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I sat up, using my hands and feet to scurry back until my back hit the couch.

Across from me Antonio rose to his full height, the broken glass crunching under his shoes.

“My God.” Amelia stood, frozen in place with eyes of an overly concerned sister shifting between us. “What. Happened?”

The adrenaline must’ve suppressed the pain because he placed his hand on his side—the knife handle poking out between his two fingers. Then, he curled his hand around the handle and yanked it out. “Slight disagreement,” he answered, applying pressure to the leaking wound as he dropped the knife to the floor with a clink. “What are you doing here?” He walked past her, leaving a trail of blood in his wake and she followed behind him.

“Slight disagreement!” She bellowed, heels smacking the tiles as she stomped after him. “Antonio!” Her voice drew further and I ran my fingers through my hair, brushing it back and out of my face.

I released a heavy exhale, throwing my head back against the couch as my eyes shut.

* * *

Rosalia had insisted I go to the hospital after the state she found me in. Not to mention the fact that, not too long ago, he locked me in the cold until I passed out. After much reassurance she finally dropped it.

I had no appetite but I didn’t want that evil bastard thinking he’d won. Because he didn’t. He was… saved by the bell, if you will. Said bell being his sister.

I sat down on my usual spot at the dining table, lowering my napkin to my lap.

“We have a couples therapy session on Thursday morning.”

I almost laughed, picking up my knife and fork.

“I see you’ve had a change of heart regarding the whole polygamy thing.” I cut into my steak, and while still holding his knife and fork, he rested his hands on the table.

“You and I have an appointment on Thursday.”

I lifted the steak to my mouth and gave my head a slight shake. “No we don’t.”

“I apologize if I gave you the impression that you had a choice.” He reached for his glass of wine.

“Now you’re taking my free will too?” I stabbed my fork into my steak and he pulled the wine glass from his lips.

“The last time you had free will I was drugged and left for dead on our wedding night. What do you think?” His tone shifted to a taunt and I rolled my eyes.

“You’re still mad about that?” I dramatically asked, dropping my knife and fork. “You really know how to hold a grudge, don’t you?”

The muscle in his jaw ticked, dark eyes examining me.

“You know…” I started, cutting my steak again before lifting it to my mouth. “We wouldn’t need couples counselling if you just stopped dwelling on the past.” I cast him a playful wink, slipping the steak into my mouth.

CHAPTER 10

Nirah

“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs.. De Luca. Have a seat.”

With an audible groan I pulled my fur scarf from my neck, following Dr. West into his office with Antonio right behind me.

The walls were painted a deep, earthy brown with a soft, warm glow coming from the tall floor lamp beside the rich brown leather Chesterfield-style sofa. The dim light gave the space a cozy glow despite the gloomy daylight outside. I liked it.

Centered against the back wall was a simple wooden desk with a tufted leather office chair. An open laptop sat on the desk, and behind it, three tall black-framed windows stretched nearly from desk height to the ceiling.

On the left was a leather sofa and across from it was a matching leather armchair angled slightly toward the sofa. A small side table with a tissue box was beside the couch. Cute. Antonio might need those.

“Have a seat.” He motioned forward and we sat down, side by side, with Dr. West across from us. “Let’s begin.” He offered a smile, his deep blue eyes wrinkling in the corners.

In a pressed grey suit, he crossed his legs, a clipboard and pen in hand.