"Does she even know about this whole spectacle?"
"No."
She glares.
"In my defense, I just found out about it myself."
Gemma crosses her arms over her chest. "Fine. I'll help, but not because of you. Because this poor girl shouldn't have to face this family alone."
I take my sister's hands. "Thanks, Gem."
She slides her hands out of mine. "Don't thank me yet," she says. "I plan to warn her about the absolute shit show she's marrying into."
CHAPTER 11
Sera
I sit at the vanity in Adrian’s bedroom examining the ring on my finger. Physically, the ring is lighter than I’d assume from looking at it. Emotionally, the sight of it makes my lungs feel as though they are filled with rocks.
Today I'm marrying Adrian Nero.
A dangerous man. A mobster.
And one whose child I’m carrying.
Though Adrian told me I’m not a prisoner, I woke up alone, in a locked room, with my phone gone.
Feels very prisoner like to me. Not that I can complain to anyone. After all, I’m isolated.
My body aches. I lift up my shirt slightly, the bruises on my ribs are dark purple now. My face throbs. When I catch my reflection, I barely recognize myself.
Black eye. Split lip. Bruised cheek.
I look like what I am: a victim.
I get up from the vanity and make my way to the ensuite bathroom, which is filled with everything I could need. There are expensive toiletries, perfumes, and a swath of makeup. The towels are fluffy and the large, clawfoot tub has a million different soaps.
Adrian thought of everything. The sight of it all would have sent warmth and excitement through me. If he’d gotten my consent for all of this instead of blackmailing into it.
Fucker.
I splash cold water on my face, careful around the bruises and try to tame my hair.
It doesn’t work. I’m barely presentable when I hear the lock to the door click open.
My heart stops as I wait to see who could be walking inside.
It’s not Adrian.
It's a young woman with dark hair and the same silver eyes. She's wearing a beige-colored dress. She moves with the kind of confidence that comes from never having to doubt your place in the world.
She sees me and stops.
"Oh." Her voice is soft. Surprised. "You're awake."
"Who are you?"
"Gemma. Adrian's sister." She closes the door behind her, and I tense. But she doesn't lock it. Just stands there, studying me with those Nero eyes. "I came to help you get ready."
