Chapter 5: I Couldn't Care Less About You and I Never Will
1966 Words
I couldn't care less about you and I never will
Renzo's words keep spinning in my head long after he's said them; it's evident that this family closely guards what happens within the family circle.
I have to admit, it's both interesting and intriguing.
I stroll down the path, taking a deep breath, distancing myself from everything inside that house; I need some time for myself. So, I leave the barn and now walk across the grass, feeling the blades under my feet while carrying my sandals in my hand.
A part of me screams to run, that I still have time to send the family duty to hell, but that's not what's expected of me.
I take a deep breath before releasing it when I hear a growl from behind me. Cautiously, I turn halfway to find two Cane Corsos growling. I swallow and take a step back.
"Cute pups," I whisper, looking around for someone, but it's evident they're alone.
I don't have much time to think, so when they take a step forward, it's my cue to run. I do so, not without letting out a scream when I hear their barks; however, I don't get far before their paws bring me down.
Crap!
I stay very still while both animals loom over me, and their drool covers my neck. I hold my breath, and a whimper of terror escapes my lips.
«Perfect, I just came to this damn house to die.»
"Hades! Perseo! Back off," Salvatore's voice reaches me, and I dare to open one of my eyes to see him approaching with large strides, followed by Aldo.
Sycophant.
Both animals retreat at Salvatore's command but remain alert, waiting for an order.
"What the hell were you thinking?," I huff at his tone.
«Who said delicacy is his strong suit?»
"I went for a walk," I reply through gritted teeth as I stand up, ignoring the hand he offers. "Nice animals, what do they eat? People," I blurt out, and he grimaces.
"Perseo and Hades only eat quality meat."
Bastard.
"Now I understand why they haven't attacked you," my response only makes the atmosphere around us more tense.
Aldo approaches both dogs and hooks their leashes, which growl at me as he pulls them away.
I look at Salvatore.
"Are they yours?"
"Yes, why?"
I grimace before responding,
"They say things resemble their owner for a reason."
He raises an eyebrow. It's clear my words don't please him, but what does it matter? He doesn't like me anyway. I shudder when I feel my shirt damp and with a horrible smell. «Damn dogs.»
"Fine, I'll go get ready for tonight and be the perfect inflatable doll."
"Wow, I see you can do something right after all."
"Screw you! Can't you be nice for once in your life?"
His hands grab my shoulders in an almost painful way.
"With you? Never," he hisses. "Now that you're my wife, I can do whatever I want with you."
"I'm not your property."
He flashes me a cold smile.
"I've got news for you, Helena, you're mine to break," I glare at him with hatred and I squirm, but he doesn't let me go. "Learn this well: you don't matter to me and you never will."
"You're despicable," I squirm again and this time he lets me go. "Being important to you isn't my goal," I retort, lifting my chin.
With that, I turn around and walk away, feeling the unpleasant slobber of the mutts, from that unmentionable who is supposed to be my awful husband.
I enter the house and without looking at anyone, I go upstairs. Halfway down the hall, I bump into Martina, who gives me a mocking smile as she looks me over.
"Wow, look at you," she taunts, leaning her head forward, sniffing before bursting into laughter. "I heard Perseo and Hades gave you a bit of love."
«Aldo is such a suck-up and a gossip.»
I don't feel like fighting with her, so I do the sensible thing and walk past her without a second glance. Once in the room, I get rid of my clothes, go to the bathroom where I fill the tub and get in to sigh at the pleasure of the warm water.
I tie my hair up in a messy bun, take the sponge and scrub my chest, moving up my neck to remove the smell of those animals from my skin and descend, lifting my soapy leg when I notice a figure standing at the bathroom entrance.
"What are you doing here?!" I shriek, sinking further into the tub, awkwardly.
Salvatore gives me an impassive look as he raises his hand and drops my sandals.
"You left these on the grass," he replies without letting me see a hint of what he's thinking at this moment.
I clear my throat and blow the foam surrounding me before responding,
"Leave them outside, it wasn't necessary for you to bring them."
He raises an eyebrow, and a small, almost chilling smile plays on his lips, making my pulse quicken from the nerves of being alone with this man I don't know.
"I think it was the best decision," he says, dropping my sandals.
"Wh...at? What are you doing?" I inquire, getting on alert as he removes his jacket. "Get out of here or I won't be responsible for my actions," I raise the sponge in a threat he ignores.
He takes off his white shirt, leaving his torso exposed.
"Don't tell me you're afraid of me?" he inquires in a low tone.
Unbelievable!
"Get your stupid chest out of here, don't come any closer," I continue as he takes a step forward with a lewd look.
His toned and defined torso makes it hard for me to look away from the bastard who looks too good for his own good; no one should look that good.
Idiot.
"We're married, and it wouldn't be strange to consummate the marriage."
I open my mouth before closing it as my mind can't believe what he just said. I squirm in the tub and try to get out, but I hesitate when I remember I'm naked.
"You won't lay a finger on me; besides, remember I'm just a child to you," I remind him sarcastically.
"I still think that, but I can work with what I've got," his cold tone sends shivers through my skin, and his dark eyes look at me with coldness. "Maybe I can get rid of the problem once and for all," he snaps before grabbing me by the hair and tilting me to one side.
"Let go of me and get out of here," I hiss against his face, "if you're trying to intimidate me, it won't work," I force myself to say.
His eyes scan over me, and I notice my n*****s brushing the water's surface before his mouth lowers and hovers just inches from mine.
"You're like a frightened mouse trying to act like a lion," he whispers as his breath brushes against me.
"Is that what you think?" I retort with a brave smile.
A bravery I don't feel, to be honest.
"What are you trying to prove with this ridiculous power move?"
He tuts.
"I don't know if you're brave or stupid," he replies, "tell me, what's it like being the bargaining chip in a doomed deal?"
His words leave me speechless before everything seems to slow down.
Salvatore yanks my hair back, and I cry out in surprise as water enters my mouth and nose. My nails dig into his hands, and I use my other hand to hit his torso, before he pulls me out of the bathtub, gasping and coughing while Salvatore maintains his grip.
"You bastard! Are you trying to kill me?" he gives me a cynical smile before releasing me, his pants are wet as well as his torso, and he looks at me from his position. "I'm getting out of here right now!"
He remains unfazed.
"Go ahead, leave and the truce goes to hell, you and your family will wish you'd never met us and the Ferretis will have their alliance."
My eyes spark with anger and I curse everyone who led us to this situation and myself for giving in.
«I thought we would be a marriage that at least gets along, but it seems that's not the case.»
Yet my father still wants me to have this bastard's child.
"Remember we're leaving at seven and make sure you look the part," he says before taking his things and leaving the same way he came.
I look to the side in silence and feel my tears blur my vision before they roll down my cheek.
I slam the water, stifling a scream of rage.
I feel his hand land on my lower back and I try to maintain a smile and not jump like a startled cat. I want to hit him and send everyone to hell. He acts like he didn't just try to drown me.
I know he wanted to scare and intimidate me, and he succeeded. But the last thing I'll give him is the satisfaction of seeing me scared or running away to ruin the deal between both families.
There's a lot at stake and we would be the ones to suffer.
"Stop touching me like I'm your damn property," I mutter through clenched teeth, bringing the glass to my lips.
I take a step away from his hand and face him.
"That's the point, Helena. You are my property, and in front of everyone, it should seem like we get along."
Sure, right.
"Everyone knows we're a complete farce, and I'm not your damn property." My tone is harsh.
"Keep telling yourself that until you believe it."
Not wanting to give him the satisfaction, I decide to pick my battles; so across the room, I meet the gaze of Paulette and Eva, Martina's friends.
Then I decide to do what I've discovered I'm good at: Tempt the beast.
"Wow, I guess they're not happy you're here with me. Imagine what I'd have missed if you'd drowned me this afternoon," I mock deliberately in a wicked tone, "don't tell me you have threesomes with them," I quip with sarcasm and he gives me a dirty look.
"Shut your mouth. Don't make me regret not drowning you this afternoon."
«Bastard.»
"Make up your mind, do I talk and act like the perfect wife or am I just a statue looking down on everyone?"
"You're a shrew, but what can I expect from you and the lot that raised you."
I step forward, and he leans in closer, his face just inches from mine.
"Is that supposed to make me feel bad?"
"I don't expect much from you; in fact, I expect nothing."
"Who would have thought we'd have something in common?"
I finish my glass of wine and set it on the table beside us before walking away. I search for the restroom, and once I find it, I relax and pull my lipstick from my handbag for a touch-up.
I give myself a critical look. The black dress with a deep V-neck, long sleeves, and lace details I chose for tonight looks striking. My hair is styled back, loose, and my eyes stand out dramatically.
I recall the looks Martina and Evelina gave me when they saw me leave with Salvatore. It's obvious they don't like me.
What happened this afternoon was shocking, but I can't and won't run away. My family counts on me, and I'm not a damsel in distress. He wants to play? Then I'll show my dear husband that I'm not just another one he's used to.
He has no idea I'm a formidable opponent.
- Writer
