Page 16 of These Deadly Vows

Until someone clears their throat and the reality that I’m wed to a man that hates me sets in.

There’s no applause.

No congratulations.

No celebration.

Ghost releases me so harshly he practically shoves me away, as though he’s both surprised and disgusted that his lips touched mine. “Say goodbye to your father.”

“You said you made a deal.”

“This is me keeping my word. Until you uphold your end.”

He means a son.

Something I can never give him.

I rush onto the balcony as orders are given to dispose of Roberto’s head.

“Fa-father,” I release the endearment with a choked breath.

His eyes come to mine, full of regret.

My father knows my burden.

My secret.

He did this to me.

“I don’t know what to do,” I whisper while I remove the gag from his mouth, not caring if the defiant act earns me my husband’s wrath.

My father releases a shaky breath as blood dribbles down the corners of his mouth. I’ve never seen him so weak before. Defenseless. He wears the look of defeat. He’s done.

He’s given up.

There’s no fight left in him and the sight has me ashamed.

All his talk about family and loyalty.

Where are all his men now?

Why aren’t they storming the building to get us out?

How did a gang of bikers infiltrate our family deep enough to take not only me, but my father?

“Adeline,” he croaks. “Apple of my eye. I wanted a better life for you.”

I shake my head. That’s not true. If he wanted a better life for me, he would have let me go. Sent me away even. Instead, he promised me to Roberto and now I’m married to a biker named Ghost. Who knows what his true intentions are?

He’s not bound by the law of tradition, where a man’s word means everything.

I can feel Ghost’s presence behind me. “Your father has asked for an honorable death in exchange for your life and his territory.”

His words penetrate, but a numbness spreads through my limbs and my heart.

“Promised him, I’d take care of you. Show you more kindness than he ever did my famiglia.”

Ice coats my spine. His bride and unborn child. Slaughtered by my father.

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