His Forbidden Heir

Chapter 5

Aria's POV

What kind of mess had I gotten myself into?

My hands shook as I drove back to my apartment, tears blurring my vision and threatening to escape, but I knew if I let them fall, I wouldn't be able to think...I wouldn't be able to strategize.

And I needed to figure out what my next move was.

At this point, I had two options: sleep with Marco immediately and pin this pregnancy on him, maybe the timelines wouldn't be too suspicious, or try and keep it a secret until after the wedding and then meet my fate. Three months was enough time to solidify the truce, for my father to get set up and for a portion of his debts to be paid off, and hoping it would be too late for Marco to get rid of me—killing his wife immediately after his wedding? That would be bad, even for a mafia lord.

I didn't want to go with the first option. I didn't like Marco touching me; everything about his touch was possessive and controlling...nothing like Dante's soft and gentle touch, so sleeping with him was out of the question.

I took a deep breath as I got to my rundown apartment building and parked my car, my hands instinctively going to my stomach. "I'm sorry," I whispered to my baby. I was going to be putting both of us in danger by trying to lie to Marco for three months, but this was my only way out.

I got out of my car, my mind far away, wondering about Marco's reaction when I would finally tell him the truth and thinking about how I was supposed to hide this child from him. I was so deep in my thoughts I didn't notice the black cars surrounding my apartment or the men in suits conveniently lined around the steep steps and rusty railings. It wasn't until I got to my door and realized it was slightly ajar that I knew I was in trouble.

"Where have you been?" Marco's voice rang through my tiny apartment walls the moment I pushed the door open and took a step forward.

"I...I was running some errands," I said, averting my eyes from his harsh gaze.

He was seated on my couch, looking out of place with his fancy suit and slicked-back hair, his cigar in one hand, and a gun in another. Two men in suits by his side, facing straight ahead. I could swear one of them had a look of pity on his face; I may have been imagining it.

"What kind of errands? My men lost track of you when you got to the park. Where did you go? Who did you meet?" His questions kept coming as he stood up, walking towards me, his gun still in his hands as he got closer.

"I...I...um," I stuttered, unable to form coherent sentences when I felt his gun touch my skin.

My heart dropped.

Did he know I met with Don Caruso? Had he figured it out already?

"Three days. That's how long we've been engaged, and I've seen you with the Caruso boy twice, and I have reason to believe you were with him again," he said through gritted teeth.

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to steady my heartbeat and think of an excuse...a way out...any way at all."Look at me when I'm speaking to you!" He yelled, slamming his fist against the wall above me.

I looked up immediately, scared I would be the next thing he hit.

"I didn't...I wasn't with him. I wouldn't do that." The lies came tumbling out with ease.

Marco studied me, his harsh breath of whiskey and cigars fanning my face as he looked me over.

"Say it again."

"I wasn't with him." I repeated, sounding firmer this time.

"Pack your bags, you're coming home with me." He said, turning around.

"Marco, I—" I had not finished my sentence when he turned back again, pressing his gun against my neck. "What?"

"We... we agreed I would move in after the wedding." I reminded him.

"I changed my mind. I don't want you here alone, and obviously, my men are unfit to keep you safe, so you're coming with me."

"But I..."

"Are you hiding something from me, amore?" He asked, his voice low, as if threatening me. At this point, almost everything he said to me sounded like a threat. Who's to say they weren't?

"No...no."

"Good, because we both know what would happen if you were. I own you, amore. I decide where you stay, who you're with and when you're with them and now, I have decided you're going to stay with me. Am I clear on that?" He asked, and I nodded, squeezing my eyes shut to stop the tears from coming down.

"I'll be in the car, only take essentials. One of my men will drive you back tomorrow to take whatever else you need." He told me and then walked out of the apartment, his men in tow.

When the door shut behind them, I slid down the wall and cried for a good five minutes, my shoulders shaking with every whimper, wondering why I had put myself in this mess to begin with.

For a father that had neglected me growing up? For a man who chose his side pieces over my mother?

After a few minutes of crying, I stood up, wiped my eyes, and packed some essentials like Marco instructed.

I was a fool to put myself in this mess to begin with, I wouldn't be foolish enough to not get out of this alive.