Page 43 of Forced By the Bratva King
My heart was so heavy from this secret, which was killing me in silence.
I watched his face as he slept, thinking how I’d grown so deeply fond of him. How would he react when he finally found out that his archnemesis, Niall Donovan, was my father and his in-law? The two hated each other, and I was caught in the middle—me and my unborn child.
I’d known that I was in deep shit when I first met Joshua in Artem’s office. The Irishman had recognized me that day, as well, even though I was looking down the entire time. It was a good thing that he acted like he had no idea who I was because if he had mentioned to my husband that I was a Donovan, things would’ve taken a turn for the worse.
I wanted so badly to come clean, to tell my husband the whole truth, but I couldn’t muster the courage to do so. I was so fucking scared, particularly now that things were starting to fall into place in my marriage. The man I thought I knew, the ruthless killer who had forced me into marrying him, was suddenly allowing me to glimpse his more compassionate and nuanced personality. I couldn’t afford to jeopardize this newfound peace, but I was only delaying the inevitable.
“I wish it was easy to just tell you everything,” I whispered under my breath, running my finger over his chest. “I really do wanna tell you.” I felt a sting in my eyes. My tear glands were charging up. “But I’m afraid. I’m a coward—yes, I know—but you’re changing with me, and I like the man I’m seeing. I’m so scared of the violence that will erupt when you find out the truth.” I sniffled, drying the tears in my eyes. “I wish you could understand.”
He moved silently, adjusting beneath me. He was deep asleep, and he hadn’t heard a single word I’d said. Trouble was coming; it wasn’t here yet, but it was coming, and there was nothing that I could do to stop it.
My joy was stolen by these depressing thoughts that were gnawing at my fragile mind, and now I was tangled in the web of fear, guilt, and anxiety. It would have been a lot easier if we weren’t getting along, if he was the monster—the narcissistic prick that I’d thought he was.
Recently, each day was better than the previous, and each day, this secret grew heavier to bear and harder to keep. I barely slept at night, as these thoughts always kept me up late.
My mind returned to my encounter with Niall Donovan back at the event, and I shut my eyes in reminiscence.
Artem was talking to some of his associates after Niall had left us. He seemed engaged in their chatter, even though I could tell that he wasn’t entirely interested in the conversation as much as they were.
I, on the other hand, wasn’t focused at all, and my heart was still recovering from the close call that had stolen my breath. I needed some air, some space to think, since I wasn’t a part of this conversation.
Artem leaned close to me after I’d tapped his shoulder. “I’m gonna use the restroom. Please, excuse me,” I whispered.
“Want me to come with you?” he asked with a cocky smile.
I wasn’t sure if he was serious or if he was just teasing me; either way, it was cute, and my lips curled up into a gentle grin. “I’m not a child. I can find my way.”
His flashy smirk warmed my heart, and I added softly. “I won’t be long.” With that, I walked away, and even as I left, I could still feel his gaze lingering on me.
The restroom door swung open, and I stepped inside as two stunning women exited. My heels clicked against the floor as I halted in front of the mirror above a sink. My mind was racing, and I set my purse on the sink, grasping the cool ceramic edge to steady myself.
Niall had handled the situation like a good father would; however, I still couldn’t help but wonder what he was up to—what his next move was going to be. I’d married his enemy without his knowledge or consent, and I feared how he’d retaliate. He’d had a blank expression on his face, and I couldn’t really read him to understand how he felt. Was he disappointed? Was he worried? I honestly couldn’t tell.
The woman looking back at me in the mirror heaved a sigh, and I said to myself, “You got this, girl. You’ve got this.”
I took out my lipstick, and after applying a little more, I smacked my lips and returned it, zipping my purse. I’d told my husband I wasn’t going to be long, and I intended to keep to my word.
The door swung open again, and more women stepped inside, talking and laughing. Picking up my purse, I headed out, thinking about how much I missed Madelyn. If only she was here and I’d told her the truth already, she would have found a way to make this lighter to carry. She always had a way with these sorts of things.
I could really use your help right now, Maddie, I thought to myself as I wandered the hallway, contemplating the way back. I was still deep in thought when someone grabbed my hand and pulled me into a corner. But before I panicked, I realized it was only Niall.
“What the fuck, Sierra?” he snapped, straining his whisper. “What were you thinking, marrying that monster?”
“I didn’t have a choice, okay?” I squirmed out of his hold.
“You didn’t have a….” He paused, taking a deep breath. “What’re you talking about?”
“Look, it’s complicated—”
“Well, I need you to uncomplicate it, right now,” he commanded.
I didn’t like his tone, so I frowned at him.
“As your father, I demand an answer from you,” he added, clearly upset about the situation.
“Ohh, sonow, you’re my father?” I pushed my head back in disbelief.
His brows furrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”