Page 4 of Carnal

Biagio moves my face toward him again. Arrogance replaces the anger in his expression. He claims, "I'm your fiancé. Soon enough, you'll be all over me again."

My lips quiver. I whisper, "Fiancé?"

He smiles, but nothing about it comforts me. "Yes. We were starting to work with the wedding coordinator to plan our big day."

"We were?" I ask, unable to recall anything about a wedding.

"Yes," he confirms, then releases me and sits back in his chair. "Any more questions before I send the nurse in?"

I take a few breaths, trying to prioritize my thoughts.

"Pina?"

I blurt out, "How did I get hurt?"

His face darkens so much I can see the evil in it. He seethes, "You were on a motorcycle."

I attempt to remember it, but I can't. I ask, "With you?"

His voice oozes with hatred. He responds, "No. Withhim."

"Him?"

He grinds his molars before replying, "Tristano Marino."

Everything stays blank. I ask, "Who is Tristano Marino? And why was I on his bike if I'm with you?"

His nostrils flare into wide triangles. He grabs my hand and traces his thumb over my knuckles, answering, "He attempted to kidnap you. But don't worry, baby. I stopped him."

A burning sensation fills my belly and climbs up my chest. "Why did he want to kidnap me?"

"Because you're mine," Biagio states.

Maybe I should feel good that this decent-enough-looking man is claiming me as his, but I still don't remember anything. So I stay silent, trying to process all of this. I finally ask, "Is he okay?"

"Why do you care?" Biagio barks.

I jump then wince from the bruises on my back.

"Shit. Sorry," he says in a softer voice, but something tells me he isn't.

I reprimand myself for questioning him when he's my fiancé.

In a controlled tone, Biagio declares, "He's still in the hospital. For now, he's alive. But I guarantee you it won't be for long."

My stomach flips. I can't say why. I don't know this man Tristano who kidnapped me. I shouldn't care about his life after what he did.

Biagio kisses my hand and rises. "I'll send the nurse in to change your IV. As soon as I can bring you home, I will."

Too tired to argue or figure any more of this out, I just reply, "Thank you."

He hesitates then arches his eyebrows. "Any more questions?"

I start to shake my head then stop. "Who are you?"

Pride fills his face. He lifts his head and puffs his chest out. Something about his answer sends chills to my bones, but I have no idea why. He states, "I'm Biagio Abruzzo. Son of Jacopo and next in line to rule the family. And you, Pina dela Cruz, will be queen of the Abruzzos."

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