Page 152 of The Devil's Heir

I don't know why Carmen thought they wouldn't notice the state my body is in, but I'm glad they don't turn a blind eye.

"Cazzo! Che diavolo ti è successo?" Ricci curses in his native tongue, then asks, "What happened to you?"

Remembering Carmen's threat, I lie, "I'm not quite up to par from the accident. It did more damage than we thought."

"Oh yes, my poor husband has been through the wringer. I'm so happy I can be here for him." Carmen sidles up to my side and wraps her hand around my elbow.

I flinch at the contact, but she doesn't see it. However, Marino does.

He doesn't let it be known, though. "Are you up for talking business?"

"I'm good. I promise. I've been in my room all day resting. Carmen practically held me prisoner," I tell them.

"Oh, Jarek is so funny, isn't he?" Carmen giggles as she pinches the inside of my arm.

"I'm kidding, of course," I say.

"Of course you are," Marino says, smiling. "I can't imagine this gorgeous woman holding any man prisoner unless it's forotherthings." He wiggles his brows.

Carmen giggles some more, and I want to gag.

With Carmen still on my arm, I lead everyone to the dining room, where we sit, and the kitchen staff start carrying in the food. The plates are already made up, so I know I won't be eating mine tonight.

Instead, I push it away, grab the whiskey decanter from close by, and pour myself a drink. "So, tell me, what kind of business venture are you looking to get into where you want me to go in with you?"

"Let's not talk business while we eat. There's plenty of time for that afterward," Ricci suggests. He looks at Marino and then back to me, and I know they're up to something right away.

"You know,"—Marino speaks up—"The last time I was here, you had that beautiful woman with you."

Carmen straightens but doesn't say anything.

"Yes. That was Liliana." Just saying her name breaks me.

"Did you love her?" Marino asks quizzically.

Carmen kicks me under the table. Gritting my teeth, I reply, "She was good for an easy fuck and to have my heir, that's all. I only love my wife."

Carmen takes my hand and grins. "And I love you, baby."

"Well, that's good to hear," Marino states. "You know, I found a woman who had an accident, and it left her with amnesia. I figured the poor thing had nowhere to go, and since she couldn't remember a thing, I took her in. She's now my submissive."

"Oh, interesting." Carmen's eyes light up. "A little plaything for you, huh? Those are always fun…"

"I agree," he states. "I hope you don't mind, but I brought her along. She's still new, and I didn't want to leave her alone too long."

Carmen laughs. "Bring the whore in; let us get a good look at her."

Marino pulls his phone out and sends a message to someone. My breath hitches when Marino's driver walks in, holding a leash. I can't see her face because her head is bowed, but I'd know her anywhere. It can't be, though…

"Carmen, Jarek—meet my pet."

Just then, the woman's head lifts, and her warm, dark eyes meet mine. Everything and everyone falls away, and it's just her and me.

"Liliana…"

SIXTY-EIGHT

Liliana