MILLIE
My eyes welled up with tears, a burning sensation that caught me off guard. The unintended consequence of rendering Gio vulnerable weighed heavily on my heart. I needed to ensure he didn’t display any hint of weakness before his enemies-chief among them being Mathias. I inhaled deeply, gathering my composure in the midst of this tense encounter.
“Lurking beneath Gio’s exterior is an unyielding determination to retain his position as Capo,” I began, my voice carrying the weight of conviction. “It’s a trait ingrained deep within him. When faced with the choice between me and power, he will invariably choose power. Believe me, it’s an innate inclination.” I locked eyes with Mathias, endeavoring to veil the deceit woven within my words.
For a prolonged moment, Mathias remained silent, his gaze unwaveringly fixed upon me. The atmosphere was tense, heavy with unspoken thoughts. “Perhaps,” he finally responded, his words punctuating the stillness. “Or perhaps your motivation is primarily self-preservation, driven by the understanding that your presence could spell the downfall of the Famiglia.”
“No matter the circumstances, Gio won’t surrender his territory,” I asserted adamantly, my resolve unwavering. “He won’t bow down to anyone.”
Mathias’s gaze pierced through me. “But he won’t stand idly by while you endure torment.”
My body jerked involuntarily in my seat, the shock that coursed through me leaving its mark before I could conceal it. A knowing smile tugged at Mathias’s lips, revealing his awareness of my vulnerability.
Curses upon the world of organized crime and the manipulative power Mathias held. Suppressing my mounting panic, I pushed down the waves of fear that threatened to engulf me. Steadying my voice, I asserted, “No, he won’t. He’ll unleash his forces upon Chicago, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. His response will be one of strength, not weakness. Mathias, you underestimate Gio’s ruthlessness. His protectiveness over me should not be misconstrued. I am his possession, and he would dismantle your city and home to reclaim me.” I struggled to speak each word, battling the lump that had formed in my throat. My fear was immense, but for Gio, I had to stand strong against Mathias’s manipulation. There was nothing I wouldn’t do for him.
Leaning in, Mathias’s gaze hardened further. “And I would reciprocate with equal force upon New York. You’ve witnessed my facade of civility, Millie. But do not confuse it with my genuine nature. While Gio wears his monstrosity on his sleeve, I keep mine hidden until necessity dictates otherwise.”
I had no doubt about it. Gio’s aggression would provoke Mathias’s retaliation, a cycle of violence that could only result in the loss of lives-perhaps even those of my sisters, Karsen, or even Gio himself. I couldn’t allow such a cataclysmic chain of events to unfold. I sifted through my options, my mind racing through potential courses of action. Ending my own life would only stoke the flames of Gio’s vengeance. Pleading with Mathias based on my gender seemed futile, given his unyielding demeanor. Attempting to manipulate him through seduction was out of the question, especially considering Kaye’s presence. Not that I would ever consider such a betrayal against Gio. Desperation clawed at me, threatening to unravel my sanity. Nausea surged within me, compelling me to reach for the door in a bid to escape the confines of the car, but it was locked-a cruel reminder of my captivity.
“Millie,” Mathias’s voice carried a note of warning.
“I’m going to be sick,” I managed to gasp out, the intensity of my distress overriding any sense of shame. In response, Mathias promptly unlocked the car door. I staggered out, racing to the rear of the vehicle, and doubled over, emptying the contents of my stomach-the remnants of the tea and muffin I had consumed earlier. My hands gripped the Mercedes’ trunk for support as I struggled to regain my breath. Mathias’s presence lingered in my peripheral vision, but I had surpassed the point of embarrassment. Tears mingled with my distress as I clung to the car’s solidity.
“Here,” Mathias’s voice was a quiet offering, accompanied by a tissue.
Accepting it with a mumbled word of gratitude, I wiped my mouth, summoning every ounce of resolve within me. I lifted my head, meeting Mathias’s gaze head-on. His countenance was marked by a furrowed brow. “Is this fear, or is there something more?” he questioned, his tone probing.
I locked eyes with him, knowing that Mathias was now a father with Kaye expecting. Trust had to be my lifeline. I chose to confront him with an unfiltered truth. “It’s both. I’ve never been as terrified of you as I am in this moment.”
His expression remained stoic, yet my words had not left him entirely unaffected. I clung to that glimmer of hope.
“But that’s not all,” I added, a moment’s hesitation preceding my next revelation. Whether my admission of pregnancy would save Gio and me or doom us all, the truth needed to be told. “I’m pregnant.”
Mathias’s gaze darted down to my abdomen, his attention suddenly laser-focused. “With Gio’s child?”
Though not entirely certain, all indications pointed in that direction. Despite my nausea and dizziness, I stood tall, unwavering. “Yes.”
“Understand, I can’t simply take your word for it,” Mathias’s tone was unyielding, his stance unmovable.
I blinked, grappling with his statement. “What do you mean?”
“I need tangible proof.”
“Proof?” I echoed, my confusion evident. “And what if the proof validates my words?”
“That determination lies with me,” Mathias’s features remained a mask of inscrutability. “Get back in the car, Millie.”
~*~
Mathias led me to a pharmacy, his stern expression hinting at the gravity of the situation. I remained confined within the locked car, my thoughts racing as he entered the store to buy a pregnancy test. Doubt gnawed at me, wondering if confiding in Mathias about my pregnancy had been a grave mistake. The ramifications were overwhelming if the test confirmed my pregnancy, it would give Mathias even more power over Gio, and if the test exposed my lie, he might show me no mercy. I considered myself adept at playing these intricate power games, having observed the maneuvers of Gio and Sebastian, but our male counterparts had honed their skills over years of experience.
Resting my hand on my still-flat stomach, I closed my eyes, grappling with a rush of emotions. The car’s interior felt stifling as I mulled over the potential outcomes. The door swung open, and Mathias’s return drew me back to reality. His gaze lingered on my hand pressed against my abdomen, prompting me to withdraw it hastily.
Passing me a discreet package, he shut the door with a measured intensity. “Where should I take the test?” I inquired, my voice betraying my uncertainty.
“Public places are not an option. I can’t risk someone recognizing you,” he replied, the weight of his unspoken intentions hanging in the air.
As Mathias drove, we arrived at an abandoned waterfront parking lot. I hesitated, looking around the desolate area, a shiver coursing through me. “Here?” I questioned hesitantly.
“Here. Modesty can’t be a priority now,” he stated firmly, exiting the car. I followed suit, my surroundings feeling eerie and unfamiliar.
“Conceal yourself behind the trunk. I’ll remain here. If anything raises my suspicion, remember, I’ll be watching,” Mathias warned, his gaze unwavering. I gave a curt nod and moved to the rear of the vehicle.
Unzipping my jeans, I fumbled with the test stick between my legs, crouching awkwardly as a sense of vulnerability washed over me. It took some time for me to relax enough to proceed. Mathias’s silence didn’t provide any clues about his thoughts.
Standing up and placing the test on the trunk, I redressed myself. “Finished,” I announced, my voice tinged with a mixture of relief and anxiety.
Mathias turned around, retrieving wipes from his car before approaching me. “Preparedness is key,” I remarked bitterly, my voice laced with bitter irony.
“It’s usually blood I’m cleaning off with these,” he retorted matter-of-factly, a statement that left me questioning his intentions.
Observing his face closely, I struggled to discern if his words were meant to intimidate or were simply candid. My limited knowledge of him left me uncertain.
The remaining time passed in a heavy silence, finally broken by Mathias’s nod. My fingers trembled as I picked up the test and removed the cap.
The sight that greeted me brought tears to my eyes.
Positive. Pregnant.