Page 42 of Coerced Queen

I motion at her mug and point out gently, “The sweetener isn’t a good idea.It can be harmful for the baby.”

Distress flickers through her eyes.She darts a hand under the table and cups her stomach before catching herself and awkwardly placing her palm back on the tabletop.

I can’t stand by and let Raphael hurt her or the baby.“Elena, it’s obvious you need help and?—”

“I’ll do it,” she says with more force than necessary.Making an obvious effort to calm herself, she continues in a quieter tone, “I’ll find a way to get the information.”

I didn’t bargain on leaving here being worried about her, but I didn’t expect to find a woman who’s clearly abused.There’s a lot to be said about Saverio, but he’s always put my and my baby’s health first.

“If you’re going to put yourself at risk—” I start.

“I know someone…” She hesitates.“Someone who works for Raphael who I can trust.”

“Are you sure?”

“Do you want the information or not?”she snaps.

“You know what?Forget about the information.I’ll get you that passport anyway.”

Her tone is cutting.“No.”

I give a start.

“A deal is a deal,” she continues.“I don’t need your pity.”

“It’s concern, not pity.There’s a difference.”

She grabs the elegant clutch bag that lies on the table.“You can’t call or email me.Raphael checks my phone and my emails.”

“Is that why you can’t arrange a fake identity yourself?”

“Even if I had the money, I don’t have the contacts.”She stares into her mug.“Not since Papa got sick.”

“How will you manage on your own?”At the frown that snaps her eyebrows together, I add, “Once you’re somewhere else?”

She gets up and pulls her back straight.“Rachele already has a plan.She’ll make sure I have enough cash to help me get on my feet.”

When she takes a bill from her bag and leaves it on the table, I say, “That’s okay.I’ll get it.”

Her smile is pitying, as if I’m the one she needs to feel sorry for.“Raphael will ask questions if someone paid for my tea.”

“I see,” I say, the disquiet inside me intensifying.

“I’ll call you from a burner phone when I have something.I’ll let you know to which number you can send proof of the passport.”

“I’ll need a set of passport photos.”

“I have electronic ones I had done to change my passport with my new surname after the wedding.I’ll text you the link and the password to access them.”

“Where will you get one?A burner phone, I mean.”

Slipping the bag under her arm, she clutches it against her side.“From the same someone who can get me a key to Raphael’s office.”

“If that plan puts you in any danger, the deal is off.”

She tilts her head.“The deal is on, stupid little girl.It’s too late to back out.”

I stand.“If something goes wrong, I’ll get you out.”

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