Page 3 of Sweet Deception

"But it’s been five years already." My voice was barely above a whisper. "Sometimes I feel like my legs are getting stronger, then suddenly... they weaken again."

Elisabetta’s fingers twitched against the table. She paused briefly, then forced a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You just need time."

Something about the way she said it made my chest tighten.

She straightened. "Whenever you’re free, I can take you around the house to help you get used to it.”

"Thank you. When the sun sets, we’ll do that," I said. "Bring me the novel I’m currently reading."

"Alright." She stood and walked away.

Reading was my only escape from reality, the only thing that made me forget my present state. My father had never allowed me to make friends, he claimed it was too dangerous. He believed isolation was the only way to keep us safe.

I understood that he had enemies. That his world was built on blood and fear but I hated that I hadn’t been able to grow up like a normal child and not being able to walk only made it worse.

The lights above suddenly flickered, coldness creeping into the air. Then the door creaked open, and every muscle in my body stiffened.

Gleb.

He stood in the doorway, his black suit streaked with red blood. Where in the world is he coming from? What had he just done?Whatever he had done must be horrible judging by how bloody he looked.

My stomach dropped. His right sleeve was soaked through, and he cradled his arm as if injured.

"You’re bleeding," I whispered.

He stepped forward, his movements sharp and controlled. "So?"

I swallowed. "So you need help."

His gaze flicked to me, dark and unreadable. "I don’t need your fucking pity, you pathetic woman." The words landed like a slap. But this time, I didn’t look away.

“Listen,” I said, my hands fumbling with the armrest of the dining chair I sat in. “I know you hate me and my family. You’ve made that crystal clear. But can we set that aside for now? If you bleed to death, you will die and we’ll not be able to make an heir talkless of making peace between our cartels.” That made him pause. “So you will either call a doctor or let me help with first aid.”

For a second, just a second, A fleeting glimmer appeared in his gaze. Then, just as quickly, his mouth curled into a mocking smirk.

"You’re quick to use my own words against me." His blood-slick fingers brushed my untouched plate. I didn’t answer. My heart was still hammering. I should be afraid of this man.

I was afraid of him but I’d be damned if I let him see it. I may be bound to this wheelchair, but I refuse to be treated like trash. I’m his wife, at least for now and he must respect and regard me as one.

Elisabetta suddenly appeared with the novel clutched to her chest. Her face paled when it landed on Gleb. She greeted Gleb tentatively. "Good morning."

"I'm only here to give Anna her novel." She quickly added.

She hurried over, thrusting the book in my lap before retreating.

Gleb took the book from me without a word, his bloodied fingers smearing the cover. He flipped it over, inspecting it as if it were something foreign.

“Do you want to read the book?” I asked.

He ignored me and looked up, his dark gaze shifting to Elisabetta, who hadn’t fully left.

"Get me a lighter," he barked.

Elisabetta’s jaw dropped.

"Now," he commanded.

She hesitated for half a second too long.