Page 182 of Arturo's Temptation

“Maria, please, I don’t understand… Arturo’s done nothing but miss y?—.”

“Miss me?” she spat. “No. He is not capable of it!”

“Maria, I?—”

“I’m going to take his life away from him, just like he took mine.” Her head tilted to one side making my skin crawl. Clutching my stomach with one hand, I backed away with the other raised. Fear for our baby and the love of my life made my heart skitter.

“Please, Maria, I don’t understand why you want to hurt him, he’s your son.” I whispered, my breath hitching.

“Oh, you silly, silly girl. You misunderstood me,” she laughed. “I don’t plan to killhim. You’re his life…” Her eyes darkened with each passing second, “you and your baby.”

“No…” my voice caught in my throat as I stumbled backwards towards our bedroom, my heart thumping furiously in my chest.

“The more you run, the harder it’ll be,” she grinned, stalking towards me like something out of a horror movie.

“Maria… please, you don’t want to do this.” I begged, trying to soothe her in some way.

I backed toward the vanity, keeping my eyes firmly on Maria’s wide, unseeing ones. In a desperate move, I reached for my phone, cursing when she launched herself at me. Protecting my stomach, I ducked to the side, gasping as she swiped the device and glass of water crashing to the floor.

Fuck! What the hell was going on?!

My eyes glanced around to find a way past her, but she shoved my shoulders, sending my back colliding with the vanity.

“Ah,” I cried out as pain radiated up my spine.

“Heruinedme,” she growled, fisting my hair.

Letting go of my stomach, I yanked her wrist to the side, and shoved her stumbling back a few steps. “Stop this! He’s your son!”

“He’s no son of mine. He’s as good as dead to me.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I felt sick. “Just as your baby will be,” she laughed, launching for me once more.

Gripping my hands into fists, I dodged her attack, making her slam into the bedside drawer. As I swivelled around and headed for the door, I heard a car roaring up the driveway.

Arturo.

Sprinting as fast as I could, I hurtled towards the stairs with Maria hot on my heels.

“Isabella,” she hissed, “you think you know him… but you don’t.” I halted at the top of the stairs, knowing in my heart I knew him better than anyone else.

“You’re wrong. I do know him, it’s you that doesn’t.” I spun on my heel, coming face to face with her. “He hasalwaysbeen honest with me.”

“Has he though?” Her head tilted again as she stalked closer. “Did he tell you it was him who arranged to have his mother killed?” Her lips curled in disgust. “Or how much he wanted me out of the way to continue his criminal life?” Her crazed voice echoed in my head.“You…criminals.You’re all the same.” I swallowed as she looked me up and down.So she did know…“Weak, pathetic, life-suckers who must destroy others in order to feed their own lives and line their pockets. Getting rid of you will be a service to society, knowing there’ll be one less to worry about… But watching you die? That will fill me with happiness.”

Time slowed as she gripped my shoulders, digging her nails into my skin.

No, I couldn’t let her hurt our baby.

Get away from her, Bells.

Tyler…

Get the fuck away from her. Now!

With all the strength I had, I gripped her forearms and pushed back. Her frail appearance had all been part of the farce. This woman was strong and well trained, she knew what she was doing. Grinning, she hoisted her knee swiftly up to my bump. I gasped at the crippling sensation rebounding through my chest. Gasping, I tried to catch my breath but it was no use, she repeated her action, only harder than the first. Letting go of her arms, I doubled over in pain, whimpering as I felt warmth pool between my legs.

No!

Tears filled my eyes. I didn’t dare look down. I couldn’t… I was too scared.

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