Page 14 of His Wicked Obsession
“Please, cara mia,” he tries again.
Please, the voice mocks. My breath seizes.
“No, no, no, no,” I mutter, hoping Donato doesn’t hear me. “I’ll be out in a minute,” I say louder, hoping to cover the mumbling in case he did hear me.
No, you won’t. You’ll never be out, it says again. You’re going to be with me forever.
Cupping more cool water in my hands, I submerge my face into the small pool of liquid, holding my breath and forcing my mind to quiet.
“Bella?” Donato’s voice is louder as I hear the doorknob jiggle. “Open the door, or I’m coming in.” I hate the worry he feels for me, but I don’t know what else to do.
Opening my hands so the water swirls down the drain and I can take a fresh breath, I grab the small towel and pat my face dry after shutting the faucet off.
Inhaling deeply, I flip the lock and open the door tentatively. Eyes downcast, I step out of the powder room and wait for him to say something. When he doesn’t, I slowly drag my eyes up to glimpse the look on his face. I can’t stand the thought that he might be disappointed in me, but it’s inevitable.
“I’m fine,” I whisper, clenching my jaw and fisting my hands at my side.
“You’re lying.” I freeze at the accusation but don’t deny it. What’s the point? We both know I’m not. “I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s going on.” He’s giving me the opportunity to come clean.
“I’m just tired and not feeling well.” It’s true. But I also want to be alone.
He’s going to leave you. My eyes narrow at the voice. “I know that,” I hiss, not realizing my mess up until Donato’s eyes narrow down at me.
“You know what?” He steps closer, bracing his arms on either side of my body against the wall.
“Nothing,” I’m too quick to say. “Just thinking out loud,” I try to recover. It doesn’t work, but we’re interrupted.
“We’ve got to go, D. Santi has an appointment with Amalia for the baby,” Maso interrupts.
“Go? Go where?” I ask, suddenly terrified that Donato is leaving me already.
Slipping one hand around my back and the other around my neck, Donato pulls me into his body and kisses me so hard he steals the breath from my lungs. I can’t breathe as my hands land on his chest, fisting his shirt.
My heart beats rapidly in my chest, and my body melts into him. It’s always like this when he touches me. If only we could stay this way forever, I’d never have to worry again.
My lips are bruised when he pulls away, and I feel like he’s taking my heart with him as he kisses my forehead and down the side of my face before whispering in my ear, “Be a good girl for Daddy, cara mia.” I whimper but nod. He knows just how to make my body liquify for him. If only he could silence the voices in my head.
Disgusting. I hear it. Daddy? What are you, two? I bite my lip to hide the wince as he turns to leave with Maso, who is kissing the life out of my sister, too.
With a wave, they’re gone, and Bria holds me in her arms after we lock the door with a promise to set the alarm and not go in or out until they return. I don’t know where they’re going or what they’re doing, but Bria seems to have some idea as she guides me to the couch and turns a movie on.
He’s making plans to leave you already. I hear, and I know…
I know the voice is right. Doesn’t make it any easier, however.
CHAPTER 8
Donato
“About damn time,” Santi jibes as Maso and I exit the car. Pushing off the barn door, my little brother drags me in for a hug before doing the same to our oldest brother. “Amalia is going to have my head if I miss this appointment,” he grins. I’ve never seen him so happy as he is with her.
“Everything alright with the baby?” I ask.
“Just a checkup, and Amalia wants to know how soon she can get pregnant again.” A wide smile spreads across his face as he gets in his vehicle and takes off.
“Damn,” Maso mutters as he shakes his head.
Entering the barn, warmth spreads through my chest, knowing my middle brother is so damn happy. Amalia is perfect for Santi in every way, and I love that they’ve found harmony together, but it makes me think of Bella and the way she shut down this morning.