Page 29 of Unresolved

Gemma

One day bled into anotherand by the fifth morning I realized I was beginning to get used to my routine that threatened to become a comfortable pattern.I was creating some amazing landscapes while I lived in a bubble with Evander, with no outside influence or intrusion.

Rembrandt most certainly adored his newfound freedom.He spent his days batting his paws at the many bugs hidden in the grass outside and jumping high into the air to capture the plentiful butterflies fluttering past on their brightly colored, elegant wings.

It was ironic that while my freedom had been taken away, Rembrandt had gained his.

Perhaps I’d feel more certain of my place here if Evander demanded more from me.Instead I was living on a knife-edge waiting for him to claim my body completely after our one-off intimate act in the shower.

And wasn’tthatthe biggest irony of all?

The fact he disappeared at nighttime in his sanctuary, a room that was strictly off-limits to me, then didn’t reappear for at least a handful of hours meant there was very little to worry about in that regard other than my raging, dissatisfied hormones.

I blew out an aggrieved breath and put down my brush with cadmium yellow paint glistening on its bristles.I might hate everything Evander stood for with his role in the mafia, but it didn’t stop my body craving his.

I was an emotional wreck, an outwardly normal woman living with rampant hormones and a terrible yearning I couldn’t quell.

Sudden cramping pain hit my midsection and I sucked in an unsteady breath as I pressed an outspread hand to my stomach.I squeezed my eyes closed.Shit.I hadn’t given a thought to my imminent period.I’d been too busy focusing on other problems.

Like the push-pull of emotions that threatened to tear me completely apart thanks to being in Evander’s world once again.It certainlyfeltlike I was being pulled apart, but then I’d never had an easy time with menstrual pain.

“Gemma, are you all right?”

I shook my head at Evander’s query from behind me.Though he’d placed my easel in different angles and positions to give me totally different visuals for my landscapes, he always sat in his usual place behind me.

If he thought staying out of sight left me undisturbed, he could think again!It took me at least half-an-hour to forget he was there and fall into the world I created.Even then a distant part of me was always aware of him.

I turned around, grimacing at the sticky wetness that was already soaking through my panties and probably my denim shorts.“Please tell me you brought what I’d need for my monthly cycle?”

His eyes widened.“You don’t have your implant anymore?”

“No, I—“

I pushed down the tremors threatening to wrack through my body.“I had it taken out not long after I—“

“Ran away,” he interjected harshly.“A pity.You were one of those lucky women who never got a period while you were on it.”

Yeah, so lucky.

I managed a nod.“Well my period is back now with a vengeance.”

He pushed to his feet.“I’ll drive to the shops.We could do with some more groceries anyway while I’m there.”

I exhaled softly.What had I thought?That he’d humiliate me and make me suffer by keeping me in bloodied clothes?

I lifted my chin, determined not to keep searching for his good side.My voice was scathing.“I’ll be here.It’s not like I can go anywhere.”

His eyes narrowed, but he chose to ignore my disrespect, though I knew the mafia valued respect even above their wealth.

“I’ll fold some towels on the bed for you to lie on while I’m gone.”

I gaped, my heart beating furiously.“You’re seriously not going to cuff me to the bed while I’m,” I waved a hand down low, “likethis?”

He cocked a dark brow, his jaw set.“If you think I’d risk leaving you loose, you’re sadly mistaken.”

My throat convulsed.“What happens if you don’t come back?Would you leave me chained to the bed so that I’d slowly die of thirst and starvation?”

He shook his head.“So dramatic, la mia Gemma.”He took a step forward, closing the distance between us.Then clasping my chin he said, “I won’t let anything bad happen to you, not while you’re here with me.”

---