Page 34 of Bears Not Included

I want to throw up. How did I become involved with men like that? Crime lords? Oh, my god. I have to get away from them.

“So there’s like, this round table,” Celine continues. “Underground. An underground round table; it’s called the Global Underground Six, and mafia families from the different countries are given a controlling share, and my uncles have like... they have like, a lot. They have the most say. They’re pretty dangerous men. In fact the most dangerous men on the planet if you get on their wrong side.

“So the only way you’re going to get out of this marriage is if they divorce you, or kill you, which they’re not going to do because you’re freaking gorgeous. Oh my gosh. You’re so beautiful.”

The old me would have felt extremely uncomfortable being called beautiful, but I’m someone else now, and I have to be strong.

“Where are your uncles right now?”

“Downstairs. Having breakfast. They said you were really tired and would probably not come down, so I brought everything up for you. But they also told me not to bother you, but you’re awake now, and we can have breakfast together.”

A wave of guilt sails over me that I’m not as affable as Celine is to me. I’m drowning right before her eyes, and I’m scared out of my mind. But it’s not her fault.

“Celine, I’m sorry for being this way. I’m just… I need to see them, please.”

I need to go back to my old life. Whatever happened to me after I stood outside the cottage in my quest to commemorate my mom’s life will be forgotten. Every single thing that happened in the basement of the cottage will be erased from my mind.

“Sure, but maybe with some clothes on?” Celine laughs, going to the closet.

“I don’t have any clothes here.”

“Umm... this whole closet is yours,” she says as she swings open the doors.

“Those aren’t my clothes.”

“Yes, they are. My uncles had the best shoppers in the world work right through the night to bring you everything you might need, and whatever else they didn’t get, you just have to let your PA know. You’ll meet Veronica later.”

I suddenly remember sometime during the night, after I was bathed and dressed in this T-shirt, that I was moved from one bedroom to this one.

Also PA?

“I don’t want anything from them. Can you show me where I can find them, please?” I ask as I search for the wedding ring I tossed away earlier. It’s only then that I notice the cold and thundering weather outside.

In my own house, I would need to wear several layers of clothes to keep warm, thanks to my father cutting off the heat. He doesn’t believe I deserve that luxury since I’m not paying for it and he’s near bankrupt as it is. Also, the rent I do pay doesn’t cover it. Here, I’m in a T-shirt and nothing else and I don’t feel a smidgen of the winter air.

“What are we looking for?”

“The wedding ring,” I say absentmindedly as I move around cushions and check under the furniture. Celine doesn’t waste any time and helps me look.

“Isn’t it beautiful? The jeweler had to work all night to get it just right, I’m sure they’ll just get you a new one if you can’t find this one.”

I ignore Celine and continue looking. I don’t want another ring. I don’t want anything from them.

Thankfully, it doesn’t take me long to find it. It glitters so much in the gloomy weather from outside that I spot it immediately between two sofas in the lounge area of the bedroom.

“Take me to them, please, Celine.”

“Of course I will,” Celine says. She links her arm through mine and chats away even more about all the manicures we’re going to have, the shopping we’re going to do, and the fashion shows in Paris and Milan we’re going to attend. I barely hear anything she’s saying as she leads me into an elevator.

The fact that she’s dressed like a princess and I’m barefoot with a stained T-shirt that doesn’t belong to me doesn’t go unnoticed.

As if I’m wearing blinders, I only look ahead of me. I don’t get sucked into the richness of my surroundings. I just want to go home and fix things with my father.

After what seems like an eternity, we finally reach the dining room, where Deacon Walsh, Callen Andrews, and Mason Blackstone are seated, drinking coffee, and clearly discussing business. I don’t hesitate to let them know my mind.

“I want a divorce.”

Chapter Seventeen

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