"Even though he's a liar? A thief? Even though he—" I can't finish. Can't saysold me to pay his debts.
"Even then." Adrian's voice is careful. "What do you want me to do when we find him?"
The question hangs between us. WhatdoI want?
"Don't kill him," I whisper finally. "Please. I know he doesn't deserve mercy, but?—"
"You can't help who you love." Adrian's thumb strokes across my knuckles. "Even when they don't deserve it."
"Can you promise me? That you won't kill him?"
He's quiet for a long moment.
"I can't promise you that."
"Why not?"
"Because if it comes down to choosing between keeping you safe and sparing Gabriel—" He stops. Starts again. "I'll choose you. Every time."
"Then promise me you'll try." I'm begging now. I don't care. "Promise me you'll do everything you can to not kill him."
He studies me for a long moment.
Then: "Be a good girl, Seraphina. Stay safe. Do as I say. And I'll try."
It's not the promise I wanted.
But it's the best I'm going to get.
"Okay," I whisper.
It goes against everything I believe in—this transactional obedience, this performance of the perfect wife. But if playing his game keeps Gabe alive, I'll do it.
I'll be whatever he needs me to be.
Until I figure out how to be something else entirely.
"Okay." He squeezes my hand. "Security is being tightened. Starting today. More guards. Better protocols. And we're moving to the mansion."
"The mansion?" My voice is too high. "Your mother's house?"
"It's safer there. She has a whole squadron of guards, and the grounds are easier to cover."
"But I—I can't—" I can't breathe suddenly. The kitchen is too small. Too hot. Everything is closing in. I thought I had time to get used to this before I was thrown into the fray.
"Sera." Adrian moves toward me. "Breathe."
"I can't." My chest is tight. My vision is tunneling. "It's too much. All of this. It's only been four days and my entire life is—I can't?—"
"Look at me." His hands frame my face. Forcing me to focus on him. "Breathe with me. In. Out."
I try. But my lungs won't work properly.
Four days.
Four days since I found out I was pregnant.
Four days since Adrian forced me to marry him.
