Should I apologize to him? Is that what they expect of me?
I glance down at the floor, and just as I’m about to kneel, Enzo says, “I didn’t know you were a woman. I’m so fucking sorry for what I did to you.”
What?
My eyes snap to his again, and it’s only then that I see the regret.
Enzo stares at me, and I see shock flashing over his features. “I can’t believe you’re the same person. You look so different. In a good way, of course.”
I nod, not knowing if that’s something I should thank him for.
Enzo exhales a heavy breath and shoves his hands into his pockets. “I just wanted to apologize.”
I nod again, then lower my eyes to the floor.
“Let’s go.” Augusto’s voice is tense as he nudges me toward the sliding doors. When we join the other guests, he says, “We’re going to head home. Thank you for celebrating with us.”
No!
An icy fear coats my skin until I begin to shiver.
I don’t want to be alone with Augusto.
As his family members and friends say goodbye, I can’t force a single word over my lips.
Knowing we’ll consummate this marriage when we get to Augusto’s house makes the terror return tenfold. The little bit I’ve managed to relax because of the friendly women vanishes.
With a nudge against my back, Augusto indicates for me to walk, and like a sheep led to slaughter, I obey.
All the heavy and destructive emotions return as I climb into the backseat beside Augusto.
My heartbeat increases as we drive away from the celebration, and as silence falls between us, the air begins to tense until it feels like it’s vibrating against my skin.
The drive is way too short, and as we pull up to another mansion, I don’t pay any attention to it.
I’m too distressed to care about what my future home looks like.
We get out of the SUV, and my heart keeps beating faster as I follow Augusto inside. My breaths are audible as he switches on the lights, and when he turns to face me, my vision goes spotty.
“Now that we’re alone…”
I don’t hear anything else as my legs give way.
Augusto
I dart forward as Yuki goes down and catch her before she can hit the floor.
“Jesus fucking Christ!” I snap angrily as I lift her into my arms.
Unlike the last time I carried her, she now weighs next to nothing.
I hurry into the living room and lay her down on the couch.
The entire day, Yuki’s been tense, but whenever I tried to give her some space, she stuck close to me.
I crouch beside the couch and stare at her pale face.
Living with the guilt of hurting a woman is one thing, but seeing the fear in her eyes and having her flinch every time I move is pure hell.
