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“How could I have been so. Fucking. Stupid?” I growl.
“You weren’t,” he replies, his voice low. He reaches out to pull me into a hug. “You made me work hard to gain your trust. It wasn’t easy. Not even the devil could have guessed the lengths I was willing to go. But I’ve changed. I’m sorry. I will never lie to you again?—”
I hurl the hot minestrone.
“Fuck!” Roman jumps back, red soup dripping down his face and onto his white shirt.
“Never touch me again,” I scream.
His hand twitches toward me, and I grab the water bottle and wield it like a club.
“Get out,” I say through clenched teeth.
His gaze drops to the bottle, and he raises both palms. He swallows. “Don’t do anything stupid. Think of the baby.”
“Don’t flatter yourself.” I struggle to my feet, still brandishing my makeshift weapon. “Get out.”
Roman steps back. “This isn’t the end of it, Emberly.”
“You haven’t changed. You’re still the same manipulative bastard who thinks I’m your property. If I never see you again, it’ll be too soon.”
He stands by the door, staring at me like he’s trying to figure out another way through my defenses.
“Out!” I scream at the top of my voice.
A heavy fist pounds on the door. “Kate?” Mr. Wilder shouts, his voice tense. “Is everything alright?”
Roman’s nostrils flare, but I keep my mouth shut. This is one time I appreciate the presence of that nosey old man.
Mr. Wilder’s knocking continues. “If you don’t reply, I’ll call the police.”
“Leave.” I flick my head toward the exit.
“This isn’t over.” Roman walks to the door and flings it open.
The old man shuffles backward, his eyes wide. I hold my breath, hoping Roman doesn’t lash out at the innocent superintendent, but he only grabs the handle and closes the door.
“Please, go away,” I whisper, my breathing ragged.
Two sets of footsteps echo down the hallway until the external door creaks open and then shuts with a heavy thud.
I double over, clutch my temples, and force out a breath. My next inhale is so shallow that my vision dances with spots.
Sweat breaks out across my brow and trickles down my back. I knew Roman was fixated, but the forced marriage? The forced pregnancy? This is insane.
What should I do? If I run, he’ll catch up with me. If I stay, he’ll figure out a way to bring me back under his control.
The man is relentless. What if he escalates and decides to take me by force?
“Mom,” I whisper. “I should never have called you paranoid.”
The baby chooses this moment to kick, making me groan. He’s right. I can’t stay here like a sitting duck. I can’t let this child grow up with a father who lies, manipulates, and gaslights.
A gentle knock captures my attention. I walk to the door, wondering what I can say to convince Mr. Wilder to drive me to the airport. My next escape plan needs to be more creative. Roman must never know where I’ve gone.
I open the door, expecting to see a gray-haired old man in a pair of dungarees. Instead, it’s a man with whitened teeth, leathery skin, and slicked-back hair.
“Emberly.” Tommy Galliano sweeps into the apartment. “How is my favorite cousin?”
