quietly, a spectator to the conversation around me. Frank is pleased by my submission, and once the third course is served, his touches turn gentle as he gently caresses over the back of my knuckles.
My chest heaves as I attempt to conceal my heavy breaths. His touches make me want to be sick. When he lifts the hem of my dress, I jolt upright, biting back my tears. I’m moments away from losing it.
When the tiramisu and espresso is served, I silently repeat over and over that it’ll be over soon. Once they’re done, Santo will casually suggest a cigar and brandy in the den where they will no doubt lay out their plan.
Women won’t be allowed in the boys’ club, which gives me the perfect opportunity to strike. I just need a few seconds alone with Alek, Saint, or Willow to alert them that things are not okay.
It’ll be over soon…
I haven’t been able to look at Alek throughout the entire dinner, afraid he’ll sense something is wrong. If he does, I don’t know what he’ll do. Or what he won’t. And that’s what terrifies me.
“More coffee, Mrs. Macrillo?” asks Georgina, a maid I’ve come to like and trust in the short time I’ve been here. I hate that they have servants. It’s completely unnecessary, but I’m suddenly struck with an idea. I keep my excitement under wraps.
When Georgina addresses Mila, I risk a glance at Mila but wish I didn’t. She is glaring at me. What can she see?
“No, thank you, Georgina. I might escort Antonella to the bathroom.” She comes to stand, hinting this isn’t optional.
Alek pauses conversing and listens with interest. Santo appears anxious as this is awfully strange.
“You hardly touched your dinner. You must be unwell.”
I don’t have a choice and come to a shaky stand. “Please excuse me,” I say in a voice I don’t even recognize and follow Mila as she escorts me from the room.
As I pass Willow, she lifts her gaze and those expressive eyes console me; they tell me it’ll be okay because she knows, she knows I’m a prisoner because she was once too. I’m suddenly filled with hope.
With face downcast, I continue following Mila who leads me to the downstairs guest bathroom. She opens the door, gesturing I’m to enter first. I do and brace for anything. Once the door closes, Mila is on me, pulling back my long hair.
“Get off me!” I snarl, gripping her fingers in my hair, trying to pry her away. But she has a tight hold.
“You will not embarrass this family, are we clear?” she says, yanking my head back at a painful angle. “I see the way my husband looks at you. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. You will not hurt my son. You’ll be a good wife to him. Stay away from Santo.”
“And if I don’t?” I quip through clenched teeth as she pulls my hair harder.
“Then you’ll be very sorry,” she threatens. “This is your first and last warning. I don’t like you, and I know my son will grow bored of you soon, but until then, I must tolerate you.”
“Why not get rid of me now?”
“Because you’ve already brought enough shame to this family. If this wedding doesn’t go ahead, then it’ll only disgrace us even more. Let’s hope those childbearing hips bring me many grandsons. I don’t know what’s so special about you. Maybe it’s because you’re nothing but a шлюха who sleeps with any man who looks your way. I told Santo for Alek to deliver you without a scratch, you’d have to have tempted him with something, and the way he watches you has confirmed my suspicions.”
Oh, god. This is bad.
Santo doesn’t need another reason to kill Alek. If Mila noticed Alek watching me, has Santo?
“You will know your place in this family. Otherwise, things will end badly for you, Antonella. I haven’t dug deep but don’t force me to.”
If she does, she’ll find out about Alek and me.
So I nod quickly. “Okay. I understand.”
“Good girl. Your disobedience tonight is the last time you act out. Otherwise, it won’t only be my husband sneaking into your bedroom. My sons share everything. And they do as I say.” She lets me go and shoves me into the wall.
I bang into it, flinching as this just adds another bruise the Macrillos have left.
Mila curls her lip, repulsed. “Fix yourself up. You look a mess.” She opens the door, composed, not bothered by what just unfolded in here seconds