Page 75 of Filthy Little Games

“Jesus. Even while she was sick the first time?”

“Yes. Especially then,” she says. “She was getting treatment when I got pregnant. Since Emilio didn’t want anyone to know he had a bastard, especially his wife who was fighting cancer, he introduced me to Izaiah.”

“He gave you to his son, so he could fuck you and lie about him being Oriana’s father?!” It’s impossible not to raise my voice with that question, the infuriating absurdity of it.

Zara nods. “When Emilio first found out, he threatened to drag me in for termination. I warned him I would kill myself if he did that, and he caved.”

“You wanted to have his baby?”

“No, I didn’twant tobut it was too late. I considered it, sure. I already loved her, though, even if she was his. It wasn’t her faultthat he was her father. And I needed…I guess I thought she would be my salvation. That I could love her enough to drown out the hatred.”

I nod even though I can’t even begin to understand the position he put her in.

“So, after that was settled, Emilio moved on to a new plan.” Shaking her head, she says, “Izaiah was such an idiot. He didn’t even notice Oriana would’ve been born two months early if she was his. Emilio made me tell him I was pregnant after a few weeks, then forced him to do a DNA test. He showed him the paperwork, stating there was a 99.9% chance he was her father, and that was that. I don’t think any of the other Rovinas know they have a sister…”

Jesus. Fucking. Christ.

No wonder Zara hated Izaiah so much when he blackmailed her, like that night he had her set me up and killed Carmine. It wasn’t even his goddamn child that he was using against her, but his own sister.

“Weeks after the stick turned blue, I gave up chasing modeling gigs. I lived in the apartment Emilio owned and barely left throughout the rest of the pregnancy. I was used by them both whenever they wanted. Emilio didn’t care if he was my only lover. All he asked was for me not to kiss him on the mouth if his son had been in it the same day.”

“Jesus,” I mutter in disbelief.

“Izaiah visited me more often than Emilio, since he wasn’t, you know, married. I still don’t know why either of them wanted me. Because they knew I wouldn’t refuse? If I did in the beginning, my parents would’ve lost everything, and I would’ve been thrown out on the streets of New York with nothing. It’s not like I could go back to my parents. They practically gave Emilio their blessing. Then, after Oriana was born, well, Emilio kicked me out of the apartment, knowing I’d do anything for her…”

“You were his captive,” I mutter in understanding.

“Yes.”

“And I’ve done the exact fucking thing to you.”

Zara shakes her head. “No. That’s not…this is not the same.”

“Isn’t it? I kidnapped you, refused to let you go, forced you to marry me, touched you, kissed you, wanted to fuck you on my desk tonight…”

“It’s not the same, Creed!” she says again. “I wanted you too. I want you. I’m the one who came down here wearing nothing but your suit jacket tonight, remember?”

“Because you felt…obligated?”

“What? God, no. I didn’t…I didn’t even know what you’ve been busy doing these past few weeks, day and night, until I came down here. I thought you were tired of me or regretted it…”

“I will never regret you, or us. And I am going to get Oriana back for you.”

“You don’t have to do that. If you get caught…”

“I told you I’m becoming an expert at this kidnapping thing. I’m sure I could handle a three-year-old girl.”

“It will be nearly impossible. Even if you managed to take her, Emilio would hunt me down to get her back.”

“I’ve already killed one Rovina. Emilio is next on my list,” I tell her, leaving out the part that he’s already out for her blood. He’d kill the mother of his own damn child if given half a chance.

“No, Creed. He’s not worth it.”

“If he’s gone…you said you don’t think Saint, Stella, Cami or Martha know she exists, right?”

“I-I don’t think they know. If they found out from Izaiah, they would think she’s his daughter. But I’m serious, Creed. I don’t want you to kill him.”

“Why not? Do you care about him?”

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