Page 33 of The Bikers Redemption

“Yeah, well… Crusher said he wanted in. He said he’ll bring the blueprints with him.”

I shrug. I guess the more, the merrier.”

Tom smiles. “So, what’s the plan?”

I take a seat back at the table. “Sit. Let’s talk this out.”

Chapter Nine

SERENA

With another glance in the mirror, the marks still show through the foundation I tried to cover them with.

Before we got married, Luca had all our belongings sent to our house in New York, but I guess when his father died, he figured we would stay here. And now, with our house on the market, my clothes were finally delivered this morning, but I still can’t decide on what to wear tonight.

With more foundation on my brush, I dab it on my neck and grab my bronzer to try to conceal the marks even more.

Defeated, I throw the brush into the basin and go to the bedroom to pick out what to wear. I curled my hair with heated curlers earlier, planning to wear it down to mask the bruises around my neck. But now I’m not so sure it will help. The shade of purple has only grown darker, making it more difficult to conceal. My thighs ache from when Luca wedged himself between them while I was putting pressure on them to shut them.

Just as I’m searching through my dresses in the closet, a knock sounds at the door. Wearing only a strapless bra and lace panties, I grab my silk dressing gown to cover myself.

Tying the knot around my waist, I head to the door and find Anna, our housekeeper, on the other side with a large white box in her hand tied in a red bow. I’d say she’s in her fifties with some gray specks running through her shiny black hair tied in a bun, with a white hat on top. She’s shorter than me and has big brown eyes that are kind. Ever since I arrived, she’s treated me like a guest.

“Anna? What is it?”

“Sorry to disturb you, Mrs. Clemente, but Mr. Clemente wanted me to bring this up to you.” She smiles and hands it to me.

I clutch the box in my hand, surprised with the gift. “Thank you, Anna.”

“It’s my pleasure. Can I get you anything else, Mrs. Clemente?”

I smile warily at her. “Please call me Serena.”

She blushes. “No, I could never do that. You are my boss.”

“Oh, Anna, I doubt I’m that. Well, if you won’t, that’s up to you, but know I’d be happy for you to use my first name.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Clemente.”

“I don’t need anything else. Thanks, Anna.”

She smiles and turns to leave. I hold the box under my arm and shut the door with the other.

Placing the white box on the bed, I pull the red ribbon and untie it. Lifting the lid, I’m met with white tissue paper which, when removed, exposes a red silk dress with matching red strapped high heels.

Lifting the dress out of the box, I sigh at its beauty and walk to the full-length mirror, holding it against me. Although I really don’t want to go tonight, this makes it a little easier. The dress is long with a high slit on the side, drapes at the breasts, and the back sits low, and I’m aware of how revealing it is.

Memories flood back as I catch sight of Luca’s suit from our wedding day, reminding me of the love and happiness we shared. We had planned to start a family and enjoy a happy life in another country. However, things took a turn when his father passed away, causing life to change drastically in just a matter of hours.

I thought that being kidnapped by Harley was my biggest worry, but it seems I’m now married to a man I never really knew. A man who last night raped me and did it without one bit of remorse.

My hand reaches out to touch the fabric of his suit, and when I do, I feel something protruding from inside his pocket. I place my hand there and feel a folded piece of paper. Without hesitation, I pull it out and unfold it.

I remember this paper vividly—Luca’s father had given it to him on our wedding day, and Luca had folded it and put it in his pocket. When I asked him about it, he said he would eventually tell me.

I pause, my hand hovering over it, contemplating whether opening the paper would be wise.

What’s the harm in me reading it now if he did promise to tell me, eventually?

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