Free Forbidden Kiss by Shannon Leigh

sat on the edge of her desk with his legs folded neatly at the ankles.
    “Your father told you then? That we’re to be married.”
    “He confirmed what I’d already heard from someone else. When exactly did the two of you plan to include me in this little arrangement?”
    “What did you hear? And from whom?”
    “It doesn’t matter who told me—”
    “Of course it does. This is supposed to be our special time and I have everything planned. If someone is going to be so ungracious as to spoil it, I’d like the opportunity to have a word.”
    “You care more about who told me than the fact this is something I don’t want?”
    Her statement brought him up short. Surprise crossed his perfect features before his ever-present courtroom composure came to his rescue.
“Jule. I know this may seem sudden, but darling, that’s my point. I have everything planned and the unease you’re experiencing is only because someone—I’d like to know whom—spoke out of turn. Once you have time to get used to the idea, you’ll see it makes perfect sense.”
    Jule sent a quick glance around the room, locating the phone, her car keys, and an aluminum bat in the corner. Pio was beginning to creep her out and she wanted to be prepared if this didn’t go well.
    “I’m not going to take time to get used to the idea because it’s never going to happen. I don’t care how much money you gave my father, we’ll pay it back. Consider it a loan. Whatever. But your money isn’t going to buy me.”
    He blinked once. Then twice. “I’ve never heard you talk so disrespectfully. It doesn’t become you.”
    Jule almost growled in anger. “Don’t talk to me about respect. You’ve been preying on my father for years, without the slightest hint of remorse over his situation. And now you think you have him over the barrel. Well, I’ve got news for you Pio, the only thing you’ve done is expose yourself.”
    She didn’t think she’d ever spoken so harshly to the man in her life.
    “You poor girl. Who’s been filling your head with lies? Montgomery?” He edged ever closer, his body rigid, the tension and threat clear in the tight lines of his face and the hard set of his eyes. “That bastard wouldn’t know the truth if it bit him on the ass.”
    “What are you talking about? What does Rom Montgomery have to do with this?”
    “Montgomery is history. He didn’t think anyone would ever find out, but I did.”
    “Find out what?”
    Pio shook his head and took another step closer. Jule backed up until her legs touched the bed.
    “This doesn’t help us. Talking about Montgomery as if he still matters. I’m willing to forgive everything as long as you promise fidelity to me from here on out.”
    Okay. Uncle Pio was crazy Pio. He now assumed Jule and Rom had been sleeping together. “I think we better talk about this later, Pio. Perhaps when my family is around. I would feel more comfortable with them beside me.” She laughed as if to say, “aren’t I silly?” but it sounded weak even to her.
    “No. I need to have your word on this now, Jule. I can’t sleep another night without knowing you’ve left Montgomery for good.”
    “Jesus. It’s none of your business who I have sex with.”
    She didn’t see it coming. The slap rang her ears and made her eyes cross. When she could focus on Pio again, he seemed serene, as if he hadn’t just sent her to her knees.
    “Sweetheart. Let’s not talk that way to each other. It’s hurtful.”
    Jule regained her feet and made sure her thumbs rested on the outside of her closed fingers because didn’t want to break her bones when she pummeled his arrogant face.
    “You shouldn’t have done that.” She inched to the side, away from him and towards the bat.
    He actually looked upset. “It pains me more than it does you, Jule, believe me. The last thing I want to do is hurt you.”
    He lifted a hand and Jule flinched.
    Pio sighed.
    “The reason I’m so distraught over Montgomery is