Page 107 of Hook

“I do love you, but what can I do if you won’t accept my love?”

I study him for a moment, taking in his chiseled jaw and piercing eyes. It’s clear he’s hurting, and although I’m still confused about his sudden change of heart, I realize that I don’t need to understand it. All I need to do is sign those papers and walk out the door to be free.

“Alright,” I say finally. “I’ll check them over with my lawyer.”

“Do what you need to do,” Cillian says, stepping back to let me leave. “Remember that I’ll always love you, no matter where you are.”

I swallow hard as I look into those dark eyes of his, knowing that it will be the last time. I have to walk away. My feelings are too confused and the only way I’m going to sort them out is to get space from him and this place. Time to clear my head and process the fact that I’m carrying this baby.

“Goodbye, Cillian.”

His jaw clenches. “Goodbye, princess.”

I walk out of the room, knowing that leaving is the only right thing to do. Space is what I need.

Why does it hurt so damn much?

36

GWENDOLYNE

Istep into my childhood home and the numbness inside me heightens. A cold chill runs up my spine. The walls close in on me like prison bars, threatening to take away my freedom.

“Gwendolyne,” Dad calls my name as he rushes down the stairs. “Thank God. You’re okay.” He envelopes me in his arms.

I clutch onto him, but resentment flows through me like a river. “You didn’t come to save me.”

“We tried, but Cillian is smart.”

I shudder at the sound of his name because ever since I left him, something resembling regret has been burrowing its way deep in my gut. “You should have tried harder.”

“I know you’re upset, but we did all we could.”

“We?”

“Piero and me. He has been frantic and wants to see you so badly.” He pauses. “He’s on his way over now.”

I stiffen, glaring at him as the rage within me wells up. “Are you joking?”

“No, he’s been out of his mind with worry and desperate to see you.”

Fury boils within the depths of my soul learning Dad thinks it appropriate to ask him here the moment I get free from over a month in captivity. “I’ve been away for over a month and you call someone to come over when I need to rest and recover from the ordeal?”

“Piero is your fiancé. It’s only right he be here.”

A bitter laugh erupts from my lips, shocking myself. I can hardly believe that the sound came from me. “I’m married to another man,” I spit, clenching my fists until my knuckles turn white.

“It won’t stand legally.” He shakes his head. “I’ve had lawyers working on a way to annul it since the day he married you.”

The papers in my purse are burning a hole through the leather, but I don’t mention them. Cillian freed me, but I’m not going to be hasty and give my dad the perfect way out. It would mean that there’s nothing stopping him from marrying me off to Piero.

“I don’t want to marry Piero.” I shake my head. “After what I’ve been through, I want nothing to do with him or any mob boss ever again.”

His jaw clenches in response. “I’m afraid you don’t have an option, Gwendolyne,” he says. “The deal is done with Piero. And now you’re back…”

“Now I’m back from being forced against my will. You want to thrust me into another predator’s arms?” I confirm.

His eyes soften and he reaches for my shoulder, but I don’t want his pity. I shrug him off and turn away from him as tears of frustration gather in my eyes. “I’m going to my room.” I rush away from him without another word, taking two steps at a time as I ascend the stairs.

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