Page 72 of The Alpha's Forbidden Heir

I sigh, my anger cooling slightly. “Just… leave me alone for a moment,” I say, softer this time.

They exchange uncertain glances before scurrying out, leaving me alone in the opulent room.

I pace, my hands clenching and unclenching at my sides. Every second that ticks by feels like a noose tightening around my neck. Is it foolish to hope that someone will come for me? That Bane will come for me?

I shake my head. No. Bane has abandoned me before, and I can’t afford to cling to that hope now. Still, a small, desperate part of me prays that something—anything—will happen to stop this.

“Please,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “If anyone’s listening, please… help me.”

The door slams open, and I jump, my heart leaping to my throat. Vittorio storms in, his expression thunderous. Behind him, Lorenzo follows, a smug grin plastered on his face.

“Aria,” Vittorio barks, his tone sharp enough to cut glass. “What is the meaning of this delay?”

I straighten, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “I needed a moment.”

“A moment?” he repeats mockingly. “You’ve had plenty of those. The guests are waiting. Lorenzo is waiting.”

“I don’t care,” I say, my voice trembling but resolute. “I’m not going through with this.”

Vittorio’s face darkens, his jaw tightening. Lorenzo steps forward, his sneer widening.

“You don’t have a choice, my dear,” Lorenzo says smoothly. “You should be grateful. I’m offering you and your child a life of security and privilege. Do you know how many men would tolerate raising another man’s son?”

“Tolerate?” I shoot back, my temper flaring. “Elias isn’t a burden to tolerate. He’s my son, and he doesn’t need your so-called protection.”

Lorenzo’s grin falters, replaced by a cold glare. “That attitude won’t serve you well as my wife,” he says, his tone icy.

“I won’t be your wife,” I say, my voice rising.

“Enough!” Vittorio’s voice thunders through the room, silencing us both. He steps closer, his eyes burning with fury.

“You will marry Lorenzo,” he says, his tone low and dangerous. “You will do as you’re told. And you will ensure that Elias is acknowledged as Lorenzo’s heir.”

I freeze, my heart pounding in my chest. “What?”

Lorenzo smirks, crossing his arms. “It’s a reasonable condition. If I’m to take you and the boy in, he’ll need to bear my name. He’ll be raised as my son, under my rules.”

“No,” I say immediately, shaking my head. “I won’t allow it.”

Vittorio steps closer, his hand lashing out before I can react. The sharp sting of his slap echoes through the room, and I stumble back, clutching my cheek.

“You will behave,” Vittorio hisses, his face inches from mine. “Do you understand me?”

Tears sting my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. I straighten, meeting his gaze with as much defiance as I can muster. “I’ll never let you take Elias from me.”

Vittorio’s lips curl into a cruel smile. “You’ll do whatever I say, Aria. Or Elias will suffer the consequences.”

I bite back a sob, my hands trembling at my sides.

“Good,” he says, stepping back. “Now, fix yourself up. You look like a mess.”

Lorenzo chuckles, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “Don’t keep me waiting too long, my dear.”

For a moment, I consider giving up. Maybe it would be easier to submit, to play the part they want me to play. But then I think of Elias—his bright eyes, his innocent smile, his tiny arms reaching out for me.

No. I can’t give up. Not for his sake.

I wipe my tears, taking a deep, shuddering breath. There has to be a way out of this. I don’t know how or when, but I must believe that something—someone—will save us.

---