Page 137 of Marks of Rebellion

My hand flies to my face. "I'm sorry. I didn't know I needed to get a gift."

"Arja handled it. It's in the front seat. You weren't in any condition to go shopping."

Oh no. I'm going to pay later for this.

"I really am sorry," I blurt out. The last time I didn't know it was a birthday party for one of the cabinet members, I ended up with bruises all over my back. Carlos shoved me so hard against the wall, I thought I broke my spinal cord.

Carlos picks up my trembling hand, and I try not to get more agitated. "I've been thinking."

"What about?" I quietly ask, my stomach fluttering with nerves.

"Arja suggested I hire a personal assistant for you. I believe it's the best thing for you, considering your current state."

Why?

"I don't understand."

"There's a lot involved in being my wife. You're under a lot of pressure right now. A good assistant can take it off your shoulders. Then you don't need to worry about leaving the house for these types of tasks."

He wants to imprison me further.

My silence angers him.

"I just offered to give you an employee, and I get no response? No thank you? Nothing?" he barks.

I jump. "N-no... I'm sorry. I'm just in shock. It's very generous. Thank you. But I... I can go back to my tasks. You shouldn't have to spend your hard-earned money."

"No, I shouldn't. But you're not capable of handling everything right now. I'll have someone for you to work with by tomorrow."

I put my hand on his biceps. "Honestly, Carlos. There's no need—"

"The decision is made. However, you can thank me properly." He arrogantly cocks an eyebrow.

Kiss him, or he will hurt you.

I force a smile and kiss his cheek, but he aggressively grabs the back of my head.

The spot in my neck that he injured and has been throbbing since Torres yanked on my hair over a month ago intensifies. "Ow! My neck!"

He adjusts the angle of my head but doesn't release it. "Is that all I get? I give you an employee, and you give me a peck?"

"I... I..."

The car stops, and a valet opens the door. "Oh, I'm sorry."

Carlos lets go, turns his scowl into a smile, and chuckles. "No sorry needed." He steps out and holds his hand for me to go with him.

I place my hand in his, not wanting to anger him any more and scared about what is going to happen when I get home.

Time to put on my happy face.

I step out onto the red carpet and force a smile for the cameras flashing everywhere. Reporters call out my name and Carlos's.

He leads me to the front near the doors then spins, tugging me closer to his body.

"As you can see, Ms. Castillo has made a full recovery and is happy to be able to meet the new Mexican ambassador. We continue to ask for privacy."

"Ms. Castillo! How do you feel about your upcoming nuptials?" one reporter asks.