Chapter 27 #3
“We’ll discuss the trivial matters concerning the wedding at another time. I’m sure my sister would love to help with the planning.”
“Can’t wait,” I add as I turn to make my way toward the elevator. After Eli is returned safe and sound, I’m sure I can get out of this arrangement. Does he realize who my brothers are? I mean, I just have to tell them and—
“And Madeleine?”
I glance over my shoulder just as the elevator doors open, and I enter.
“It’s in your best interest not to mention this to your brothers.
I may not have the stomach to personally kill someone, but that doesn’t stand true for everyone in my family.
You see, my cousins, the Vasilievs, would not take kindly to them interfering with my family’s business.
They will view it as an insult and personally see to it that Eli is killed should this wedding be canceled for any reason. Keep that in mind.”
The Vasilievs. Fuck.
I swallow down the lump in my throat just as the doors close. How could I have forgotten who he’s related to? They’re cold and ruthless. Heartless monsters who rule over Chicago. And they will have no ounce of remorse in killing Eli if I don’t follow through on my end of the deal.
Anxiety claws at my chest as I lean back against the wall, rubbing my hand over my temple.
A sudden and sharp pain pierces my stomach, and I place a hand over it, wincing. But just as quickly as it came, it disappeared.
What was that?
The elevator comes to a stop on the ground floor, and the doors open, allowing me to exit quickly as I stride through the lobby.
What the hell did I just do?
You signed a deal with the devil for the man you love.
For the man who broke your heart.
Did I just make the biggest mistake of my life?
And what will Alastor do when he finds out I’m pregnant?
Will he renege on our arrangement?
Fuck, I didn’t think this through.
“Miss Alarie. Is everything okay?” I look up to see Reginald waiting by the car for me. I was so lost in my head that I didn’t realize I ended up outside.
“Yes, everything is fine,” I answer, lying through my teeth. He opens the door for me, and I slide across the seat.
A moment later, the car accelerates, and I look out the window, watching the imposing building slowly disappear from view.
I rest my hand protectively against my stomach.
Everything will be okay, I think, closing my eyes. All that matters is that Eli will be safe.
Abruptly, an intense cramp spreads over my stomach. I bite down hard as the pain radiates. I groan, catching the attention of Reginald.
“Is everything all right?” he asks.
“Yes. Yes. Fine.” I wave him off as the pain starts to dissipate. “Must have just eaten something strange.”
He nods in the rearview mirror, putting his eyes back on the road.
What the fuck was that?
I rub my stomach, which suddenly feels tight. It’s not painful, just uncomfortable.
As we approach the highway, wetness coats the inside of my thighs. A cold dread settles over me. I swallow hard as I separate my legs and slightly pull up my dress, revealing blood on the inside of my thighs.
No. No. No.
“Reginald,” I say in a shaky voice.
“Yes?”
“Take me to the nearest hospital.”
His eyes dart up to the rearview mirror. “Miss?”
“Now,” I state firmly. I clench my jaw as another shot of pain passes over me. “Please.”
He nods, and I feel the car accelerate faster. “We’ll be there in ten minutes.”
“Thank you,” I say as a tear rolls down my cheek. I wrap my arms around my stomach. “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I’m so sorry.”
“I had a miscarriage,” I tell him, looking away as shame overtakes me. “The doctors said there was nothing I could have done to prevent it, but I can’t help feeling like…”
He brushes back my hair. “Feeling like what?”
“Like I’m to blame,” I admit, the weight of my words hanging heavy between us.
“Madeleine, no,” he says softly but firmly. “That’s not true.”
“But it is,” I reply, my voice cracking as I wipe my eyes.
“I wasn’t even sure if I wanted it. I was so confused and upset.
The stress of the situation, on top of what I just did, was eating away at me.
But…” I take a deep breath. “The moment I lost it, that was when I realized how much I wanted it. How much I wanted to be a mom,” I whisper. “But it was too late.”
“This wasn’t your fault, love. None of this was your fault,” Eli reassures me, his hold feeling like everything I’ve ever needed. He’s the one constant in my life, keeping me standing strong, even when I feel completely lost.
I look up at him, desperate for answers. “What are we going to do?”
He presses his lips gently to the top of my head. “I will take care of that son of a bitch. I don’t want you to worry about him.”
“But you heard what I said. If I don’t marry him, he’ll have you killed—”
He presses his lips to mine, my words dying on the tip of my tongue.
Rolling our temples together, he says, “You just went through all of this alone, keeping this secret for so long. You never had the chance to grieve this loss properly. So, let me hold you a little while longer. Let me take all the tears and pain and hold on to it for you so you don’t have to bear the weight of the world on your shoulders anymore. You’re not alone, love. I’m here.”
“I’ve really missed you,” I breathe. “I’ve needed to fall apart in your arms for so long.”
“I know.” He brushes his hand down the back of my head. “Tonight is for us. But tomorrow…” His muscles tense beneath me. “Tomorrow, I’m going to take care of everything.”
I swallow hard. “You’re going to tell my brothers, aren’t you?”
“They need to know. At least,” he continues, “they need to know about your deal with Alastor. They need to know what they’re up against. Especially since it pertains to the Vasilievs.” He nods, deep in thought, to himself.
“The Vasilievs are not good people. They make my brothers look like saints.”
He chuckles softly. “No, they’re not. But your brothers and I will handle whatever comes our way.” He looks down, his eyes dark yet lost as he processes everything I’ve just revealed. “You signed away your life for me,” he whispers in disbelief.
“I would do anything for you.”
“But you should never be in a position where you have to. I’m the one who is supposed to be taking care of you.”
I shake my head. “Sometimes the princess has to save her knight in shining armor.”
He touches his lips to mine before I pull away and rest my head against his chest, exhaustion suddenly taking over me.
“I never stopped loving you,” I whisper.
He presses his lips to the top of my head. “My heart has only ever beat for you. Only you.”
It’s not until every tear has dried that he kisses my temple and lifts me into his arms. Gently, he places me in the center of my bed and then slides under the covers beside me. I snuggle into his embrace as his arms engulf me, keeping me close.
Keeping me safe.
“You are mine,” he says softly, his lips brushing over my hair. “Always have been and always will be. And I protect what is mine, no matter the price.”