Page 75 of Unholy Vows (Original Sin)

“Yes, you did.”

He watched me for a moment longer, and I considered trying to look worried but dismissed the idea. I was a terrible actress. Instead, I pushed my hair back over my shoulder, where it slid right back like a waterfall.

Renato still watched me. “Are you sore? A shower could help,” he suggested, his gaze lingering over me.

“I’ll take one later.”

“Or you could take one now, with me,” he said quietly. He chuckled at my expression. “Are you really blushing after everything we did last night? I’d think a shower was on the tame end of the spectrum.”

I hated that he could read me so damn well. Was I really so transparent? Or had no one ever cared enough to try before?

“I can’t get the hole you made in my arm wet,” I snapped, sliding down in the bed and hiding my face in the pillow.

“Sure you can’t,bambina,” Renato smirked.

Thankfully, the shower came on a little later and the door closed. I blew out a long breath and rolled onto my back, staring at the beautifully corniced ceiling.

I brought my left hand up over my head and peered at my ring. It sparkled in the light that flooded through the wall of windows lining one side of the room.

My arm wasn't the only place that bore Renato's handiwork. Blood had crusted around my wedding ring, reminding me of the ceremony the night before. I’d have to clean it. It didn’t hurt that much, but I wasn’t someone who fussed over small cuts and scrapes, anyway.

I was more worried about the bug sitting in the planter in his study. I hadn’t heard from the cops again, but I knew they’d be in touch.

Maybe I should just tell Renato the truth?As soon as I thought it, I knew I couldn’t. This was a man who’d just cut my birth control implant out of my arm. He had no boundaries. His idea of right and wrong was completely different from mine. I had no clue how he’d react. I couldn’t risk it. I just had to play along with Detectives Vane and Whitely until I could figure out what to do. I needed a little damn time to think.

The shower shut off, and I jumped out of bed. My leg muscles protested wildly as I staggered out of the bedroom and down the hall toward the room I’d shared with Lucy. I noticed Sonny wasn't around. I guessed that meant Renato would take the night shift. Who needed a prison guard when your own husband was on the job?

Vinny sat outside Lucy’s room. He jumped up when I came into sight and then whirled away from me, averting his eyes.

“Good morning, Mrs. De Sanctis,” he said gruffly.

“Good morning. It’s just Charlie,” I reminded him, wondering at his odd posture. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, nothing at all, I just don’t think I should be…um… seeing you in that outfit, not that I was looking,” he mumbled.

I was wearing a silky soft nightgown with a lace back, part of the bridalwear given to me by Vito and his team.Right. Renato and his highhanded orders about what I could wear in front of his men.

“Sorry. It’s my fault. I won’t tell him if you don’t. Just let me in to see Lucy.” I waited impatiently as he unlocked the door.

Lucy was reading, and raised an eyebrow at me when I went inside and shut the door behind me.

"Good morning," I muttered, knowing that Lucy had a whole lot to say, judging by her expression, but too distracted to give it much thought. I set about searching for the envelope in one of the drawers.

Lucy watched me with an unreadable expression. I found the envelope and folded it into my palm.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Sure, as much as a prisoner in the world’s most boring prison can be.”

“What do you want to do?”

“I want a phone. I miss talking to my friends.” She turned to look out the window at the woods. The fall leaves had painted a blaze of oranges and reds in the trees beyond.

“I’m not sure you’ll get a phone, yet” I chewed my lip. “Maybe it’s a good time to think about what you want to do next.”

“Meaning?”

I sat opposite her. I’d been thinking about the topic since the end of summer, when most of Lucy’s classmates had gone on to study or work while she’d remained behind, stuck.

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