Page 38 of Vicious Redemption

It’s stupid and childish to wish it were more than that. After all, I know it’s the only reason we got married in the first place. I should be grateful that we’ve made as good a connection as we have. But what if I’m not enough to keep him satisfied? What if he gets bored with me and finds someone else who can meet his needs properly?

One server wraps up our food as another closes us out. And we’re heading out the door within minutes, Leo’s palm resting on the small of my back, steering me with one hand as he carries our to-go containers with the other.

The image of that woman’s hand on Leo’s shoulder, the way she flirted with him like I was little more than a fly in her hair, obscures my vision. They clearly have a history together, one more colorful than the relationship Leo and I share.

I let him guide me toward the exit now, my thoughts plagued with a fresh kind of doubt than I’d considered until tonight. Am I not enough to please Leo? Does something about me make him want to hold back? She spoke about letting him tie her up like it’s something she knows he enjoys. And I can’t decide if the thought of bondage terrifies me or if it just hurts because he hasn’t once suggested doing that to me.

I’m so lost in thought, that I hardly notice where I’m going. And I don’t see Mayor Romney step from the elevator until I nearly slam into him. I startle, looking up into the mayor’s kind eyes before spotting his wife at his side.

“Tia,” the older politician says, his rich voice drawing me from my thoughts.

“Mayor Romney, Signora Romney, what a pleasant surprise,” I say breathily, flashing a smile I can’t quite put sincerity behind.

“Is it?” he asks, the discomfort apparent in his and his wife’s face as they stand awkwardly between us and the elevator.

Belatedly, I realize the question implies Leo set this whole dinner up in the hopes of running into them—another plot to work the situation to his advantage. They both look strained as they avoid Leo’s eyes as much as possible. And I glance back at my husband, nervous he might have a murderous look on his face at the slight.

But on the contrary, he looks impressively passive, his expression polite and calm.

Trying to pull myself back together after the awful confrontation followed by this rather uncomfortable encounter, I laugh nervously. “How are you? H-How did the charity end up? Lots of generous donations, I hope.”

That only seems to increase the strain between us as Mayor Romney’s lips grow white from how forcefully he presses them together.

“How are you, Tia?” Signora Romney asks, drawing my attention to her. “Have you been well? Safe?”

The question is rather pointed and openly suspicious of Leo once again. My stomach knots.

“Oh, yes. Of course,” I say, giving a breathless laugh as my cheeks warm. “I’m great. Never better.”

But the mayor’s face would say he’s anything but convinced. “I didn’t much like the way we left things the other night. I should have done more for you, my dear. And if you need, I’m here to help,” he offers. “You have a safe place with us.” His eyes shift to Leo for only a second, but I can see the underlying tension. His conscience warring with his sense of self-preservation.

I’m mortified.

Clearly, the mayor’s esteem for Leo has plummeted—and I’m partially to blame. I don’t doubt my father will have taken every opportunity to whisper poison in his ear as well. Whatever rapport Leo and Mayor Romney had developed has been shot to hell. Guilt gnaws at my stomach, knowing my family is to blame.

Still, I can’t deny a small part of me is tempted by the mayor’s offer. Because accepting his help would remove me from my position between a rock and a hard place. I can’t stand being in the middle of the conflict, forced to choose the man I love or my family.

But if I take myself out of the equation entirely, no one will be present to mitigate the damage. They could utterly annihilate each other. And that would be far worse.

“Thank you. That’s very generous…” I breathe. “But I assure you it isn’t necessary. I’m perfectly safe—and happy—with Leo.” My voice comes out choked, the tumult of emotion from dinner combining with my stress as it forms a lump in my throat. I try to swallow it down as I keep the smile plastered to my face.

A tense pause follows.

Then Signora Romney clears her throat. “So, I hear congratulations are in order. You’re expecting a child?”

The heat in my cheeks intensifies as I think about how long we’ve kept that secret from the sweet couple who have been so kind to us—me in particular. So many lies. So much deceit. I hate it.

“We are,” I say. And finally, my smile becomes genuine as I rest my palm on my stomach. “I have to admit, I’ve always loved children—probably from growing up with four younger sisters. So, I look forward to having one of my own.”

“You’re quite young to be starting a family, though, aren’t you? And so soon after the wedding. One could start to wonder if you might not have been… forced.” His eyes cast suspiciously toward Leo once again.

Oh dear god, this night could not get any worse.

“Luke,” Signora Romney hisses, a blush coloring her complexion. “That is entirely inappropriate. Tia’s allowed to start a family whenever she’s ready for one, and they’re married, for god’s sake.”

But the mayor’s eyes remain locked on Leo, the silent judgment cold and unyielding.

Leo tenses beside me, and I don’t doubt that his patience for the Romneys is at an end.

---