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“I’m a Durante. My obligation is to my capo, my father, and The Boss.”
“This boss guy is sounding like an asshole.” Belle jumped as Charlotte grabbed her hand.
“Be careful of the insults you throw around. It’s not good to call him names.”
“He’s just a guy.”
“He’s more than just a guy. You wouldn’t understand.”
Belle took a deep breath. “Then enlighten me.”
“I didn’t come here to tell you about The Boss, or our way of life. I just wanted to tell you that I don’t mind you and Diego being together.”
“Wait, what? How is that even possible?” she asked. There was no way she would be happy if she was in Charlotte’s shoes.
“I don’t love Diego. If this wedding goes through, I don’t mind you being part of his life.”
Belle shook her head. “It’s not going to happen.”
“You will have my blessing to be together. A lot of men have a woman they truly care about.”
Belle pulled away from Charlotte, suddenly needing space. “No, you don’t understand. I’m not going to be the other woman. I’m not going to share him with you. I don’t want that for myself or for any child we may have.” She stood up and then sat down. “I’m sorry. I’m not wired that way. I couldn’t handle the nights wondering if he was in your bed. I don’t share.”
“I don’t love him,” Charlotte said. “It would be an obligation.”
“Then you shouldn’t get married.”
“We’re going around in circles here.”
“You should leave,” she said. “I’m not trying to be a bitch here, Charlotte. What you want, I cannot give you. I’m sorry. You seem like a nice person, you really do. I hope you and Diego have a wonderful life.”
She waited, but Charlotte made no move to leave.
“I’ve upset you,” Charlotte said. “It wasn’t my intention, I promise you.”
“Why did you come?”
“I wanted to see you. When I heard about you, I know how cold Diego can be. We’ve been engaged for a short time, and he’s never so much as held my hand.”
“What? He hasn’t held your hand? Kissed you?”
“Nope. Not even a hug.”
“Oh.”
“I take it from that look you’re giving, Diego has done far more with you.”
Belle didn’t say anything. What was the point? There was a chance she was carrying his baby, and also, he spent that much time with her. He held her hand, pulled her in close, and always kissed her. Diego was in fact, a really affectionate man, only, he didn’t share those affections with just anyone.
Did that mean he truly loved her?
She wasn’t some kind of possession for him to keep from others.
The bedroom door opened again, and Belle lifted her head.
“What are you doing with her?” Diego asked.
“I just wanted to come and see her. Give her some company.”
“Leave.”
“Diego?” Belle asked.
“I didn’t invite her here. She shouldn’t be here, and I don’t want her anywhere near you. Leave, now.”
Belle listened as the other woman left the room. She flinched as the door slammed closed.
“Are you still here?”
“I’m still here. I’m sorry she came. I had no idea she would come see you.” He grabbed her hands, making her once again jump.
“It’s fine. I think she was trying to make peace.”
“I don’t care what kind of peace she was making. She shouldn’t be here. I don’t want her near you.”
“Am I such a bad person?”
“No, you know this.” He stroked her cheek, right down where the scar was. “I don’t want you upset. I don’t want to marry her.”
“Yeah, Charlotte was giving me a thorough explanation. She said she didn’t have a problem with you and me being together while you’re married to her.” She snorted.
“She did?”
“Yes. In a weird way, I think your fiancée is actually really nice.” She shook her head, pulling away from him. She stood up and stayed close to the bed so she could round it.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“It’s nothing.”
“I know you, Belle. Tell me what is going on.”
“I can’t do it,” she said. “You want the truth? Well, here it is. I don’t want to share you. Ever. I don’t want to be the other woman. When you’re with someone you’re not supposed to think about anyone else.”
“Belle, I don’t want her.”
“But if I’m not pregnant with your baby, you’re going to her. That’s why we’ve had sex so much, right? You want to make me pregnant?” She shook her head. “I can’t talk about this. I’m so confused.”
“I want to keep you.”
“Diego, we can’t always have what we want.”
“I don’t believe that.”
She chuckled. “Of course you don’t.”
“Your father is awake.”
The sudden shift of conversation startled her. “He is?”
“Yes. He’s stable. Talking. He told me I needed to let you go. Everyone is telling me to let you go, and yet no one is listening. I can’t.” He moved toward her. She heard his voice get louder with each passing step. “I can’t lose you. You think it has to do with my desire to keep you. Why can’t you see it’s because I love you? I love you more than anything, and I’m willing to fight for this, for us.” He kissed her hard, and she couldn’t resist him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she held onto him, not wanting to let go, hungry for him.
