Chapter 9: Chapter 9

I was so mad at everything Thomas is trying to force me to do that I agreed to go to a party with Kelly, which I never do. Is not fair. I always do everything right, I'm a good daughter, a good student. And for what? To be sold into marriage to a gruff man who only wants revenge on my father.

"It's not his fault, it's yours!" I say and lift my chin even though I just want to run away from him giving me that intimidating look. “You were the one who decided to punish me when I didn't do anything.

Thomas tilts his head to the side and gives me a warm smile that confuses me. He reaches across the table and grips my fingers. His hand is warm and soft and somehow makes my body relax.

“It was your father who chose this, Cecilia. He could be a man and pay for his mistakes. But he chose to sell you to me, didn't he? He would rather you suffer for the rest of your life than go to jail as is fair. I feel my eyes fill with tears and Thomas pats my hand. “No, honey, don't cry. Everything is fine.

Daddy... I can't believe he could do such a thing. How could he steal from his own partner, his friend of so many years? And how could you destroy my life like that?

“I'll take care of you,” Thomas promises. “You'll be mine, and I'll take care of what's mine. You just have to promise me that you're going to be a good girl, and I promise that I'm going to give you the princess life you're used to, okay? he asks in a caring voice. I feel my bottom lip trembling from the tears I can't shed here in front of everyone.

This is not what I wanted for my life. It wasn't.

The waiter returns with our food and Thomas lets go of my hand. He thanks the man, who leaves soon after. He takes a sip of his coffee and nods at my plate.

- With the. I don't want to deal with you passing out again today.

I pick up my fork and play with the pancake on my plate. It smells good, but I completely lost my appetite. Thomas sighs irritably.

- What is it now? Do I need to give you the mouth? I breathe through my mouth and let my lips part as I look back at him. Thomas smirks and I see his eyes gleam as I bite my bottom lip. — You know, looking from here, it doesn't seem like a bad idea to put it in your little mouth — he says in a tone that makes my spine shiver and my body heat up.

- What do you mean? I ask and tuck a strand of hair that fell out of the bun behind my ear.

His smile widens and Thomas rubs his thumb across his mouth.

- Nothing, honey. Eat your breakfast and I'll take you back to your room.

We finish eating in silence. I got caught up in my own confused thoughts and Thomas didn't seem to mind too much as he didn't look up from his phone. Then he brought me to my room and that's where we are now. I sit on the bed and hug my knees. He's standing in the middle of the room looking around.

— I'm going out, Cecilia. Am I going to have to pick you up from another party again today, or are you going to act like the adult you are and obey a simple order?

“I'm not going anywhere,” I assure him with a resigned sigh.

“Fine,” he says, and straightens the tie on his neat suit. — I shouldn't spend many days here to solve what I need. In less than a week, we'll be back in Brazil.

- No! I protest and jump to my feet. - Please do not. I only have six months to finish college. Let me finish - I ask and feel my eyes fill with tears again, but this time they run down my cheek and a sob escapes my throat. - Please…

Thomas seems to freeze in place, as if he doesn't know what to do with me. He takes a step closer and reaches me without any difficulty. He is much taller than me and his body almost completely covers me. Thomas pulls my chin up and runs his thumb across my cheek, smearing the tears away.

“Do you know what could have happened to you last night, girl? he asks in an angry voice. “Do you know what those little shits you call friends could have done to you?

"As if you care!"

“I don't mind,” he replies with a laugh and cups my face. "But I have a reputation to uphold, and I can't have my fiancée involved in scandal around here."

- I promise I'll behave - I assure and take a deep breath. I lock eyes with his and for a second I get lost in the beautiful blue. - I promise.

Thomas doesn't say anything for a while. He runs his thumb across my mouth, eyes down my body, and I feel very exposed, but not in a bad way. I've never really liked it when other guys look at me that way, but it doesn't bother me when he does.

“I'll think about it,” he says and looks into my face. “If you behave today, we'll talk later.

I nod and he sighs.

— And go to sleep, you look awful — he says as he lets go of me and leaves, slamming the door.