big of a deal as you’re making this out to be.” It’s the truth, but also my last resort to help him change his mind.
“The date is set. November. And it’s final. You love your dad so much, and I’m aware of how you’d never want anything to happen to this land or his business. So start wearing your ring again.” He pulls it from his pocket and forces it roughly on my finger. “Prove your loyalty to me publicly. You’ll do what I say, or everyone you love will pay the ultimate consequence. I know you, Gemma. You care too damn much to let that happen.” He smirks, proud of himself.
I speak up. “What’s that threat supposed to mean?”
“Threat?” He moves until he’s inches from me and grabs my cheeks, forcing my mouth closed. “It’s not a threat, dear. Keep our arrangement or I’ll make sure Victoria gets her revenge on Tyler without any consequences. I’m sure you don’t want anything to happen to your criminal lover.” He lets me go and laughs. “I’m sure I can start adding your friends to the list too. Everleigh. Katie. Owen. Your brother, who may conveniently find himself doing more time. I’ll hurt every person who means anything to you.”
“You’re a monster.” I replay his words.
Robert has the financial stability to pay anyone hush money. He and Victoria would both win at that point. Robert would get rid of the man I’m in love with, and Victoria would finally be able to bury the hatchet. Tears well on the rims of my eyes, and I don’t think I’m strong enough to hold them back, not as everything crashes around me.
“Break up with the boy toy. Tomorrow. Then we can go back to hosting the wedding of the century. We’ll plan a public appearance, and you’ll wear that black dress I love so much,” he demands.
Bile crawls up my throat, and I might empty my stomach, though there’s nothing in it. “Tyler will never agree to this.”
“He will as long as you convince him. You’ve apparently been acting while you’re with me, so turn on the charm. Be demanding and make it believable. You’ll marry me, Gemma. Because there’s too much at stake for your fuck buddy’s life and your own. Not to mention, your father’s livelihood and this piece of shit cottage. The choice is yours, but don’t make the wrong one.” He chuckles.
“Cheer up, buttercup.” Robert comes closer and forces his mouth against mine. I try to push him off, but he’s too strong. He tastes like stale coffee and sweat, and it’s enough to make me gag.
“Fuck you,” I mutter as he moves past me. He opens the door, and before he leaves, he silently threatens me with a glare.
“We’ll have plenty of time for that during our honeymoon.” Once he’s gone, my knees give out, and I fall to the ground. No matter how much air I try to suck in, I can’t breathe. Hunched over, I’m hyperventilating, and my head seems like it might explode.
Tears stream down my face because Robert’s words aren’t threats. He’s a man of action and will do every single thing he said. I’m not stupid and fully understand that from being with him for so long.
Somehow, I stand and walk to the couch. I cover my face with my hands and let my wails release. The pain is too much to comprehend. The loss I already feel nearly destroys me.
How will I ever be able to let Tyler go and marry a maniac who’s determined to ruin my life? I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t, but Robert uses my weaknesses against me. He knows I’ll do whatever I can to protect the people I love, even if that means being miserable for eternity.
He’ll never allow Tyler and me to be together.
I wipe the tears away, trying to figure out how to convince the man I love that we’re over. It’ll completely destroy me—and him—but I have to be strong because our lives are on the line.
Chapter Fifteen
TYLER
I’ve been strolling around the gym with a cheesy grin on my face that I can’t wipe off. This past week has been amazing, and nothing could piss me off right now. Gemma’s mine again, and everything between us has worked out perfectly. Our mutual attraction and the feelings we have for each other are beyond my wildest dreams.
After I close the gym, I walk home and immediately jump in the shower. Gemma