the dizzy feeling I was experiencing would subside. I felt Father Michael sit beside me. He placed his hand over mine. He seemed quite at odds with the situation.

“I am sorry for my part in this.”

“It’s alright. Does Rogue have something he is holding over your head, blackmailing you to do his bidding, hoping you will pray for his dark soul?”

He chuckled softly. “Sadly, it isn’t salvation that Rogue seeks.”

His words and the tone of his voice sparked my curiosity. “How do know him?”

“I’m not sure Rogue wants me to share his secrets.”

I rolled my eyes, wondering how a man like Rogue Delaney commanded such loyalty. “It is not like you are telling just anyone. I am his wife now…thanks to you.”

I could still tell that he was torn as to how much was acceptable to tell me and for a minute, I thought he wouldn’t respond.

“We grew up together. Both of us from the wrong side of the tracks, so to speak. My father died in prison, and I’m not even sure if Rogue knows who his father is. He never talks about him or any family. We were around eleven years old when we met. I was picking pockets on the streets in one of the fashionable districts of Chicago. I was pretty good, but one day I got caught, and the man grabbed my shirt collar and started punching me. Rogue saw what was happening, picked up a metal rod from somewhere, and cracked it across the man’s knees and then over his back. The man released me, and we both ran. We became close friends after that. Rogue watched after me, he took care of his friends. He was a born leader. I knew he was meant for more than just petty thievery. He was smart. By the time we were teenagers, Rogue had built up quite an enterprise. Stealing cars and other merchandise, but it was all petty stuff. Then one day he met Alessio Messina. Alessio was the heir to the Messina crime family in New York. Alessio admired Rogue and taught him how to use his brains to create a powerful organization. He taught him how to be a businessman. By the time he reached his early twenties, he had grown very powerful and already controlled much of the city. I still worked for him at that time.”

“You used to be a part of Rogue’s organization?”

“I was his second in command. He trusted me with his life.”

“What happened?”

“The more Rogue grew in power and wealth, the more enemies he had. One day there was an assassination attempt by another bad element in town. He failed and Rogue captured him and killed him to send a message. I was there. The next day, I told him that I couldn’t be involved with the death and danger anymore. I didn’t have what it took to be a part of his world. I knew where his life was headed, and I didn’t want to live in fear or surrounded by danger at every turn.”

“Was he angry with you?”

An almost playful smile overtook his features. “Angry? No, he had already picked my replacement. Somehow, he knew I wasn’t strong enough for this life, and he was ambitious. His power would only grow stronger. He was destined to be just as big as any other crime family in the country, and he has earned his place.”

I listened intently, knowing there was more he wasn’t saying. “You became a priest?”

“I did. And a damn good one too.”

I shook my head slightly. “But you have remained friends. Do you condone what he does?”

“I never said I condoned what he does, but I am his friend and while he resides in darkness, I know there is good in him.”

I heard heavy footsteps approaching and was disappointed that I couldn’t find out more about the man I was irrevocably tied to now.

“Fuck, Michael. We aren’t in a confessional.”

Father Michael stood from his seat, his eyes narrowed in disapproval and censure. Rogue moved closer to hand me a bottle of water.

I took the water from him and felt the backs of his fingers glide over my cheek.

“Feeling better, Angel?”

I sipped the water slowly. “As good as can be expected. I don’t suppose you have any other surprises like this for me today.”

“Don’t sound so melancholy, love. I have plans for later that you will enjoy, but I don’t wish to discuss them in front of my priest. But before that, tonight, we have a society function to attend. The mayor is expecting us and there will be other government officials present. It will be the perfect venue to make an official announcement regarding our spontaneous marriage.”

He then turned to Father Michael. “Thank you again, Michael.”

Father Michael nodded. “I wish you both happiness.” He held out his hand for me and helped me to my feet. “For what it is worth, I hope that you can forgive me, Brielle.”

“Thank you for the conversation. I hope we have another opportunity to speak again.”

Rogue took hold of my arm and pulled me toward him. “Michael talks too much, but you will see him again. We have a standing dinner engagement once a month.”

Another infectious grin ruffled the corners of Father Michael’s mouth. “Don’t hype it up.” He looked over at me. “Rogue joins us for a spaghetti supper once a month. Proceeds feed the less fortunate and it also provides funds for the children’s choir. Rogue is a generous donor.”

Rogue’s features were set in irritation. “You are talking too much again, Michael. If she listens to your nonsense for much longer, she will think I am some sort of philanthropist.”

Father Michael ignored him and moved once again toward me. “I was very happy to meet you, Brielle. And I am sincere when I wish you well.”

“It was an unusual way to meet someone but thank you for your kindness.”

Rogue slipped his hand into mine and began walking out of the church to the car waiting for us. The driver opened the door, and I slid into the back seat with Rogue following behind me.

Once the door was closed, he placed his hand on the back of my neck, his thumb gently stroking my skin. “Your coloring is better, but you are still a bit pale. Tell me the truth, you aren’t about to faint or get sick, are you?”

I sighed, still in somewhat of a state of shock. “No. I don’t know how to feel, but I am not going to faint or throw up all over your car if that’s what you are worried about.”

His hand came down possessively on mine. “I don’t give a fuck about the car. I was worried about you. I know this was a shock, but it is the best way for me to make certain no harm comes to you. I’m glad you are feeling better.”

I lifted my chin, meeting his sensual gaze straight on. “I know this is an arranged marriage, a dupe to trick your enemies into believing I am more than what I am. Maybe it is the best way you can think of to protect me, regardless of how bizarre it sounds. Whatever it is, it’s not real.” I hoped my voice sounded more confident than I felt.

I watched as his face darkened and his eyes turned serious as if he were accepting a challenge. He moved quickly, wrapping his hand in my hair and jerking my head back enough to make a soft gasp escape my lips. “Stop! Stop trying to deny what you feel for me, Bri. You are my wife now, not an actress playing a part, not a game or trick to throw my enemies off guard. My wife, Bri! And if you are still in doubt, tonight I will make you a believer.” He pressed his lips to mine, his kiss brutal, hard, and painful. When he released me, my lips were swollen and stinging from his assault.

“My driver will take you back to the penthouse. Blaze will be waiting to escort you. I thought you might like some time to relax before the evening.”

I turned toward him and felt a slight tremor of fear at being left alone. “Where are you going?”

He looked behind us. “I’m going to find out why that car, the one parked three cars back, has been following us this morning. I want to find out why they are still here. Then I have some legitimate business to take care of. I will meet you back at the penthouse later.”

“But…won’t confronting those men be dangerous?”

His grin even looked deadly. “For them, it will be.”

He gently pulled me toward him and placed a softer kiss on my cheek. “I was hoping to spend more time with you today and show you more of the city, but I promise to make up for it later.”

I didn’t know what to say. The way his kiss could turn from brutal to gentle in such a short time, the feel of his hand at the back of my neck, before it was cruel, now it was surprisingly comforting.

He opened the car door and stepped out. I quickly turned to watch from the back window as he strode purposely toward the car he had mentioned as my driver pulled away from the curb. I wanted to see what would happen, but the driver made a turn that prevented me from seeing anything else. I turned back around and clasped my hands together on my lap, trying to contain my nervousness. Would I feel this fear for the rest of my life, or would I become so numb to it that it would be the new normal? How ironic that I left Colorado out of fear, afraid of the violence that I had been exposed to and now I was drowning in something much more deadly, much more sinister. But this time, there was nowhere to run. Nowhere Rogue wouldn’t find me. This time I would not escape from it.