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I furrow my brows and glare at her. She’s really laughing at me right now, at this situation.

“You think he isn’t watching right now? That he doesn’t have men in every inch of this city?”

“What makes you think we don’t?” I raise a brow, my patience wearing thin with her. “Let me make this crystal clear, Theresa. I may be polite, but don’t push me farther than you can handle. Your life is still in my hands, and we both know I’m capable of taking a life when I need to.”

Warm liquid flies into my face seconds later, and I thank God it wasn’t a fresh cup.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” she seethes.

“Too soon?” I raise a brow, my voice laced with a mocking tone. “I thought you didn’t care for Mattheo.”

“That doesn’t mean I’m okay with you threatening my life,” she all but screams.

“I don’twantto hurt you, Theresa.” My voice softens as I quickly realise in my panic I may have started to sound like a serial killer.Great.

I grab a dishcloth and wipe my face before rounding the island to her. She sits frozen in her spot, and I feel bad for scaring her, I really do, but I need her to understand my next words clearly. So I cage her in place with my arms and lower my mouth to her ear. The blend of the coffee aroma radiating off me and her lingering, sweet vanilla scent has me starving to touch her.

Fuck, I need to get away from her soon.

“You may not like me or the situation, Theresa, but if I have to fake it to keep my family safe, best believe you’ll be faking it down to the moans. You’ll make it as believable as you need to. Your father is the least of your worries anymore. You areminenow.”

“I’m not something you can just possess. I’m a person. And like I said, he’s watching, he wouldn't let you hurt me.” She pushes me off her and rises to her feet.

“Your father sold you off like a possession. What makes you think he cares all that much?”

She steps back as if my words physically hit her. “You’re no better than him…I was clearly out of my mind last night because I’ll never be stupid enough to let that happen again. Make sure to get me a bed or sleep on the couch tonight,” she says, storming out of the kitchen.

Great job, Antonio.

Chapter fourteen

Theá

Ihearthedoorclickshut as Antonio finally leaves the apartment. I decided to stay in my room, reorganising my cupboards until he left, because between the argument and everything that happened last night, I didn’t know how to feel about him or us. Thesituation, that’s what it is. It’s not anus, it’s a situation. This entire fucking thing is just one messed up situation, and I need to remember that.

I finally step out of my room and decide to do some exploring around the apartment. I’m not usually left alone at home; my father would always ensure either one of my brothers or a guard was around, as well as the usual staff, so to be completely alone feels strange.

I push the large sliding door to the patio open, and the Monte Carlo heat beats down on my skin as I step out. On the few occasions I’ve visited here, everyone and everything has always seemed to be so relaxed and stress-free. An ideal life under not-so-ideal circumstances.

The patio is massive, housing a huge pool and an entertainment section, as well. I can’t help but wonder if Antonio likes entertaining. I’m sure with how close he and his brothers are, they all must love partying or having people over.

Our family was never big on gatherings; dinner was the only real time we spent together or when Noelle came home from school.

I’ll have to ask Antonio if we could take a trip to Paris so that I can see her in a less controlled environment.

Speaking of control.

My eyes trail along all the usual spots where cameras would be. And low and behold, they’re there, but I can’t help but wonder who put them there—my father or Antonio. I suppose it doesn’t matter, all that matters is what they plan to do with what they see. I know my father, and he’ll find a way to watch me. Even if it’s through someone else’s eyes.

I dip my toe into the water, and the chill sends scattered goosebumps across my skin. The same sensation I experienced when Antonio nipped at the skin of my thigh.

Fuck no. I’m not supposed to be thinking about him, especially not after what happened this morning.

My text tone for Noelle sounds in the air, and I head back inside.

Noelle:

So, how was your first night as a married woman?