Page 35 of His Vow
But most of all, I hate that Antonio had to see me fall apart again. I don’t want him to think of me as anything but the strong, independent woman I’ve struggled to become.
A shudder runs through my body, and as I walk into my bedroom, I try to block it out. The door closes with a snick behind me, and with shaky limbs, I put on my favorite flannel pajamas. It’s not cold tonight, but the cozy softness of the fabric against my skin gives me the comfort I desperately need.
In the bathroom, I sweep my hair back off my face and try to stop the uncontrollable trembling of my hand long enough to brush my teeth and remove my makeup.
A light tap on my bedroom door makes me jump, and the brush in my hand clatters into the sink.
“Luce? Can I come in?” Ant asks, and my racing heart slows from a sprint to a jog.
“Sì.” And not even waiting for him to open the door fully, I run into his arms. The tears I’ve been desperately holding back silently falling to soak into the blue linen shirt he’s still wearing from the reception.
Ant sweeps me up into his arms before sitting on the end of the bed and tucking me onto his lap.
“I’ve got you.” He whispers so many more things, but honestly, the words don’t matter. It’s the way he holds me, like his lifedepends on keeping me safe. And he doesn’t let go until the tears quiet to soft hiccups.
“I’m sorry. Today has been a lot,” I whisper by way of excuse for the sudden outburst.
“It was, and you were amazing, handling the demands of the media, organizing the reception, and all while dealing with your father.”
“Thanks.” I burrow my face deeper into his chest.
“And then Bruno showing up like that,” he says, and it doesn’t surprise me that he’s touched on the real reason I’m upset without me even saying. Ant has the uncanny knack of knowing what’s bothering me before I’ve even uttered a word.
“I wondered what it would be like if I saw him again. I hate him for what he did and feel sick to my stomach when I think of what could have happened.”
“Please don’t think about that. I got there in time to stop him. That’s what’s important.”
“I never thanked you properly for saving me that day.” I peer up at him through damp lashes. “And I’m glad you punched him.”
“I’m glad I did too. Sometimes I wish I’d done more, like telling my father. But I figured if you didn’t want to mention it, then it wasn’t my place to say anything.”
“Thank you for keeping my secret. I don’t think I was strong enough back then to speak out.”
He tucks my hair behind my ear, and I snuggle closer. “And now?”
I’d never really thought about Bruno being held accountable for his actions.
“Maybe. I’d have to think about that. Seeing him today was a shock, and I guess if he ever spoke to me, I’d certainly do something then.”
“I won’t let him near you,” he promises. “Bruno might be my cousin, but that’s just an unfortunate circumstance of birth. If you ever want justice, I’ll support you.”
I’m so lucky to call Antonio Barbieri my husband.
“Will you stay with me tonight?” My voice is thready as I look up at him.
“Of course.” He drops a light kiss on my lips. “Hop into bed, and I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
It’s probably less than five before he’s walking back into my room, wearing a T-shirt and sweatpants that fit snug over his sexy muscled thighs. I wiggle farther down under the covers, and he climbs in beside me, wasting no time in pulling me back into his arms.
“Better?” he asks.
“Hmm.” I cuddle into his chest, the comforting beat of his heart against my cheek calming the rhythm of my own. And soon I’m falling into an exhausted sleep.
***
Bruno’s hands paw at my breasts. My bikini top is no barrier to his rough, bruising grasp. His hot, heavy breath makes my stomach churn. And when his tongue licks a slimy path along the side of my neck, bile rises into my throat, freezing my cry for help. I push as hard as I can against his chest, and he grabs both of my wrists so tightly that my fingers lose all feeling.
His hips pin me against the wall, with a knee wedged between my legs, and his dick jabbing me in the belly makes me want to vomit.
