Chapter 38
(TYLER)
It slipped me that as much as Sasha’s family knew about us, it was only his father who knew he forced me into this marriage. It was only he who knew our marriage wasn’t a love match. Even then, I doubt if they knew Sasha literally threatened me into this marriage.
“Are you saying Sasha forced you?” Jericho asks, narrowing his eyes.
Heat flushes up my face as they both stare at me in shock. The last thing I need is Sasha getting mad at me because I outed him to his family.
“God, no.” I lie. “Sasha didn’t force me. I’m just trying to say that if it weren’t for my dire circumstances, I wouldn’t have ended up in this marriage, to begin with.
Lucia sighs relieved and so does Jericho. “Oh,” she says. “You mean the baby?” if it weren’t for his pregnancy, he wouldn’t have seen the need to enter the marriage p>
“Yes, right,” I say immediately, relieved that they bought my excuse.
“Uhm…I see.” Jericho nods and then returns to eating. “The pregnancy probably put you in a fix. But still, Angelo will hate you for even existing. You fucked his plans up p>
“Language, dear.” Lucia frowns.
“Sorry,” Jericho says, grinning sheepishly. “This is what happens when you hang around Sasha too much p>
Lucia’s attention turns to me. “Tyler, don’t just stand there. Why don’t you get yourself something to eat? You’re far too skinny p>
Even though I barely have an appetite, I nod, walk over and help myself to toast and scrambled eggs. “When is the funeral p>
I notice how Lucia’s hand trembles as she picks up her cup and brings it to her lips. “4 pm p>
It must be hard for her to imagine what life would be like without her husband. He was a pillar in their family, a long-standing respectable man whose efforts earned them their family respect. It must be harder to not have a mate suddenly, especially after watching him wither daily with no hope of him ever getting better until he finally took his last breath. I can’t really blame Sasha for worrying about her. I would too.
I pull a chair beside Lucia and sit. “Do you need any help getting ready?” I ask. “I’ll be glad to do whatever.” I want to stick close to her. I promised Sasha to keep an eye on her. In truth, I feel bad for her and I’d just want to help even if I hadn’t promised Sasha to look after her.
“No, it’s alright. The staff will have everything planned out when we get back when we return from the cemetery. We just need to be all set up and ready by the time the limousine comes by three-thirty.” She says, and I notice how her voice wobbles as she speaks.
Jericho studies me for a beat. “Sasha has been moody all morning. Did you two fight p>
“No.” I scowl. “I haven’t even seen him since morning. He wasn’t in the bed when I woke up p>
Lucia gazes at me. Her eyes look curious and for some reason, they almost light up. “So, you two finally slept together in the same room p>
“Yes.” My face warms. “Sasha finally got tired of sleeping in the study p>
“Good. I’m glad he finally came to his senses.” Lucia says. “It wouldn’t look good on him if he kept sleeping in the study. It would give the house staff something to gossip about. That’s how Angelo gets to know what goes around in here p>
“Sure,” I whisper. “We both know the importance of making appearances,” I say.
My very life depends on it. Sasha was so clear when he was threatening me that I doubt I’d defy him. After all, if I want my abortion and to live the rest of my life peacefully, I’ll have to do what he wants. He doesn’t give me much of a choice.
Jericho laughs. “It’s weird though, sharing a bed with a total stranger p>
“Shhh.” Lucia scowls putting a finger over her lips. “Walls have ears p>
“Sorry.” Jericho winces.
“It’s alright.” I shrug. “it’s a huge bed.” I say, hoping my face doesn’t sell me away. In all honesty, I had trouble sleeping with Sasha close to me. I still don’t understand how I can be so attracted to him sexually when I know damn well I dislike him intensely.
Lucia and Jericho continue to chat about the guests’ sleeping arrangements while I force myself to eat the food. I’m nervous, considering it will be my first time to make a public appearance as Sasha’s husband. It frustrates me that I haven’t been able to get the abortion before the funeral, and now I have to worry about someone noticing my little bump. Sure, the suit Lucia got me will hide it well, but who knows if it’ll get breezy and my coat suddenly flies open? It’s getting harder and harder to hide my belly.
Last night when Sasha and I were having dinner, we went over the details of how we met. It is total bullshit, but then again, we can’t tell people how we truly met. Our version is that we met when I was bartending at one of the high-end bars. Sasha said that lies laced with truth are easy to believe and that they are very hard to disapprove of. He is a professional liar. He would know.
Minutes later when I’ve managed to force myself to eat half a piece of the toast and a few bites of the egg, I decide that it’s best if I take a walk and get a breath of fresh air. I take my leave, leaving Lucia and Jericho still chatting.
I appreciate the little walk, as the fresh air and sunshine do help. I do however feel a little dizzy and winded as I return to the house. My left legs feel stuck to the ground and it makes me feel like I’m dragging my feet on my way back. When I get back into the house contemplating getting ready for the funeral, I notice florist vans and catering trucks parked at the front of the house. When I left to go for a walk, it was quiet, yet now noises are everywhere with people packing and setting up for the meeting after the burial.
I climb up the stairs reluctantly as I head to Sasha’s bedroom. I’m surprised when I find him already inside, pacing back and forth and raking through his hair. I wonder what it is that might be frustrating him now.
He stops in his tracks when he notices me then turns to face me. “Where have you been? “His shoulders slump with relief. “Miles has been looking for you all over p>
I gaze at him, confused. “I went to take a walk. Is everything alright p>
“No, we have a problem.” He says, exhaling harshly.
“What?” my stomach drops.
He nods and approaches me. He stops in front of me and takes my hands. His mouth purses into a grim line. The pulse point of his neck beats hard and he studies me apprehensively. He seems out of breath.
“What’s wrong?” I ask impatiently.
He leans closer, his eyes glittering then whispers to me. “I need to give you my bite p>