AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CARMELLA
“How are the wedding plans coming along, Nell?”
Nell and I are staying with Bea, whilst the guys are sorting out business. Not too sure what’s going on, but something has gone amiss. We haven’t seen Al or the guys for the last four days. Our guards are all here with us at Bea’s mansion, but it’s not the same as having your man in your bed at night. He calls every night to check on me and the bump, though.
We’re currently out by the pool on loungers, soaking up some sun with virgin cocktails Ilaria made us.
“Erm… it’s moving along now that Fillipo has backed off.” She chokes on the last bit. “Antonio said that Leo has made it very clear on the repercussions if the Contis back out of the union.” She dips her head whilst fidgeting with her fringe, Nell’s classic sign she’s uncomfortable.
“His father is a bastard,” I say. “Although from what I’ve heard from Max and Al’s conversation, Max wasn’t willing to give you up. He’s desperate to claim you, Nell.” I lean over and squeeze her shoulder.
Max spends a surprising amount of time in our apartment. Not that I mind, I get on well with him. As much as he seems to terrify Nell, he always comes across calm. Even though Nell has kept all her barriers up, it’s so obvious that he’s obsessed with her. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t ask after her.
It was Nell’s twenty-first birthday a few weeks ago, and Max arranged for her to be flown to New York and for us girls to all attend the ballet. We had such an amazing weekend, and it was all his idea.
“It just makes things awkward. Dad sat me down and explained why he’s so angry with Fillipo.” Nell shrugs as she sips her not-so-virgin cocktail.
“Well, Leo said the contract is binding. As far as he is concerned, it isn’t up for discussion. So, I wouldn’t worry about it.” Bea sends Nell a sympathetic smile.
“I don’t want to marry him, though, not if he thinks I’m damaged goods.” Nell sniffs as she absently rubs her fingers over the scars on her thighs.
When I was shot and Bea and Nell were abducted, they tortured Nell to get answers from Bea.
“Damaged goods? Nell, you were fucking tortured. How does that make you damaged goods?” I huff.
“Fillipo asked for medical records, to prove I wasn’t, you know… touched…” Nell’s usually pale skin is bright red with embarrassment as she shakes her head.
“Is that why he’s making such a fuss? He thinks you were raped?” I swing my legs over the side of my chair.
I wince in pain as I sit up too quickly. Rubbing my bump, I send a silent apology to my son for sitting up too quick.
Nell only nods.
“They didn’t touch us, though. Why would he say that?” Bea is now sitting on the edge of her lounger.
“Because of the pictures that Sandro sent.” Nell winces at the memory, still tracing her scars and not making eye contact. “Anyway, apparently, Fillipo wanted proof. Antonio said that Leonardo has sorted it. Although he also said that Maximus and his father are currently not talking. I just don’t want to be so much trouble for him. He probably already thinks I’m a dud bride. I flinch every time he’s within three feet of me, with all this as well.” She wipes her eyes as she lets out a small whimper.
“No, he doesn’t, Nell, you just need to give him a chance. Leo said he’s nothing like his father,” Bea soothes.
Both Bea and I get up to comfort her.
The sharp pain that I felt before has me doubling over in agony. Both Nell and Bea are by my side.
“Cam, what is it? What’s wrong?” Bea crouches awkwardly with her little bump in front of her.
I’m only six weeks ahead of her. At thirty-seven weeks, my bump seems to be twice the size of hers.
“I… I don’t know…” I pant through the searing pain that doesn’t seem to be easing. “I felt it when I shot forward a minute ago,” I whimper.
“Do you think you can straighten up? Or do you want to sit back down?” Nell rubs a hand over my lower back.
As I start to straighten, the pain gets more intense. I breathe through the pain but push onward. I feel a strange feeling of pressure and then a warmth flowing into my bikini bottoms.
“I think my waters broke. Or I wet myself, I don’t know.” I grit my teeth as I try to straighten. “I need to sit back down and let the pain pass.” I feel for the lounger behind me.
As I sit back, I look down to where the warmth is still trickling from me.
