“But this...this can't be. How would you know...” I ceased talking as a terrifying realization settled into my system. “Oh my God...” I stuttered, falling into a state of deep shock. “You remember.”
“That's right, tesoro. I remember,” he confirmed in that cold, emotionless tone that always sent chills down my spine. “I remember every single thing that ever happened in our marriage. So we can finally stop pretending and be honest with each other. It will be a refreshing change, don't you think?”
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
The Present
Alessandro took a sip of wine and smirked like he hadn't just dropped a bombshell on me. While I stared in complete shock, he appeared almost amused by my reaction. Once again, he was in total control, regaining his role of master; making all the decisions and pulling all the strings. But I wasn't about to wait for him to hurt me. Adamant on fighting back, I grabbed the kitchen knife from the table and shot out of my chair. Rigid and absolutely terrified, I held onto my belly and backed away in an instinctive reaction to protect my baby.
Alessandro shook his head and snickered with irony. After wiping his mouth with a napkin, he got up as well and slowly advanced toward me with his hands spread in front of him.
“I'd prefer if we didn't engage in any physical altercations, cara,” he interjected. “Take a deep breath and consider your options. A man of my size is not easy to overpower.”
I pointed the knife at him. “Don't come near me...S-Stay where you are.”
But he didn't listen. He came closer and closer. “Olivia, don't be foolish,” he instructed calmly. “Drop the knife.”
“S-Stay away from me, Alessandro.”
“I'm warning you, tesoro. You don't want to do this.” He strolled in my direction and I kept stepping away on shaky legs. “Drop the knife and we’re going to discuss this situation like two adults.”
“No!” I yelled. “T-There is nothing to d-discuss. I s-said stay back!”
Alessandro's nostrils flared and it was obvious he was upset. His mannerism and the way he carried himself sent chills down my spine because I could tell the old Alessandro had truly resurrected from his grave. He swore in Italian, and repeated for me to drop the knife as he advanced toward me.
Ignoring his demand, I retreated to the door, then sprinted down the hallway. I searched for a phone, planning to reach the bathroom and lock myself inside, so I could call for help. But I had no luck in finding one. Alessandro yelled for me to stop and chased after me. I saw the bathroom door from a distance. With or without the phone, I needed to get away from him.
He was fast, but I had to be faster. My very life depended on it. But it wasn't meant to be. I was only a few feet away from refuge when Alessandro caught up with me. Strong arms wrapped around my waist, and I screamed in sudden alarm, squirming to break free without success. He held me immobilized with one arm and reached for the knife with the other. I wouldn't let go of it and he wouldn't stop twisting my arm to seize it. I made a sudden movement and the blade stabbed Alessandro's skin. His furious voice thundered in my ears, and I glanced down, gasping at the sight of blood that trickled down his arm.
“Porca miseria! Have you gone completely insane? Give me that fucking knife right now!” he ordered in that recognizable authoritative voice that demanded instant obedience.
I immediately stilled, aware of what would follow if I failed to obey.
“Olivia, I mean it.” His voice turned softer as he threatened with underlined rage. “What the hell were you thinking? What if you tripped and fell? You're fucking pregnant. Drop the knife before I lose my patience.”
Overpowered by him in every possible way, I let the knife slip from my grip and sank to the floor. The knife wasn't important. It couldn't protect me from him. Nothing could ever protect me. Alessandro was about to extort revenge and I was completely defenseless against him. His large form hovered above me, then he knelt to the ground, reaching for me. His words rang in my mind. What am I going to do? What would any other man do in my place? I tried curling myself into a small invisible ball on the floor, and panicked as he wrapped his arms around me. “Please don't...Alessandro, please don't hurt the