His kind eyes, along with his calm demeanor, influence me to say yes. This man’s gaze lacks the egotism that made men usually possess. He might even be the first person I’ve talked to that doesn’t.
“That’s fine,” I say.
“Very good.”
Dr. Williams goes through a series of tests to check me for a concussion since I was knocked unconscious, as well as a slew of other things. Rafael watches us with an air of mistrust and cynicism, as though we’ve schemed against him or we’re hiding something. And every time the doctor touches me, Rafael’s gaze narrows in suspicion.
The entire process feels as though it takes a long time and is a little excessive. But if this is what it’ll take to pacify Rafael, then I have no problem going along with it. Besides, I’m too exhausted to argue.
“Everything appears fine, so far.” The physician wraps the length of his stethoscope around his neck and turns to face Rafael. “There are a few other areas I’d like to examine. With your permission, of course.”
I scrunch my face in partial confusion, as well as irritation. “Hispermission?”
Rafael pushes off the couch and stands to his full height. “Yes,mypermission. You’re my fiancée, ergo, my future bride. In the eyes of the underworld, you belong to me.”
Darting my gaze between him and the physician, I gape in disbelief. “You’re just like the rest of them.”
My words are a whisper, if that, yet Rafael’s reaction is severe. He winces. It’s so unexpected and could be a misinterpretation on my part. However, instinct tells me differently. Just as much as instinct warns me I’ve crossed a line somehow.
Maybe even more than one.
“Carina,” the physician says, bringing my focus back to him, “the next portion of this examination will be uncomfortable and possibly cause you pain, not to mention it could be upsetting for you. Even so, I want to reassure you that I’m a board certified physician and there’s nothing I’ll do that isn’t for the treatment of your health. With that being said, where would you feel most at ease, as well as ensure us the most privacy?”
The entire time Dr. William’s speaks I sit there without fully comprehending what he’s trying to allude to. By the end, I’m more than aware.
He wants to rule out whether or not I’ve been raped.
Mortification steals my breath and makes my cheeks burn, but I nod my consent because I know Rafael would have it no other way. I’m tired of running from him. I just hope that staying isn’t worse in the long-run.
“You’ll do it here,” Rafael says with a wave of his hand. “And be quick about it.”
The physician blows out a sharp breath. “Very well.” To me he says, “Please remove your underwear and lie back on the couch.”
My fatigue disappears and is instantly replaced with adrenaline. I jump to my feet and hold out my hands, palms up. “This isn’t necessary. I wasn’t violated. Tonight.”
The silence in the room is like an invisible pressure, giving me the sensation of being trapped and compressed. Rafael studies me with an intensity I’ve never seen before and then he moves, crossing the room to tower over me.
“Out of complete and total disclosure, if you lie about this I’m not sure what I’ll do as a result.” He leans close enough for me to feel his breath on my face. “Are you hearing what I’m saying?”
“Yes,” I breathe. “I promise on Violetta’s life that I wasn’t raped. The worst thing they did was knock me unconscious.”
I hold his gaze as he scrutinizes me a little longer. Then he says, “It’snotthe worst thing they fucking did, but that’s a discussion for another time.” He turns his head to the side. “Larry, your services are no longer required. As always, the Silvestri family thanks you for your loyalty and your time.”
The physician stands and dips his head in acknowledgment. “It’s an honor to be of service. My cell phone is on and I’ll return if you need anything else or in case you see signs of a concussion appear later on.”
“Thank you, Dr. Williams,” I say.
“The two of you be well.”
Rafael doesn’t bother escorting him to the door, choosing instead to pierce me with his drilling stare. I maintain eye contact for as long as possible and then drop my gaze. I don’t have the fortitude to engage in a battle of wills with him tonight.
“This little episode of yours has brought several issues to light,” he says. “Some of them I was aware of, and others were a surprise but far from pleasant. Because of your tendency towards reckless behavior, we are going to turn this pretense of an engagement into a real one.”
I shake my head in confusion and his expression darkens. “Why?” I ask.
“This isn’t a fucking debate and I’ve already explained why.” He snatches my wrist and yanks me to him. “Starting this very second, you will obey me in all things, defer me at all times, and submit to me in all ways.”
Without waiting for me to agree or argue, he half-leads, half-drags me to his master bath. I stand there processing my shock at this turn of events while he operates the shower. Only when he barks at me to strip, do I move.
