CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The problem with Mateo's proposal was that I had no clue what he wanted from me in return. Although I'd made some questionable choices in the past, I was not blind to manipulation. This wasn't a love story or a passionate affair—we were strangers. Not only that, but this man could have his pick of any woman he desired. There had to be a deeper motive behind his sudden need for a wife, and unfortunately, I was caught in the middle of it all.

"Why me?" I managed to ask calmly, despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me. "What do you gain from marrying me?"

He studied me thoughtfully. "It's partly out of necessity. You possess something that I need."

I furrowed my brow, mixing confusion with unease. "And what is that, exactly?"

"Your background," he responded smoothly .

"Your family name. The connections you may not even realize you have. By marrying you, I solidify alliances and increase my power and influence. And in return, I will help you find Eva. I will utilize every resource available to me to lead you to her."

Two things he said stood out to me, etching themselves into my mind like a sharp blade. First was the way he confidently stated he would lead me to my sister. Melody and Peyton had suggested he already knew her whereabouts; it was clear this information came at a price. Second, his mention of my family connections, nearly made me choke on my sip of water.

"Have you seen the state of my so-called family?" I scoffed, unable to believe that anyone would see value in them, especially Uncle Luis.

Mateo's eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile remained unnervingly calm. "I have," he responded coolly .

"And I know there's more to your family's legacy than meets the eye. Your lineage holds weight, Elena, more than you might understand right now. Aligning with you provides me with leverage in ways that go beyond the obvious."

I shook my head, trying to wrap my mind around his words. The idea of me specifically wielding any sort of power or influence seemed absurd. If that were true, I wouldn’t have been on that rooftop with him. "I think you're giving me too much credit," I muttered.

Mateo leaned forward, his piercing gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. "No," he stated firmly. "You have value, Elena, and together, we can leverage that value to achieve our respective goals."

The enormity of the situation crashed down on me like a tidal wave. The promise of finding Eva was the enticing bait, but the price was undeniably high, just as I knew it would be .

"You're asking a lot," I said quietly, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of his proposition.

"And I'm offering a lot in return," he replied smoothly as if sealing the deal with each word spoken between us.

My surprise couldn’t be tempered. His words, his geniality, once again threw me into a state of confusion “I don’t know what to say… this honestly isn't how I saw this conversation going.”

“I know.” His voice dripped with dark amusement as he cut into his food with precise, calculated movements. "I could practically see the thoughts swirling in your pretty little head. You thought I would fuck you the moment we were alone, take what's between your legs without mercy." He leaned closer, lips twisting into a cruel smirk. "But let me make one thing clear--I am not some inexperienced teenage boy who can't control himself. ”

I swallowed hard, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. "And I'm not just any girl you can have," I retorted, my voice steadier than I felt.

"That’s an adorable show of strength, but I already have you , anjinho, " he stated coolly. "And tonight, I have every intention of taking my time and savoring every inch of your body before finally breaking you and making you mine . ” His eyes swept over my face noting my reaction. "Although I must admit, sitting you on this table and tasting your pussy right here and now is tempting...but first, you will be properly wined and dined like the lady you are."

"That's..." I trailed off and took another sip of water, hoping he couldn't tell how flushed my face was. "Like I said, I didn't expect that. I didn't expect anything to happen tonight."

"Then you're all the more naive."

I shook my head. I wasn't going to have that type of discussion with him .

"Do I have to decide now?" I asked, trying to buy some time to process.

He paused, looking up at me with an unsettling calm. "All you need to do is enjoy your meal. The decision has already been made."

"What does that mean?"

"What's the point in pretending you may turn down my offer, or that I'd let you?" he continued, his eyes boring into mine.

"Do you hear yourself right now?" I asked, incredulity coloring my voice.

“I do. And so that there’s no surprise later on,” his eyes locked onto mine with an unwavering intensity. "You will be completely and utterly mine. I mean that in every barbaric, possessive, and fucked-up way imaginable."

I couldn't come up with a quick response to counter his words, no feminist ideals to argue against his offer. Ultimately, he was right, and I would have to accept it .

I observed him closely, taking in every detail of his appearance: the perfectly styled dark hair, the sharp jawline that looked even more defined in the low light, and his captivating eyes that always seemed to hold power and mystery. He was gorgeous. He was also twisted to the core and unapologetic in his actions.

"So, tell me. What does me being your wife look like?" I asked, trying to maintain a semblance of control.

He reached for his drink with a grin, the glass catching the light as he lifted it. "I could tell you, but I'd rather show you."

"And how would you do that?" I asked, my curiosity piqued despite my apprehension.

"I'd start with us finishing our meal," he replied smoothly. "And you relaxing with a drink."

I wasn’t hungry, but I still remembered the last time I’d said that to him. Reluctantly, I picked up my fork and continued eating .

I knew this dinner would be the last meal we shared before everything changed between us.