The moment I hear my father’s voice, I tell Connor not to call me again and hang up. It feels like someone is ripping my heart out of my chest and I hate that I’m doing this to him.. to us. But what choice do l have?
If I don’t obey my father, he will have Connor killed.
And I will do whatever it takes to prevent that from happening and to keep Connor safe. Even if it means marrying Antonio. The thought kills me, but I’m left with no other options.
Sitting on my bed, fighting back tears, I look over at my window which is now covered in iron bars. Gross. Apparently, Father isn’t taking any more chances because there’s absolutely no way for me to sneak out now. He even placed a guard at my bedroom door.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I ball my hands into fists and will myself not to cry. There’s a knock on the door, but I don’t bother responding. Whoever it is will just let themselves in whether I like it or not. I’ve become a prisoner in my own home.
The door opens and Father steps inside, Antonio on his heels. I can’t even look at either of them, and I avert my gaze.
“You two need to talk. I’ll be back shortly,” my father says curtly.
“Trish?” Antonio walks over and sits down in the chair beside the bed.
An ache, the likes of which I’ve never experienced before, splits my heart in two.
“Talk to me,” he says. “We need to figure the situation out.”
“Figure out what?” I ask and finally turn to look at him.
“Figure out how we’re going to move forward together. You’re my fiancee and we’re going to have a life together.”
“I’m in love with another man,” I state softly, unable to stop myself.
“But you’re with me, not him. You’re going to let Connor go. Do you understand me? And we’ll pretend none of this ever happened.”
I laugh and it’s full of bitterness. “That’s not going to be possible,” I inform him.
“Yes, it will be. Eventually, you’ll forget about him and – ”
“I’m pregnant,” I say, interrupting him. May as well get right to it. The look on Antonio’s face is almost comical. If the situation weren’t so heartbreaking, I’d be laughing right now.
“But I thought…” He gives his head a shake.
I roll my eyes. “It doesn’t matter what you thought. I’ve been intimate with Connor, I’m in love with him and I’m going to have his baby. I’m sure you don’t want me after hearing that.”
For a long moment, he doesn’t say anything. “It doesn’t matter.”
A frown creases my brow. “What do you mean? How can it not matter?”
“Your father wants us to marry so that’s what we’re going to do. I’ll pretend the baby is my own. We’ll just move the wedding up so it doesn’t seem suspicious.”
This is what I had been hoping he’d offer, but now that he has, I don’t want it anymore. But what choice do I have? The thought of another man and not Connor raising our child kills me.
“Although if an accident were to happen…” He eyes me closely, gaze dropping to my belly. “Well, it wouldn’t be the worst thing.”
I place protective hands over my stomach and glare at him. “If you harm this baby, I will kill you. Do you understand?”
“Trish – ”
“No! It’s bad enough that my father is threatening to kill Connor. But I swear to God, if you raise one hand against my baby, you’re going to find yourself six feet underground. Do I make myself clear?”
“This is all your fault,” he growls, glaring at me. “You ran off with your family’s enemy and screwed everything up. You’re going to pay for that.”
Antonio’s gaze drops down to my bare finger and his face screws up in angry disapproval.
“Where’s your ring?” he snarls.
I hate how he’s talking to me and anger at my situation makes me reckless. “Why would I wear your ring when Connor is fucking me?” I ask coolly. I’m not sure why I’m trying to provoke him, but it’s too late now.
And it works. Antonio jumps out of the chair, reaches out and grabs a handful of my hair, twisting it in his fist. I cry out and he lowers his face until we’re eye to eye, our noses almost touching. “Let’s get one thing clear. I’m the one who’s going to be fucking you from now on, cara. Understand?”
I try to pull away, but he yanks my head back then slams his mouth against mine. I shove my hands against his chest, pushing him away with all my might, but he’s so much stronger. A wave of disgust washes through me at the cold, clammy touch of his mouth against mine. I hate him and I despise how cruel of a man he is even more. Drawing my hand back, I form a fist and slam it up under his chin.
With a yelp, Antonio’s head snaps back and he releases his hold on my hair. I scramble back on the bed, glaring daggers his way.
“Don’t you touch me,” I hiss. “I’m not yours and I never will be. If you force me to marry you, nothing will change. Do you hear me? Nothing! You can physically force yourself on me, but I will fight you until my last breath. And I will never love you! Ever!”