Page 48 of Of Vows and Betrayal

“Yes, the lady will have the caprese salad and theorecchiette con cime di rapa, and I’ll have thearancini and bistecca alla pizzaiola. As for dessert, we’ll see if we have any room left,” he says, winking at me, and I can’t help but frown.

I take a sip of my sparkling water, trying to calm thestorm brewing inside me. “Romero, I appreciate your gesture, but I’d prefer to make my own choices. Starting with my meal.”

He raises an eyebrow, clearly not used to being challenged. “Of course, bella. I just thought I’d make it easier for you.”

“I understand, but I’d still like to have a say.”

He nods, but his lips press into a thin line. “You’ve been with us for over five years now, Ophelia. It’s time you accept your place. I find your fire endearing but remember, there are limits to what your beauty can get you.” His words sting, a harsh reminder of the tightrope I walk.

I’m too stunned to even say anything. The mask is finally coming off.

He leans back in his chair and shakes his head. “It came out wrong.”

“No, no, I don’t think it did. I believe that’s exactly what you think.”

He shrugs. “Yes, of course, that’s what I think. That’s what everyone thinks… except you, it seems.” He leans forward and grabs my hand again. I try to pull it away, but he tightens his hold. “Ophelia,” his tone carries a warning. “I’m not that little bodyguard of yours who you can order around like a lovesick puppy.”

The chill in his voice sends a shiver down my spine, and I realize just how dangerous this game has become. I force myself to remain calm, to keep my expression neutral.

“I don’t order anyone around,” I reply evenly, meeting his gaze. “I just know what I want.”

He smirks, his grip on my hand relaxing slightly but still firm. “And what is it that youwant, Ophelia?”

“I want respect,” I say, my voice unwavering. “To be treated as an equal, not just another pawn in this endless game.”

His eyes narrow, and for a moment, I see a glimpse of something—annoyance? It’s hard to tell. He lets go of my hand and leans back again, studying me.

“You will be treated as the wife of the future consigliere. Do you know how many women would like to be you right now?”

I have to purse my lips to stop myself from telling him to go find one of those women, that nobody was stopping him.

“I can give you a comfortable life. You could even be happy if you finally accept your place.”

“What if I want more?”

He laughs, and that laugh makes my hand sting with the desire to slap him. “What more is there? Once you’re married with children, have a house to take care of, and a husband to keep satisfied—trust me, you’ll have no time or energy for more.”

His eyes darken again. “Try to keep the disgust out of your face,” he barks, and I smooth my expression.

His smile turns menacing as he leans forward. “What is it? You want to slum it with your bodyguard first? I hope you didn’t let him soil what’s mine. You better be a fucking virgin when I have you. Maybe I should check right now.”

My cheeks flame at the implication, and I stand up.

“Sit your ass down, Ophelia, or I swear to God, I’ll unleash my father on yours.”

Right now, it doesn’t matter as nausea hits the back of my throat. I shake my head and move toward the private bathroom.

I hiss as he grabs my upper arm so tightly that I feel the pain reverberating through my whole body.

“I just need the restroom,” I whisper, and he studies my face before finally letting go of my arm.

“Be quick; the food will be here any minute.” He grabs my bag that is on my shoulder. “You don’t need that.”

I stumble into the windowless bathroom, my body trembling the moment I lock the door. Panic bubbles up, threatening to choke me as I reach into my dress pocket for my phone. Thank heaven that I put my phone there instead of in my bag. My hand is really shaking now, and my eyes are blurry with unshed tears. I’m not sure who I can call. My father might help, but I’ll cause more trouble for him, and if what Romero is alleging is true, he is already in the deep end.

Javier. He’s the only person I can think of, the only person I want to save me, but would he want to?

I shake my head but text him anyway.

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