Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
“Tell me. Tell me exactly what happened.”
She glanced over, and I saw an old cell phone. I picked it up, and she took it from my hands, connecting to voice mail. The tremors returned full force as she set the phone on the table, and a voice I never wanted to hear again spoke.
“So, dear sister, I heard the funniest rumor,” Marianne said, sounding as if she’d smoked a hundred cigarettes earlier. “The news is that you married Roman Costas today. I was certain I had heard wrong. I mean what would a strong, powerful man like him want with a loser like you?”
There was a pause.
“Did he tell you, Effie? Did he tell you what he did?”
I shut my eyes at her words, knowing what was coming next.
“He gave me the idea to sell you. To settle my debt. Contact the Santini brothers, he said. So, I did. If he married you, no doubt he plans on doing the same thing once he’s tired of you. I bet he got a kick out of taking your cherry. And now the bastard has set them on my tail. He probably has a life insurance policy out on you. I bet he’s fucking you real good, isn’t he? Pretending he cares? I heard he’s a user and a player, so don’t get too comfortable. I hope he hurts you badly. You’ve always been such a thorn in my side. I hated you then, and I hate you now. I hope—”
I couldn’t listen to any more of her vicious vitriol. I grabbed the phone, throwing it at the wall, feeling intense satisfaction as it exploded and she was silenced. For good.
Then I turned to Effie. The fear in her eyes broke me.
She believed her. Her fucking horror of a sister knew exactly how to beat Effie down with a few words. Her already shaken confidence was crushed under the weight of Marianne’s lies.
“I didn’t. I swear. She is twisting what happened.”
“She—”
“No.” I shook my head. “I was angry when she suggested giving you to me for a bit of ‘fun.’ Furious that she would do something so hideous. I lost my temper, and yes, I told her to peddle her offer elsewhere. I had no idea she would, Effie. I have no clue how she found the Santini brothers and made her deal. If I’d had any inkling she’d do such a thing, I would have gone and found you right away. Yes, when I figured it out, I did everything to find you because I felt guilty. Horrified that my anger and outburst had caused you pain. Especially once I met you. Saw the sweetness you carried with you. I knew it would be crushed, and I couldn’t take it. But it changed. I swear to you, it all changed.”
She began to shake her head, and I framed her face with my hands, refusing to let her look away. I needed her to see my eyes. To know what I was saying was true.
“Once I got to know you, it became paramount to protect you. But that’s not why I married you, Effie. I rescued you because I had to.” I drew in a deep breath. “I fell in love with you because I had no choice. My heart wanted you.”
Her eyes widened.
The moment Nonna had called, everything changed. The thought that Effie was ill or hurt broke down any resistance. I knew I loved her. All my denials and stupid ideas of not being able to love were blown away.
Because it was Effie. My Effie. My wife.
And I wasn’t letting her go until she accepted that fact.
Accepted me.
“I love you,” I repeated. “Everything about you. I’m so tired of fighting it. Trying to resist, when all I want is to be with you. To love you.”
Tears poured down her cheeks. “She—”
“No,” I said again. “She lied. She did it to hurt you. Everything she did was to hurt you. I am not lying. You are never leaving me. I would die before I let anything happen to you, my little tiger. Believe me.”
She whimpered, and I leaned closer. “Look into my eyes, Effie. See the truth. I am yours. I have been since the day you told me to leave your shop. I was just too stubborn to see it.” I pressed my mouth to her trembling lips. “See it now, please, baby. See me.”
Our gazes locked and held. She was unsure and worried. Still scared. But I saw the way she struggled, wanting to believe. Hoping.
“You love me,” I murmured, leaning my forehead to hers. “I know you do. You have loved me and been patient. I’ll do the same, Effie. I’ll wait.”
Then I gathered her in my arms, holding her close.
I was never letting her go.
CHAPTER 26
EFFIE
Iwoke surrounded by warmth. I was cocooned in Roman’s robe and wrapped in his arms. His entire body was pressed against me, keeping away the bad dreams and the cold. Outside, the rain continued, the heavy drops ricocheting off the glass. I knew he was awake from his breathing and the tightness in his grip. I stared at the window, the events of last night replaying in my head. The call. Marianne’s voice. The horrid words she said. My utter panic. In a flash, I relived every moment of that awful night I’d been taken. The men and their rough hands and cold expressions. Marianne’s delight in seeing my terror. The glee on her face when she tripped me.