Page 24 of Sweet Deception
“Even if my mother is guilty of your accusation, I’m innocent. Stop punishing me for her.”
“That’s why you’re still breathing,” he said coldly. “If I unleash my rage, you’d be dead from our wedding night.”
My chest tightened. “I just want out of this hell. You won’t touch me or free me. It’s unbearable.”
“Sex isn’t the issue,” he snapped. “I can’t stomach bedding a woman whose father’s defiled. The thought kills any desire, makes you repulsive.”
I slapped his chest, sobbing. “I’m a virgin, you idiot!”
His face stayed stone. He didn’t believe me. My father’s lies had poisoned everything.
“Excuse me,” I whispered, voice shaking, and brushed past him. Pain seared my chest, my breath ragged.
That night, I stayed in bed, appetite gone.
Zoya called me for dinner; I refused.
My father’s betrayal or Gleb’s hatred, which hurt more? I couldn’t tell.
Morning came with my phone’s relentless ringing. Gleb wasn’t there. We shared a room, despite his loathing yet I hadn’t seen him before sleep or now. Had he stayed away? Or slipped in and out unnoticed?
I answered. “This is Anna, yes?” a man asked.
“Yes. Who’s this?”
“Ivan’s brother. Why didn’t you tell him you’re Gleb Romanov’s wife at the club?”
“He didn’t ask. Why would I say that?”
“Are you happy with what your husband did to him?”
Ice spread through me. “What?” Had Gleb killed again because of me?
“Plead with him for us. He’s sworn enemies with our gang, we can’t afford this. Please!” Desperation laced his voice.
What had I done?
The door opened. Gleb stepped in, breathtaking yet dark, his expression hardening as he saw me on the phone.
“Okay, I will,” I said quickly, hanging up.
“Morning,” I said. “You didn’t sleep here, did you?”
“Who was that?” Gleb asked, his piercing blue eyes locked on me.
I hesitated. If he knew it was Ivan’s brother, he’d retaliate.
“My mother,” I lied, keeping my voice steady.
His gaze lingered, as if he sensed my deception. I swallowed hard, hoping he wouldn’t press further.
“Don’t answer strange numbers,” he said.
I frowned. “Why?”
He ignored me, moving toward the closet. I clenched my fists, frustration simmering.
“I’ve thought about your company,” he said suddenly.
