Page 57 of Sweet Deception

“How, Grandma?” Gleb’s voice was bitter. “You love your sons more than your grandsons. You wouldn’t have understood. You wouldn’t have done anything.”

She studied him, then glanced at me. “If the others find out, neither of you are safe.”

“I know.”

She tapped her nails against her sleeve, eyes narrowing. “You will stay here. One month.”

My heart plummeted.

“This marriage must work. The Italians must believe this alliance is real. If you two can’t convince me, you won’t convince them, and that means war.”

“You can’t do this,” Gleb growled, his fists clenching. “One month here, and we’re dead.”

Grandma only smirked. “Then you’d better make it count.” She turned, her parting words cold. “Move in with your wife today, or I won’t be able to protect you.”

And with that, she was gone.

The second she disappeared, Gleb’s fingers gripped my chin. Hard.

“Didn’t I tell you to play along?” His voice was low and deadly.

I jerked my face free. “I have a mind of my own. I can say whatever I want.”

His eyes burned into me. “You underestimate how vile my family is. Because you couldn’t follow a simple instruction, we’re trapped here.”

“For one month,” I countered. “And you’ll protect me, right?”

His jaw tensed. “This house isn’t safe for you,” he said. “Too many eyes. Too many threats. And when I’m not here, there’s no telling what they’ll do.”

A chill ran through me.

But guilt gnawed at my chest. I had chosen the truth and now, I had to be ready to face the consequences.

“If this marriage had been consummated, I would be pregnant by now,” I muttered. “And this marriage would be nearly over.”

His jaw flexed, but he said nothing.

I met his gaze.“I know that your refusal to consummate this marriage is not a physical issue,” I said, my voice low. “I’ve seen the way your body reacts to me.”

My voice was measured. “Is there something you’re not telling me?” I asked, my voice softer now. “Another woman? A promise you made? Or...” My throat tightened. “Revenge?”

His face darkened. “Like I said, I will consummate this marriage only when I am willing to. And trust me, you will know when that moment comes.”

I narrowed my eyes and crossed my arms. “Grandma gave us a month.”

“So?”

“If by the end of the month, you still refuse to do your duty as a husband, I will be free to return to Italy.”

“Fine.” he scoffed. But his jaw clenched just a little too tightly.

I froze.

I should be relieved. In one month, I’d be free.

So why did the thought of leaving feel like another kind of death?”

My father had sent me here to be their sacrificial lamb. My mother... she probably knew. It’s painful, realizing my father always loved my sister and never truly loved me.