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On the other hand, Drake exuded a masculine aura. He wasn’t the dashing rogue she fantasized about, but stood tall with a rugged appearance. Based on Alessandra’s experience that morning, he appeared to be more well-endowed than Luca. Although Luca wasn’t lacking in that department, Alessandra had never experienced such pleasure with him. Alessandra blushed momentarily at the thought but promptly dismissed it from her mind. She recognized the gravity of the situation at hand.
“Marital bliss, I see!” Anthony laughed. “Tell me, did you consummate the marriage bed last night?”
“That’s none of your fucking business, Russo,” Drake snapped.
“Do you need a real man to show you how it’s done?” Luca made a lewd gesture. “Come here, Alessandra.”
Drake’s grip tightened around Alessandra, who trained her gaze on the floor. Being the object of their ridicule was nothing new, but shame spiraled through her at Drake witnessing it. She wanted him to see her as his sassy wife, swaying her hips and enticing him in the kitchen, not a meek girl fearful of her father’s anger.
“I said come here now!” his voice dropped to a menacing tone.
“N… no…” she stammered. “I don’t have to obey you or Papà anymore. I’m married now.”
Luca made a grab for Alessandra, but Drake sucker-punched him. Alessandra’s hands flew to her mouth as she gasped. “Do not lay your filthy fucking hands on my wife again.”
The guards in the room quickly stepped between Luca and Drake, preventing further escalation. Angelo pushed his blazer aside, flashing a glint of his gun. He wouldn’t hesitate to draw it. Alessandra placed her hand on Drake’s bicep to pull him back.
“Don’t, Drake. It’s not worth it.”
Luca rubbed his jaw before he started laughing. “Do you really think this puttana needs your protection? She’s pledged to me. You’re just a means to an end.”
“Enough of this!” Anthony roared, banging his fist on the mahogany desk.
“I’m just here to pack my belongings, Papà. I’m moving in with my husband.”
“So be it. You will return immediately upon Marcello’s release. At that time, you will divorce and belong to Luca. It will be up to him what happens to you next.”
“No!” she cried.
Her father pushed back his chair and rose from his seat. His face twisted into a look that meant his hand would follow shortly. “Don’t argue with me, child. This will happen.”
“Let me make something perfectly clear, Russo,” Drake began. “You don’t scare me. I will not allow you to treat my wife this way. She is no longer yours to use and abuse. She is mine.”
“Don’t forget, I’m the one who popped that delicious cherry. Just because she spreads her legs eagerly, doesn’t mean you’re special. A woman’s place is on her back with a cock in the hole of his choosing. Enjoy playing house while it lasts,” Luca mocked.
If it weren’t for Drake supporting her, Alessandra was sure she’d end up on the floor as every nerve ending went numb. Once upon a time, she had loved Luca with everything she had to give, and his crass words made her feel like a fool. Five years ago, he’d betrayed their love and her trust to gain her father’s approval. She’d never forget that day as long as she lived.
Tony dismissed them after a few more barbs were exchanged. Angelo escorted them to Alessandra’s bedroom, where she filled a small suitcase. Drake offered to help her pack more.
She shook her head. “What difference will that make, Drake? It won’t matter in the end.”
I was never meant to be free. I know that now, she thought and blinked back bitter tears. Alessandra bid a silent farewell to the home she grew up in, wishing it would burn to the ground and take its seeds of evil along with it.
Russell found them before they left. “Take care of yourself, Miss Russo.”
Too many eyes were on them for him to give her the hug she desperately needed. Her bottom lip wobbled as she nodded. “You too, Russell.”
They drove back to Drake’s penthouse in silence. Alessandra crossed her arms and stared out the window, watching the suburbs become traffic-bogged city streets.
Riley’s belongings overwhelmed Alessandra as she attempted to find room in the closet. There was no room in the closet or Drake’s life. She was painfully aware that she had no place to call home, no place where she belonged. Drake wanted to divorce her anyway, and now her father demanded it. It was best to accept the future that waited to shackle her.
A soft knock sounded from the door. The knock came again, but she continued ignoring it. A minute later, Drake let himself in. Alessandra quickly turned away and wiped the tears from her face. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her true devastation.
“Are you all right, bella?” Drake asked softly. “There’s still time to make it to the airport. Why don’t we go on a honeymoon? I think some time away from this craziness will offer us a chance to get to know each other better. We can figure out how to make this work.” He cupped Alessandra’s face in his hand and swiped his thumb to catch tears that fell.
“Drake—”
“I will protect you,” he promised.
