I sit on the opposite couch from her, lean back, and prop my ankle on my knee to hide my predicament and give my erection more room.
“I know this isn’t what you expected today, Karey, but Ms.Murphy and I have been friends for decades, so when she finally told me what she was going through, I had to introduce you,” Eileen says.
I quirk a brow, realizing Karey was tricked into this room the same way I was tricked into attending the party.I send an amused glance at my grandmother.Her unapologetic gaze lifts the hairs on my nape.
Karey’s cheerful smile hides any grief she may feel at being duped into this meeting.
“Anything for a friend.How can I help?”she asks.
My grandmother reaches out and takes my hand.After a skeptical moment, I drop my foot to the ground and shift to face toward her.
“I’m sick.Cancer.Doctors say I have about a year.I can’t go knowing my grandson will be alone after I die,” she says with a sternness only a woman who’s led a difficult life can pull off.
For a horrible moment, the world darkens.I cannot lose my grandmother.She is the only reason I’m a free man today.
Understanding rushes through me.
My grandmother demanded I accompany her during her doctor’s appointment a week ago.She wouldn’t let me leave the room until her test results came back.
She’s healthier than any woman her age has a right to be.Her illness is a lie.
A lie to get me married off by the most renowned matchmaker in New York City.
Excitement flows through me.
My grandmother has no idea she released the feral beast trapped within my soul by reintroducing me to Karey.
I morph my confused expression to one of hard determination and place my hand over my grandmother’s.
“She’s right.I’ve put off finding someone for too long.It’s time I marry,” I say.
“Really?”
The uncertain hope in my grandmother’s voice only solidifies my conviction.
“Yes, really.I have only one condition,” I claim.
My grandmother narrows skeptical eyes on my face.I smile, although the expression no doubt appears deranged with the unhinged excitement flowing through me, and turn my attention to Karey.
I’m evil.A curse.The blood flowing through my veins is rotten.
I’ve spent my entire life fighting the demons lurking within my psyche.
None of it matters anymore.With Karey in front of me, there is only one thing I know for certain.
She’s mine.She was always mine, and our time apart only deepened my obsession with her.
“I’m only interested in marrying you, Karey.”
She jerks as though I hit her.
Silence fills the room as she stares at me.Shock, disbelief, betrayal, fury, and hatred flash in her eyes, but underneath it all, a small flicker of longing escapes.
Masculine pride floods my soul, hunger fills my belly, and lust closes a vice around my balls.
She takes a deep breath and buries her true self under a mask I recognize all too well.Soft understanding mingles with unrealistic cheerfulness as she dons her defenses.
Before she even opens her mouth to respond, my hackles rise.Adrenaline buzzes through me and sensitizes every nerve in my body.