Page 20 of Inevitable

He bit those last words out, his anger emanating from him in his waves. I placed my other hand on his shoulder and the tension left him almost immediately.

“I couldn’t let them do that to you, I will always protect you.” He says, sincerity shining in his honey eyes. “I have some information on some not so legal actions your father has taken recently. I brought the evidence to him that night and told him he had a choice. Sign the papers he so desperately wanted signed, but to me or I would turn my evidence in to the authorities. That’s when you came in.”

Everything stills at his words, it’s as if time has stopped. It all makes sense. The out of the blue proposal from Andrew, my father livid mad one moment and then resigned the next when he signed the papers. I know he doesn’t particularly like me, but he has not made even one attempt to reach out to me, that I know of at least.

“I don’t understand, I never would have signed those papers. What did they think was going to happen?” I ask.

He gives me a dark look. “You have to know your father is a horrible person, he would have made you, whatever it took.”

“But signatures made under duress are not legally binding,” I retort. He has to have this wrong. This can’t be real.

“Who would believe you Ashlynn? He is a senator, with god knows how many judges and police officers in his pocket. All he would have had to do is have one of his buddies on your case should you contest it, and your fate would have been sealed.”

I feel like I got kicked in the chest. This is most definitely something my father would do. I don’t even know why I am trying to fight it. I know what kind of man he truly is. I guess I can’t believe how close I was to having my entire life ripped away from me. Then I latch on to one detail I almost overlooked.

“Wait. So, we are getting married?” My tone is not angry, just confused.

“No,” he says with a sad smile and a shake of his head. “But this way he will never be able to marry you off to anyone else. Not as long as I am still breathing.”

My heart drops at that, why does it hurt to know he no longer wants to marry me? Of course, he doesn’t. Neither do I. Right?

“Sooo,” I draw out. “How long will I be here for? What about my job? Will I go back to living with my father after this? To be honest I don’t think I can stomach being in his presence for one more moment of my life.”

“You will be here for the time being until I know that your father is not going to try anything. There is not much he can do but that man is relentless, especially when he feels outplayed. And no, you will most definitely not be going back with him. Part of the condition of the agreement is that he is never to speak to you or come within 1000ft of you ever again.”

I nod at that and let out a breath of relief. I have wanted away from him for years, but his reach knows no bounds. Over the years he has twisted into a horrific man. One that I don’t question for a second who would try to sell me off not just once but twice.Sell me.I still have never been able to figure out how my sweet mother ever ended up with a man like him, even if he wasn’t always this bad, he has never been good.

“When it is time for you to leave, I will arrange for an apartment to be put in your name. Or house, whatever you want,” he says.

I am honestly surprised at the generosity he is offering, though I have plenty of my own money. Unless my father has drained my accounts. Again, wouldn’t put it past him. Luca has always been like this though, someone who looks out for others. Who wants to take care of those he loves.Stop. He doesn’t love you, he is just being kind. Kinder than any Mob Boss likely ever should be.

“As for work,” he continues. “I have spoken with Camila and she has happily agreed for you to work remotely for the time being. I will have anything you need delivered for you.”

“Thank you, that was very nice.”

He gives me a slight smile and nods. I sit there and stare at him for a moment before I am filled with too much emotion to stay quiet.

“I can’t believe, after all this time…” tears fill my eyes as my throat starts to constrict. “You didn’t just forget about me. I was doomed for a miserable life with no escape. We hadn’t spoken in years and y-you saved me,” I whisper.

He reaches a hand up and cups the side of my face. I lean in to his touch and sigh. “Of course, I didn’t forget about you,” he says softly. He pauses for a moment before taking a deep breath. “You know you were wrong before. I never stopped loving you.”

I gasp softly and stare into his eyes, seeing the truth reflected in them. Without thinking I lean in close to him, but he pulls away gently.

“But I won’t bring you into my world Ashlynn. You deserve better. I can’t do this to you, no matter how badly I want to.”

He begins to stand and offers me his hand. Embarrassment burns my cheeks at his rejection, but I take his hand and stand, staring deeply at him.

“What if I want to be in your world?” I breathe.

The quiet night air now becomes deafening as he looks at me, studying my face. Then he shakes his head and frowns slightly. “You don’t, trust me.”

He then turns around and stalks back to the house. I am left standing there watching his form retreat just like that night all over again. He loves me, he still loves me. But he won’t be with me out of some sort of protection. I almost wish he never said any of those beautiful words to me, because now my heart is right back to where it was 7 years ago. There is no doubt in my mind, I am completely and madly in love with Luca Mariano, and I probably always will be.

Chapter Nine

Ashlynn

After that night by the pond Luca has avoided me like the plague. I try not to admit that it stings, but it really does. He loves me, even if he doesn’t want to. We could be together finally if he would just get over himself. I have waited years to be with him, so he is crazy if he thinks I am going to give up so easily.

---