Page 33 of These Deadly Vows

They’ve been keeping me cooped up in this apartment for days. I’m going to go crazy if I don’t get out of here soon.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re jealous, princess.”

“I need to get ready.”

“You do that.” His lips twitch as though he’s about to laugh at my expense, only he has better sense than to piss me off at the moment.

I don’t spare him or Capone a second glance.

Upstairs, I comb through the bags and boxes of stuff Capone delivered. At least there are some decent clothing options. Better than Boo’s Skanks R Us hand-me-downs. And he grabbed my favorite black flats that I have, or rather owned, several pairs of. I opt for a black, sleeveless, slinky, low-cut blouse with black, wide leg pants to match.

I finger the necklace my father gave me, wishing I were back home and that he was still alive. How could he leave me to this? To this biker. A man who has no regard for me. A jerk who will never love me. A man I will never love.

I suppose the same way he intended to hand me over to Roberto.

Ghost interrupts my thoughts. “You didn’t tell me that your friend is a Bianchi.”

“I didn’t know I needed to. Is that a problem?”

“A complication.”

I don’t have to guess. “I assume this is about Dante and Carmichael.”

“Something like that.”

“Carla has always been my best friend. Her brothers love me. They consider me family.”

“I consider them a pain in my ass.”

“I don’t understand what that has to do with Carla coming over. Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

“She could be spying for them.”

“Carla isn’t like that. She doesn’t work for them, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Look, you don’t like me, and I get that. But I need to trust you, and I need you to trust me.”

“Trust and respect are earned. You’ve not given me a reason to show you that respect. You kidnapped me, murdered my father, and on top of that, you raped me. And now you want my trust?”

He swallows hard. “I know I’m a bastard.”

“That we can agree on. Except I think you’re a devil.”

He grabs me by the wrist. “I’m your husband. I didn’t rape you. Don’t be going around saying shit like that.”

“What would you call it, then?”

“You’re testing my patience, princess. I’m making an effort here. You could do the same.”

“So, I’m supposed to automatically think you won’t kill me the minute it better suits your club or whatever your plans are.”

“I’m not capable of love, but you’re to be the mother of my child. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

“Maybe you won’t, but who is going to protect me from you?”

Ghost stares at me long and hard. He doesn’t respond to my question. Not that I expected him to answer. We both know that I’m right. There’s no one to save me from him. The monster who wants to use me as an incubator for his child.

“I’ve gotta go. I won’t return until late. Don’t wait up. Stay out of trouble, Adeline.” His hand reaches out, falling short of my cheek as I turn away from him.

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