There was a precedent within the Bellini family for the threat he issued. Wives were cast aside by their powerful husbands, mothers ripped from their children once they produced an heir. The luckier ones—and I used that term loosely—were kept around until they also provided a spare.
It was one of the millions of reasons I’d worked so hard to keep from getting pregnant.
So weakly that I wasn’t sure he would be able to hear it over the rush of water echoing against the tiles, I asked, “What happened to the promise you made me that we were in this together? That we’re a family?” Even though it had been his alter ego, John, who’d said those words, I held Gio accountable.
He turned to face me as he washed his body. “The same thing that happened to your promise of ‘until death do us part.’ You don’t get to run, casting aside the vows you made before God, and then expect me to remain true to my word. Grow the fuck up, Rory. You made this bed, now you have to lie in it.”
My heart raced so fast that I feared I might pass out, and I gripped the doorframe to remain upright.
The shower turned off, and Gio stepped past me and into his walk-in closet. When he emerged fully dressed, I peeked down at my own clothing, which was rumpled and covered in dog hair, causing me to blurt, “Where’s Cosmo?”
I might be able to survive this living hell if I had my furry companion to keep me company.
Gio lifted a shoulder. “I would imagine he’ll end up back on the streets once the landlord retakes possession of our abandoned unit.”
Imagining my sweet boy cold, alone, and scared was too much to bear, and a sob bubbled up from my chest. “I hate you.”
My husband was completely unbothered by my show of emotion. “You think I care? Our match was never meant to be about love.”
With that, he slipped out of the suite, but not before making sure I saw the guard stationed outside, whose sole job was to keep me prisoner.
It might not have been an ideal situation before I left, but it was a hell of a lot better than the conditions upon my return.
At the time, running felt like the only option. Now I realized it was the worst mistake I ever made.
The game had been rigged from the start.
Gio was always going to win.
Chapter 10
Gio
“Thehairisachoice,” a familiar voice remarked upon my entry to my home office.
Enzo was reclining on the leather couch, a tumbler of amber liquid dangling from his fingertips.
Not sparing him more than a passing glance, I moved to the wet bar to pour my own drink. I needed something to take the edge off.
The burn of the liquor, carving a path down my throat, was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Swallowing, I turned to my cousin. “I landed less than three hours ago. Forgive me for not stopping off at a barber first thing when I have a feral wife to deal with.”
The corner of his lips tugged up into what was his signature smirk. “On a scale of one to ten, how pissed is she?”
I hummed while taking another sip of scotch. “Not sure I can conjure a number high enough.”
He chuckled. “Sounds about right. Matteo mentioned the threat to your hardware below the belt. Good thing you flew private or that shit would have lit up the metal detectors like a damn Christmas tree.”
Dropping onto my desk chair, I grumbled, “Maybe worry more about your own dick. Surprised you can even get it up with the big 4-0 looming.” My cousin was three years older than me, and I never let him forget it.
Enzo cupped his junk. “He’s just fine. Everything’s in perfect working order.” Tossing me a wink, he added, “Test run this morning went off without a hitch.”
I shook my head. “Never fails to amaze me how you have an endless stream of women falling into your bed.”
“Only been one woman in my bed for the past three years.” He lifted his left hand, showcasing a gold wedding band, and I fucking spat out my drink.
Thumping my fist against my chest, I croaked, “Holy shit. You’re married?”
