Page 133 of Bene

Another to add to the pile.

Maybe Bene was right.

Maybe she was just a fucking liar.

In her blood.

Fused to her DNA.

How else could she survive now?

How else would she protect this child?

Bene’s child.

Even if he hated her, she would do whatever she had to … everything she needed to, even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness, to make sure his child was born alive, well, and loved. And maybe, someday, she could fix this.

But today was not that day.

And after today, her life was not her own.

“You have five minutes before you need to be downstairs,” the woman behind the door called. “So, let’s not waste time. Everyone is antsy to get the ceremony started.”

Right.

“I’m coming.”

Except she didn’t move.

She couldn’t.

Someone would drag her out of the bathroom.

That she could promise.

Run.

Run.

Fucking run.

Vanna’s thoughts kept screaming at her even though she knew it was impossible to do what her heart wanted. All it took was a look down the corridor outside of the doors leading into the main floor of the church to find the man standing there, watching her. At her stare, he had the nerve to cock his eyebrow, like she needed a reminder what he was standing there for. No, she knew very well.

Not that he needed to, but if he raised his suit jacket, she knew a gun would be tucked into his waistband. At the ready, in case she decided to do anything stupid. Or, that’s how Mario put it when he visited her earlier. The bastard was determined to see this day through, no matter what.

She didn’t have anyone to walk her down the aisle—yet another sad thing about this whole farce—so she was stuck waiting behind the large, double doors alone until the organ changed to the traditional wedding march.

With a new chaperone.

Who wouldn’t let her run.

Her fingers curled tighter around the bouquet as she glanced to the side, in the opposite direct of her current chaperone. That way only led to the private quarters of the church where she had gotten ready under the watchful eye of Mario’s mother, and other women from the clan. The same women who practically pulled her from the room, and dragged her down the hall when she didn’t want to go willingly.

A beautiful day for a wedding.

Smile, it’s your wedding day.

This is a privilege for you, Vanna.