He takes another bite. “Yeah, I already talked about that with my brother, and he said he wants marriage on the table. There’s nothing that binds two families together more strongly than marriage—and, of course, shared grandchildren.”
He’s being so nice. Why? What’s up with him?
My stomach drops. I don’t want to have kids with Cal, much less tie my life to his. Plus, I have this thing going on with Thorn. I can admit to myself that there’s a lot there; and if it’s possible to have fallen in love in one weekend, I did it. Yeah, he’s a complete jackass, and my body is still sore from his last lesson. We’ll probably end up killing each other, but being with any other man just doesn’t seem right. I frown.
“What’s wrong?” Cal asks.
“I was just thinking. You don’t seem too angry that I spent a few days with Thorn.”
Cal waves a hand. “No, I was kind of being a jerk about the whole hymen thing. It’s a good thing Thorn broke you in. I mean, who really wants a virgin? Hopefully he taught you a few things.”
I cough up wine and rapidly wipe my mouth. So much for his nice-guy routine.
He nods, either not knowing or not caring what an ass he’s being. “I do like the idea of taking what Thorn thinks is his, and I love the idea of getting you so my brother can’t. He has a thing for brunettes with a lot of hair. Don’t know why.”
“I’m not a possession.” I no longer want the burger.
“Sure you are.” Cal polishes his off and swigs down his wine before pouring himself another glass.
The more he speaks, the more I smell scotch. Did he start drinking before I arrived? I guess I don’t really care, but I mean, come on.
“Would you like dessert now?” he asks.
“No thanks. Not yet. Let’s revisit that crazy thought that I’m an object to be possessed.” Yet isn’t that what Thorn says? That I’m his? That he owns me? I still have bite marks across my flesh from his possession. Irritation climbs up my spine.
Cal reaches over to take my hand. “We’re a done deal. You’re the face of Aquarius as I am for Hologrid, and while other people don’t realize how hard it is to influence, you and I do.”
“I also work at the company.” And charge the crystals, but that’s a state secret. I figure his older brother charges their amethysts.
“Sure. For now, anyway. Come on, let’s go sit in the living room, where it’s more comfortable.” He pulls me up.
I stand, allowing him to keep my hand. His is warm and bigger than mine, but not nearly as strong or firm as Thorn’s. There has to be a way to merge professionally and not personally.
We walk inside, and I find his living room is anything but comfortable. It’s all sharp angles, fierce glass, and what looks like incredibly hard black leather chairs and sofa. I nearly jump out of my skin when I look at the windows and see the argyle pattern made out of shiny silver metal. The crisscrosses make my stomach lurch and I look quickly away. He draws me over to the sofa. “Do you have a library?” I ask.
“No. Why in the hell would I have a library?” He settles us both on the sofa.
I really need to get out of here. “Listen. Marriage is off the table, but we can still work together.”
“We’re a done deal,” he repeats, yanking me onto his lap.
I push against his chest, my legs falling on either side of his hips. He pulls me close and I yelp when my sore pussy hits his erection.
Ignoring my struggles, he yanks me closer and kisses me. Hard.
My mouth is apparently also sore. I push against him, trying to get free, panic climbing through me. I don’t want to get close to him.
Cal moans into my mouth and reaches for the zipper at the back of my dress. Whoa. I finally shove him hard enough he releases my mouth. He’s panting. His nostrils are flared, and deep crimson colors his hands and face.
“Let me go, you asshole.” I push against Cal’s chest and try to slide off his lap.
He clamps both hands on my hips. “No. Beathach might’ve gotten here first, but I’m here now. I’ll make you forget him.”
I let out a slightly hysterical chuckle before I can stop it. “That’s impossible. Even if I don’t see him for a hundred years, I will never forget him.” Is it possible what Thorn said is accurate? That he broke me and put me back together so that I can only fit with him? Or maybe he’s who I’ve always been searching for. I have to get off this guy’s lap. “Cal, it’s not going to happen between us romantically, so how about we come up with a better solution? We’re prepared to sign a contract that will be mutually beneficial for both companies.”
“No. It’s marriage.” He kisses me again, this time even harder. “You’re suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. Forget Beathach.”
I try to evade him, panic catching me as he squishes my lips and shoves his tongue back into my mouth. Left without a choice, I punch up and nail him beneath the jaw.
His jaw snaps and his head goes back. I scramble away, falling to the side and rolling off the sofa before coming up. He’s there before me and strikes out, hitting me beneath the right eye. Pain explodes across my cheekbone and I fly over the coffee table to land on the hardwood floor, the breath knocked out of me.
I roll until I smash into the fireplace. Panicking, I push myself up on all fours.
Cal kicks me in the side and I fly up before plummeting back down.
“What are you doing?” I gasp, turning to sit, and then crab-walk back against the wall.
His face is an orange red and his eyes are bugging out. “You’re turning me down? Me?”
I somehow missed this. “It isn’t personal.” Are my ribs broken? My entire right side feels like he’s wearing steel-toed boots. A quick look confirms that they’re regular tennis shoes. I look around for a weapon, trying to appear defenseless. Actually feeling rather defenseless. “People know I’m here, Cal.”
His fists slowly relax.
I speak soothingly as if trying to calm a wild animal. Perhaps he’s on something? But our conversation at dinner was just fine. “I think this is just a huge misunderstanding.”
He blinks several times as if coming back into himself. “Oh, shit. You’re right.” He holds out a hand and I barely keep from wincing. Clutching my rib cage, I accept his hand and stand, half expecting him to punch again. He looks at my face. “You okay?”
“Sure. I’m fine.” I smile and force my arm to my side before giving a fake chuckle. “This is a date for the record books.” I snort as if we’re sharing the best joke ever. “Things got out of hand, but I assume that’s normal for those of us in the public eye.” I have no idea what I’m saying at this point and really want to run for the door.
