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“We can’t tell our parents or anyone. We have to keep our relationship and our baby a secret for now. It’s not safe.”
“Not safe.” It’s my turn to repeat what he says. It’s so hard to focus on his words as the ringing in my ears start, and fire erupts in the pit of my stomach, spreading through my veins while unfamiliar fury washes over me in powerful waves.
“Princess, I don’t want you to be his target.” He palms my head, tipping my chin up so our gazes meet while softness fills his green eyes. “We will tell them once this nightmare is over. No one can know about this because if Death or his son finds out…he’ll use you against me in a best-case scenario. Or he’ll try to kill you in a worst-case scenario.” His voice lowers a few octaves. “None of these options are acceptable to me. I won’t risk you. Never you.” He cups my cheek with one hand while his other drops to my stomach, rubbing it gently. “You understand why we have to do this, right? He’ll go after the baby.”
“I understand, Florian.” Relief crosses his face, but he freezes when I scoot farther back until I place my feet on the floor, ignoring the coldness penetrating me.
Grabbing the robe lying on the floor, I put it on and say, “You need to leave.”
“Princess…”
“Don’t,” I say harshly, and he gets up as well, putting on his clothes. “I’m so angry with you right now, Florian, so just don’t.”
“You need to understand…”
“No. I’m tired of being understanding. I’ve been understanding my whole life. And you know what? I’m about done doing that.”
He steps toward me once he’s fully clothed, but I move back. “Jimena…”
“No. Don’t try to use your charms again and convince me that this bullshit makes sense. I might be naive and weak when it comes to you, but I’m a mother now. Certain responsibilities come with that. Shocking, isn’t it?” I take a deep breath, searching for the right words. My anger consumes me, but I’m trying to control it. “So leave me alone. I don’t want to see you.”
“We just fixed us. I explained everything.” My heart squeezes at the betrayal ringing in his tone. “Once I catch him…”
“When? In a week, a month, a year, or maybe years? How long do you expect me to wait for you, Florian? It seems to be the theme in our relationship. Me constantly waiting for you to be brave enough to love me in public.” I clear my throat. “I have to think about this whole thing.”
His face darkens, and he straightens up. “I won’t apologize for wanting to protect my family.”
“And I won’t apologize for wanting more. I won’t allow some monster to dictate my life. You’re still stuck in that cell, Florian.” My soul bleeds thinking about him as a little boy going through all these hardships, but I have to be strong.
My brother married his enemy’s biological daughter. He isn’t afraid to be with her despite her father ruining our family’s life. Why can’t Florian show me the same bravery?
“Until you catch him, you’ll never get out from there. I can’t let you drag me and the baby into that cell.”
“It’s easy to talk about all this when you didn’t experience it. If you think I will even leave a small chance for my baby to experience that hell, you’re mistaken.” He comes closer to me until the tips of his shoes touch my bare toes as we stubbornly glare at one another. “I’ll leave, but it won’t change the fact that you’re mine, princess. Always have been and always will be.”
“Why? Is there a ring on my finger?” The muscle on his cheek twitches as I cross my arms. “I’m tired of words. And I won’t be sneaking around like some kind of mistress who’s a dirty little secret to appease your enemy.”
“Don’t call yourself that. You’re my woman, and no one has a more special place in my life than you.”
“Except Death and his wishes. I hate ultimatums, but here’s mine. There is no us until you actually come clean about our relationship.” I raise my hand. “I grew up with murderers. If you all can’t protect me, then who can? Think about that, Florian, but keep in mind, if you don’t do something before the baby is born? Don’t bother afterward.”
I expect him to do a lot of things, but grabbing me by the neck and pulling me toward him until our chests bump is not one of them. “Why do you have to be so difficult?” I have no time to answer that question as he delivers a harsh kiss that is more of a punishment. “You’re mine. Don’t forget that. Ever. It will be over soon.”
We both breathe heavily, but I push him away, and he steps back. “Yeah? We shall see. Until then, all this”—I motion over my body—“is off-limits.”
“Careful, princess. You don’t want to provoke me.”
We have another long stare-off, then he goes to the balcony. He throws his leg over the banister, ready to get down, and my traitorous heart flips in my chest because I worry about him. “Once all this is over, we’re going to try something none of us has done before. I’ve heard it’s epic.”
I roll my eyes at the arrogance in his voice. This man looks hot and confident even when he’s being kicked out. That’s so frustrating. “What’s that?”
“Make-up sex.” With this, he disappears from my view. I quickly rush to the banister in time to see him land on the grass, waving and winking at me before heading to the back entrance, masterfully evading all the cameras.
The perks of hooking up with someone who knows your house inside and out.
Despite the serious situation, laughter bubbles up inside me, and I shake my head, hoping he will catch Death soon and we can end this stupid charade.
Going back into the room, I hear my phone vibrate and pick it up, expecting to see Florian’s name flashing on the display.
