I was basically giving James a chance to ensure his family had a mostly normal and happy life. They’d be moved to another city under a new name, and there’d be plenty of guards with them at all times, but they’d be able to live freely as long as they didn’t break any rules. And I believed they cared enough for James not to try anything, and why would they? With my protection, at least none of the other families would try to get them. I wasn’t the only enemy the Ezzatis had, and someone might get an idea to get revenge for whatever Desmond had done to them.

“I suggest you read it thoroughly. I’ll be right back.” I flashed him a smile and headed out of the room. It was time to visit his father. As soon as I opened the door to the room where Desmond was held, he glared at me. Well, that was an improvement.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” he growled, struggling against his restraints. The screen on the wall showed James still studying the contract.

“Oh, don’t tell me this bothers you. I’m only being merciful. Unlike you, I don’t think your family should pay for your sins.” I leaned against the desk that was in front of him and grinned.

“You fucking whore! My son isn’t going to sign your pathetic deal. He’s an Ezzati, and he’ll always be one.”

“Are you sure?” I glanced at the screen. “It looks to me like he might not be that attached to your name at all.”

Desmond’s face was red with anger, his teeth bared. Oh, yeah. I’d hit a nerve.

“Imagine what everyone will say when they find out your son became a Monti and no more than my slave. Oh, think about all the fun I’m going to have with him.” I chuckled. “He’s a pretty little thing, isn’t he? But if it turns out he’s no good in bed, I might kill him.”

Desmond let out a roar of fury that made me so happy I wondered what else I could say to rile him up even more. He thrashed against his chair, but he couldn’t look away from the screen.

“Don’t do it, boy,” he yelled. “Don’t you dare fucking sign that!”

“Don’t bother. He can’t hear you.” Now the only thing that James had to do was press his finger to the fingerprint scanner and sign the contract on the tablet with a digital pen. There was a small chance he’d reconsider, but I didn’t think that would happen or he wouldn’t have agreed to come here at all. I didn’t think he’d been hoping for a way to escape without his family.