Page 159 of Cruelest Contract
I can hardly believe I sat in this same spot earlier today. That conversation with Julian’s father feels as remote as summertime.
Gabriel is pacing the room. “You have nothing to worry about,” he says. “They won’t hurt you.”
“Who? And how do you know?”
He stops pacing. “Grandfather sent his best men. They have orders not to touch you. I made sure of it.”
I don’t want this to be possible. But Angelo was right for once. He tried to warn me.
“What did you do, Gabe? Did you attack Cass Tempesta? How did you even get free?”
His expression turns stubborn. “I’m smarter than everyone thinks. They didn’t even bother to tie the knots properly. Working them loose was easy.”
I bet it was. Gabe and his magic tricks. He always loved escape artist Harry Houdini.
“Look what I learned how to do, Cici!”
If I wasn’t already sitting, I’d surely collapse.
“And the surveillance system,” I say, feeling more foolish by the second. “You were always so good with computers. You sabotaged it.”
His nod is full of pride. “See? I knew you would have figured that out. You’re the only one who has ever believed in me.”
My mind has been caught in a whirlwind. All the things I thought I knew are shifting with meteoric speed.
“The almighty Cassio Tempesta didn’t think I was worth shit,” Gabe says with new venom. “When he saw me, he just told me to get back to the kitchen and then went hunting for Angelo. He turned his back. His mistake.”
Too much. I’m drowning in shock and horror, not to mention dread. Julian is still out there, still fighting for his life and for our family.
My hands are balled into tight fists and my chest hurts. I need to remind myself to breathe. In and out.
Think. Think Think.
Gabriel is lost in his own dangerous delusion. I need to get away from him.
“What do you think happens now?” I ask my brother with far more calm than I feel.
He pauses and gives me a funny look, as if the answer should already be obvious. “We’ll go home. The Tempestas have taken everything from us. We’re just taking it back.”
It’s a struggle to climb to my feet but I need my brother’s full attention. “That isn’t true, Gabe.”
“You’ll forget all about this fucking place,” he promises with a disgusted gesture. His gaze lands briefly on Teresa’s painting and he quickly looks away.
“I want my husband,” I reply in shrill desperation. “Gabriel, I love him!”
He scowls, shaking his head. “Don’t say that.”
“But I do! I love him so much. Please call this off. I’m begging you. You were tricked by our grandfather. I’ll help you explain things to the Tempestas.”
He opens his arms and gives me a pleading look. “They all made you marry him.”
“No, Iwantedto marry Julian. I’m pregnant with our twins. Please listen to me!”
His eyes narrow into a fierce glare. “We’re going home, Cici. The babies will be raised as Grimaldis. The Tempestas will all be gone and we’ll live at the vineyard. We’ll be a family.”
“That’s crazy,” I whisper.
“We’re going home,” he repeats, growing angry.
