Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 92702 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92702 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
“I think we need to talk about it now because something became crystal clear to me tonight. You don’t have to agree with me, but don’t insult my intelligence by denying it. You have the right to remain silent,” he adds with a smirk.
I lean back in the chair, dread swelling in me though I do my best not to show it. “Speak. But make it good.”
He squirms a little like this makes him uncomfortable. “Things have changed. For you, for her. I’m the first to agree that it’s bullshit how you were tricked into marrying her. Yes, I said, tricked,” he’s quick to add when I lower my brow. “Can we please speak plainly? I think we know each other well enough to do that. I’m not her. I know you too well. And I know that when you threw yourself at her and pushed me out of the way, she was the most important thing in the entire world. Nothing else mattered. Not Alvarez, not Frankie, not even your grandfather. Only her.”
“She’s carrying my child.”
“I said what I said. I have never seen you like that. I didn’t even know you had it in you. And I’m sure she saw it too. She’s not a stupid girl, not even close. It might be a good idea to decide how you want this fucked-up relationship to go once and for all. Because I was watching her in the mirror on the way here, and when you changed your attitude, her face… crumpled.”
When I remain silent, he rolls his eyes and lets out a heavy sigh. “I don’t know who I’m becoming. I’m no matchmaker. But it seemed like you were being unfair to yourself, and I felt like I had to say something about it. Even if you don’t see it, I do. It’s all right to want her. Nobody would blame you for that. You’re nobody’s fool. But you’d be a damn fool to push her away if you actually care about her.”
With that, he stands. “I’m going to get some sleep. If you need me, try to at least wait until morning to bother me.” I hate the fact that I can’t come up with something to throw in his face. I want to—badly—but I’m too tired to lie. Too tired to make sense of how far I’ve fallen.
I learned this evening that my grandfather was quite possibly dying and decided to use his impending death to further our family’s position. I murdered our strongest rival and have every intention of absorbing his family business. I’m supposed to reflect on how deeply I’ve come to care for my wife?
And how much I regret hurting her?
It’s a relief when my phone rings. This, I can handle. This, I can do.
I clear my throat before answering. “Ms. Martinez. I thought we’d speak this evening.”
31
ALICIA
“Did you sleep at all last night?” I can’t help the concern that blooms in me when I look at Enzo the next morning. I had a hard time falling asleep, so I wasn’t expecting him to be all fresh-faced and chipper this morning, but it’s clear he never got a wink of shut-eye.
“I had a lot on my mind. Still do.” He pours himself a cup of coffee and gulps down half of it before topping it off. “It wouldn’t be the first time I went without sleep. Not to worry.”
I’m not worried—about that, anyway. I don’t know if I could put it into words even if I tried. I’m still afraid of him throwing my concern back in my face, so I won’t bother.
Inside, though? I know he has to be hurting this morning. He doesn’t want to think about Frankie’s confession or what it means.
I want so much to ask him about it. To offer support. I’d listen to anything he has to say for as long as he wanted to talk. I only want to be here for him, the way a real wife would be. Instead, I pull water from the fridge.
“Do you want something to eat?” he asks.
I can’t help but remember how protective he was last night. Why can’t he be this way all the time? I could learn to like him being so concerned if I knew he wouldn’t swing back and forth between caring and pushing me away. Otherwise, here I am, wondering if I can afford to let my guard down. If he’ll make me regret it again.
At least I don’t need to think too hard about whether I want breakfast. “No, thanks.” The thought turns my stomach. I’m not such a fan of the smell of coffee right now, for that matter, and I usually love it. Who doesn’t?
“I contacted a highly respected obstetrician with an office downtown.” When I look at the clock, he reads my mind. “Office hours don’t matter much when you know which strings to pull. He’ll see us this morning before the office opens. Which means we need to get going soon.”