The Woman by His Side: A Villain Wins Forced Marriage Dark Romance (The Forrester Family Villains #6)
Lynda Pale
The cream bouclé sofas were soft and cozy. A vibrant, live-edge coffee table was placed strategically before them. I set my bottle of wine down and saw it the marriage certificate.
Waiting.
Obvious.
Joshua retrieved a fountain pen from inside his jacket and removed the cap. He boldly placed the pen on the paper, sliding both to me.
I stared at them, making no move to sign. After a moment, my gaze lifted to his. This was real. I couldn’t believe he was really trying to force me into a marriage. I needed to stall.
I leaned back against the sofa, making myself look comfortable when I didn’t feel anything close. “You’re not going to wine and dine me first? Ask about my day and tell me I look beautiful?”
His ice blue eyes seared me with their freezing chill. He spoke without hesitation and without apology. “Once you’re my wife, we’ll have the rest of our lives for that and more. Sign the paper, baby girl.”
Ignoring his comment, I reached into my clutch and pulled out the legal notice. I held the paper out to him. He eyed me for a moment, then took the document. He barely glanced at it before placing it face down on the table. “We’ll talk business after you sign the marriage certificate. I’ll do anything to help my wife, but only once you agree to be mine.”
I clenched my jaw. He had to at least listen to me first. He had met my sister and my niece. He knew how important they were to me. “It’s been escalated to a cri—”
“I don’t care,” he cut me off sharply. “Not my family. Not my problem.”
My lip curled in disgust at his unbothered tone. “They’re my family! Mia’s father was notified.” Joshua sat up straight. I thought I had his attention, but I was wrong. He stood and walked from the room. I chased after him, my voice rising, “He’s going to use this to gain custody!”
Joshua reached the main hallway and paused. He faced me with a hollow, closed expression. “Henry will take you home. I thought you were serious. I see now this was a waste of my time.”
He turned to leave, but I grabbed his arm. He effortlessly pulled free and glided his way down the hallway toward the bedroom.
“Joshua.” My voice was a question laced with hurt. He didn’t miss a step.
“Joshua!” I shouted.
I ran after him. I had no other option. I couldn’t let him walk away. He had to help.
He had to.
He crossed the threshold into the bedroom and started to close the door. I slammed my palm against the wood, forcing it to stay open.
“Please,” I begged. “I need your help.”
He cupped my jaw gently and caressed my cheek with his thumb. His eyes were soft and sympathetic for a change. “I want to help, but my hands are tied. I gave you my terms. You’re the one who wants to keep playing games.”
I swore under my breath. “That’s not true—”
“Yes, it is. If you want my resources, if you want me to protect you the way a husband protects his wife, then you will sign the dotted line.”
I closed my eyes. “There has to be another way.”
“With me there isn’t. This is a take-it-or-leave-it offer.” He stepped close, pulling me into his body and holding me tight. I felt safe and secure in his arms, but it was a lie. He was dangerous.
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