Sinful Submission

22 ~ Will You Sleep With Me Tonight?

Ryder

“At the time of Liam's death…” Alessia started, her voice tight with emotion, but I cut her off, unable to contain my curiosity.

“Who is Liam?” I asked, my tone sharper than intended.

She sniffed, wiped away the stray tears streaking her face, and took a shaky breath. “Liam was my fiancé. I was supposed to marry him, but everything turned out…” She trailed off, her voice cracking under the weight of her grief. “The opposite way.” She let out a bitter chuckle. “He was simply trying to save me and…”

“And what?” I pressed, though the moment she mentioned Liam, something dark coiled in my chest — Jealousy.

I clenched my jaw.

If Liam were alive, I would have slit his throat. Of course, that was an exaggeration… or was it?

Her lips trembled. “If only he hadn’t taken that bullet for me… he would still be alive. Hale and hearty.” She exhaled deeply, her fingers rubbing circles on her lap as if trying to soothe herself.

Her breathing became erratic, her face flushed.

Alarmed, I darted to the air conditioner and switched it on, then grabbed a magazine from the table and fanned her. She was burning up, her body trapped in the fever of memory.

After a few moments, she calmed. Her lashes fluttered open, and she continued, her voice quieter, but just as heavy. “My baby… I mean, our baby. I never knew I was pregnant with Liam’s child when he died. It wasn’t until five months later, when my body started changing, that I realized.”

Her fingers curled into fists. “My grandfather… he didn’t want me to have a child without a father. He ordered me to get rid of the pregnancy.” Her voice wavered, and her eyes darkened with something beyond pain — resentment.

I swallowed hard. “And what happened next?”

Alessia let out a hollow laugh. “My mother came to Italy, and I thought she would defend me. Protect me. But no… she was worse. She wanted the baby gone too. When I refused, she nearly kicked me in the stomach.”

I stiffened. “She… what?”

“I was quick enough.” She lifted her hand and traced her finger along her throat in a slow, deliberate motion. My blood ran cold. “Before her foot could make contact… I slit her throat.”

The pillow in my hands slipped to the floor.

She turned her head toward me, her lips curving into something between a smirk and a dare. “You must be wondering how a daughter could kill her own mother without remorse.”

I nodded slowly.

She leaned forward, her gaze drilling into mine. “I had to. If you were a woman, you would understand. No matter how heartless we may seem, a woman’s soft spot is the life growing inside her. A mother will kill before she lets someone take her child away.”

I exhaled, trying to process her words. “Then where is the baby now? You said… the baby isn’t dead.”

Alessia’s fingers twisted in her lap. “My grandfather thought I had gone through with the abortion. I had no choice but to pretend. But the truth is… the procedure failed. The doctor tried, but the pregnancy survived.”

A flicker of admiration and horror passed through me.

“I begged for some time off to recover. He granted it, and I disappeared. I gave birth in secret… but she was premature. My grandfather was searching for me, so I had to make a choice. I left her with a family, knowing I would return for her.” Alessia’s voice softened, and a glimmer of warmth flickered in her eyes. “And now… I have her back.”

I took in her trembling hands, the fierce love in her expression. “I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through.”

She scoffed. “Save your pity. I’m not some fragile woman. I’m The Crazy Mistress, after all.” She laughed, but there was no joy in it. “Do you want to see my daughter?”

A genuine smile broke across my lips. “Yes. I would love to.”

She stood gracefully, an air of confidence radiating off her as she walked toward the wardrobe. With deliberate movements, she ran her fingers along the wooden surface, stopping at a nearly invisible button.

With a soft click, the wardrobe shifted, revealing a hidden passage. A key dangled from her hand, and with a swift motion, she unlocked the door.

I followed her inside.

The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of fairy lights lining the walls. And there, nestled beneath a thick blanket on a small bed, was a little girl. Even in sleep, her beauty was undeniable.

My breath hitched.

Alessia crouched beside the bed, brushing a tender hand over the girl’s cheek. The child stirred, her tiny brows furrowing before her eyes fluttered open.

The moment she saw Alessia, she gasped with delight. She bolted upright and threw herself into her mother’s arms.

“I missed you, Mom!” Her voice was small, sweet — heartbreaking.

Alessia smiled, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s temple. “Yes, my love. I missed you too.”

Then, the little girl turned toward me.

Her big, innocent eyes widened, and a smile bloomed across her face. She whispered something into Alessia’s ear, and before I could react, she squealed and ran straight into me, her tiny arms wrapping around my waist.

“Dad!”

I froze.

What?

My breath caught in my throat.

What the hell?

I am not your father, little girl.

She clung to me, her small body trembling. “Dad, what took you so long?” Her voice wavered. “Mom said you were coming back. I’ve been waiting for days.”

My hands hovered in the air, unsure whether to hold her or step away. Seeing her like this… it reminded me too much of my youngest sibling, the one who used to run into my arms the same way.

“I… I…” I stammered.

This little girl is too inquisitive for her age.

Daisy stepped back, pouting. “Why aren’t you saying anything?” Her small fists clenched. “I didn’t expect you to be a coward. Mom said you were brave! That you fought with resilience. Where’s that bravery now?”

I exhaled, my gaze darting to Alessia, silently pleading for her to intervene.

She smirked. “Daisy, is that how you talk to your father?”

Daisy.

Beautiful name.

I forced a smile and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. “Daisy… Dad was just shocked to see you. You’ve grown so much.” My voice steadied. “How old are you now?”

“Four!” she chirped proudly.

I chuckled. “You’re too adorable for your age. And incredibly smart.”

She grinned. “Mom says I get it from you.” Then, with hopeful eyes, she whispered, “Dad, will you sleep with me tonight? Mom can leave. She’s always busy.”

Alessia shot me a warning look. A silent no.

But I couldn’t resist those puppy eyes.

“Yes,” I said softly. “Dad will stay with you tonight.”

Alessia rolled her eyes. “You two can have your father-daughter moment,” she muttered, storming toward the door.

With a dramatic slam, she was gone.

And I was left standing there, staring at Daisy. The little girl who, in the span of mere minutes, had already changed something deep within me.