Chapter Five- Contracts and Conditions

Amara's POV

For as long as I could remember the idea of marriage had been business. The public would see a union of smiles and the entire parade of glamour one would expect from any wedding. It was for that very reason that I couldn't even fathom the idea of marrying Jackson. It was too…personal.

“I…I can't marry you.”

He expressed a sigh before taking one of my hands, lifting it to view to showcase my ring between us both. Before I could speak, he collected the heavy stone and left my hand naked.

“What are you-”

“I know you don't love him and I also know that you're doing this because you had no other option…” He leaned slightly closer so only I could hear him among his brigade of black suede soldiers. “Let me be that other option.”

“How would it even work? You're…” His brow cocked in intrigue. The reason our friendship was frowned upon as kids were why a marriage would be disastrous now. The Brady family was resilient and dangerous, all tall tales and warnings to the public as any evidence was carefully hidden. It was families like the Maldoris that ensured it stayed that way. Even if Jackson spent the last fifteen years turning my father's men against him, he had a marksman that needed only an address before getting rid of any minor inconvenience.

“I'm what?” His question wasn't asked in hurt but it was definitely not without some feeling.

“You knew it was always going to be a transaction.”

“Is that what you want? Because if it would make you truly happy to be their puppet, I'll return you right now.” He closed the space even closer between us. “Or you can let me save you so I can save myself because the very idea of letting you go back to him is enough to make me crazy.” When he withdrew, his eyes fell to my lips.

“They'll kill you.” He bit his back teeth, forcing his jaw to constrict.

“Again you mean?”

“What?”

“I didn't want to tell you until after the paperwork was signed…But I also don't want you to feel like I tricked you.” He jerked his head towards his men and we were alone again.

“Your father had my family killed.” I blanched. Every ounce of blood drained from my body and towards my feet. I never thought much about his family after him because it was too painful. And besides birthday cards from his father, I thought the idea was mutual.

“They're…” He slowly nodded.

“So then you know that this will end up killing you…”

“Watching you have to live your life with them would kill me. So agree to this and we can take them down together.”

“So it's revenge then? That's what brought you back? You saw the window of opportunity and just decided to pounce?” I asked bitterly as he dropped his gaze. His hands fell to either side and came to a clench.

“I'm sure there are a multitude of women that are the daughters of men my family have wronged. The fact you could ask me that after I…It's cruel…” I stepped forward to leave. A sudden tattooed forearm projected in front of me to keep me from moving beyond him.

“There hasn't been a day that's passed that I haven't seen you somehow. I saw them chip away that young girl I used to envy being able to be so bold. You became the shell of a girl I saw them strip away day by day. I don't hate them for killing my parents or any extension of my bloodline. I blame them for killing that part of you.” He took another step, almost pressing me into the wall as he spoke. “So yes, I want revenge. But not for my family. But for what they took from you…from us.”

“I-”

“We have about five minutes to get that paperwork signed before they realize what I've done. Five minutes before bullets and fists fly. We don't have time to-”

“I want to know everything after that paperwork is signed. No skipping over anything to protect me and no evading.” His expression returned to life. It was as if my agreement enlivened him.

“You have my vow.” I couldn't fight rolling my eyes at the remark. It must not be the vow a girl expected on her wedding day, but it was one nonetheless.

“Fine. Then let's get married.” A smile spread carefully across his face until he seemed to remember our limitation of time.

Coming through the door to find a nervous woman on the other side, we took a seat for signatures. Signing what seemed like endless pages, one of the men that accompanied us eventually came to Jackson’s ear. He nodded in understanding before leaning towards the woman who was now sweating between instructing us.

“Mallory,” Her eyes shot up to Jackson with concern as a visible swallow came from her petite neck.

“I trust you can finish the rest of this for us.” He left a Manila envelope formerly folded in the suit jacket he'd taken from the car. “And then give yourself a deserved early retirement somewhere far away from here…” The dead on her face transitioned into something mirroring relief.

“I don't know what to say…”

“No need. What you've done for us is thanks enough. Make sure to file it for the time we spoke about.” She nodded quickly. “Is there anything else I can do for you?” He was preparing to reject her offer before his eyes scanned her. An immediate river of jealousy shot through me at how he watched her. If even for a moment I didn't want it to be for anyone else.

“Do you happen to have some extra clothes?”

Less than five minutes later we were walking through the back exit of the courthouse with a handful of Jackson's men following behind.

“What now?”

“Tonight is for us…” He explained before nodding towards the men around us, as one handed him a weapon. He checked the chamber, locked and loaded, and interlaced our fingers.

“Where are we going?” I asked, stalling the attempt he made of quick steps.

“Home.” It was a simple and honest answer that seemed just as right as it was wrong.

This was not a possible reality. Maybe I did end up drinking too much at the rehearsal and was currently passed out in the bathroom. Maybe I had been killed during the abduction and this was my version of heaven-even purgatory. Or maybe the young boy who died on that sidewalk fifteen years ago had done just that and the man leading me towards a new danger was what replaced him. He was a contradiction of hope and helplessness, care and brutality- home.