Page 45 of Her Overprotective Fiance

How did I end up with my back against the wall, my legs curled around his waist, and Giancarlo smiling down at me because we both know he's got me perfectly trapped like a brainless little rabbit?

"Fuck you!"

I can say it freely now, knowing what the punishment is.

"Fuck you—-"

"In time, Sarica. You'll fuck me. In time."

Three Years Ago

Punishment

ANOTHER YEAR HAS PASSED, and I've started to think Giancarlo Marchetti is nothing but a liar.

It's been a year, dammit.

One full year of wanting and hating him.

One full year of needing him and hating myself for feeling all of these things.

Twelve months of dreaming shameful dreams.

Twelve months of being punished with nothing.

Twelve fucking months, dammit.

I'm not even in my teens anymore.

I'm twenty fucking years old now, dammit.

Isthat timeever going to happen? Or is seeing me seethe and suffer in silence his twisted idea of fun?

I want to kick and punch something. Do anything that will causerealdamage. But because tonight's Christmas party is another one of those occasions I'm expected tobehave—-

I march up to one of the private lounges overlooking the main deck. All I want is some privacy to regain control of my temper, but instead, I find myself tortured in a whole different way.

UGH.

It's Massimo and his on-and-off girlfriend making out, and I just want to gag.

I close the door behind me, and when I turn around, it's to see their baby sister smiling at me.

"Mas and Ynez?" she guesses.

"Unfortunately."

The two of us end up in one of the smaller lounges. It doesn't have a fully stocked minibar like the one Mas is in, but any room without Ynez in is a win in my book.

"You don't like Mas' girlfriend much, do you?"

"Not for lack of trying" I say defensively. "But she's just too..."Phoney,I almost say but manage to catch myself in time. "We don't have much in common. You've seen how she treats Cat, right?"

Gazelle's smile fades. "Maybe she'll change."

"I doubt it," I say flatly. "I don't even get what Massimo sees in her—-" I stop speaking when I notice the look on Gazelle's face. "What?"

"I...overheard girls in my school talking."

---