Page 2 of Sweet Deception
"Anna, do you need help with anything?" she asked.
I motioned toward the bathroom, the sting of Gleb’s words still raw inside me.
***
I entered the dining room, the scent of breakfast filling the air, but for obvious reasons, I had no appetite. I shifted from my wheelchair to the dining chair, and as I did, my stomach twisted at the memory of Gleb’s words. “You know the purpose of this marriage. Serve your duty and give me an heir. Then we can both go our separate ways.”
Dread settled deep in my chest. Nine months with this man would be pure torment.
"Anna!"
I looked up. Elisabetta stood by one of the marble pillars, worry carved into her features.
"You seemed lost in thought. I called you three times, but you weren’t responding, and you’re not eating either."
Elisabetta had served me since I was little. She always knew when something was wrong.
"Is it about him? How was last night?" she asked, lowering her voice.
Elisabetta and I had never been close in Italy, my father wouldn’t allow it. She was regarded as one of the lowest ranks within our cartel. More like a servant.
But right now, she was the only companion I had.
"He didn’t touch me," I said, trailing my fork between my fingers.
Elisabetta’s face dropped. She shifted from the wall, as if uncomfortable. "Please, come closer," I pleaded.
She always kept her distance unless she was rendering a service to me, another of my father’s rules.
She hesitated, then took a step forward. "Why? You didn’t allow him?"
"Elisabetta, please, sit down. My father isn’t here."
Another hesitation. Then, finally, she walked over and sat.
Fear lingered in her eyes, as if afraid I’d tell my father.
"My father isn’t here, and you’re the only one I have right now. Just... be free with me, okay?"
She nodded.
I exhaled.
"He paid me no attention. I waited in our room after the wedding, but he never came. Not until I woke at midnight and saw him lay beside me."
"That’s strange. Isn’t the purpose of this marriage for you two to have kids?"
"Yes. I don’t know why he didn’t touch me, but I’m not asking either. I don’t want him to." I paused. "He said he hates me andmy family. I can’t imagine someone with so much hatred for me lying with me."
Elisabetta opened her mouth, then hesitated. "I’ll be here for you, okay?"
Something about the way she said it made my stomach tighten.
A sharp sting welled in my eyes, blurring my vision.
"Do you think I'll ever be able to walk again?"
Elisabetta hesitated. "Yes, I believe. The doctor says..."
