20. Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Serena
O ver the next few weeks, Emilio strengthens security around the house and questions me about the roses and previous messages I received. His possessiveness increases tenfold; he’s constantly babying me, and he’s even taken to carrying me everywhere.
"I can walk, you know?"
"But why should you if you don't have to." Emilio grunts as he sets me down. "I've been thinking, Serena, about the messages and what you said about someone watching you. The question that keeps coming to mind is, why? Why would someone want to terrorize you?"
Guilt has stopped me from telling anyone about the night I made the biggest mistake of my life, but I feel like now is the time to come clean. If I don't tell my husband everything, how can I expect him to help me? Obviously now with the baby on the way, we can't take any more chances.
Blowing out a breath, I say, "I'm going to tell you something, Emilio. Something that I did.” My hands tremble, and I avert my eyes from my husband’s questioning gaze. “Please don't think badly of me. I know what I did was wrong, and I will regret it forever."
Sensing my uncertainty, Emilio cups my hands in his. "Little Storm, there is nothing you could say that would make me think badly of you."
Ashamed and embarrassed, I tell Emilio why I believe someone is stalking me. The fact that I hurt someone and ran away without getting help is not something I'm proud of. Until now, I believed I deserved punishment. But now I am responsible for the safety of my unborn child, who is innocent of my crimes.
"Antonio, I want double security guards on Serena. You personally will be with her if she leaves the house without me."
"But, boss, I need to be with you to protect you."
"Your priority is my wife and child. Do you understand me?"
Antonio nods, but I can tell he’s unhappy with my husband’s orders. His disdain has been clear since we met; a simmering animosity that I don't believe will ever fade.
"We will add security to the house. Today we have a doctor's appointment, so I expect you to make sure my family gets in and out safely."
"Yes, boss."
Antonio leaves the room, and I get a chill down my spine thinking about the look he gave me.
"I'm sorry I've caused problems for you."
"You are my wife, and no one will touch you. No one will hurt you or our baby.
A small caravan of vehicles accompanies us to the doctor’s office. Guards in cars ahead of us, and behind us. Antonio is driving the car we are in. We make our way to Dr. Riley's office and go in.
Nurse Holly is at the front desk, and immediately I clinch my fists until my nails are digging into my palms. Even though Emilio said nothing happened with her, and that he was taunting me to make me jealous, just the sight of her pisses me off. Of course, the bitch flashes her lashes at Emilio and gives him a seductive smile while pushing her overly enormous chest out.
"Mr. Esposito, so nice to see you again."
This cunt flirts with my husband right in front of me and she has no idea who she's dealing with.
"My wife and I are here for a visit and ultrasound with Dr. Riley, please." Emilio doesn't give her a second glance, which I'm thankful for.
The lady continues to undress my husband with her eyes, and I continue to glare at her.
When she calls me back, we sit in awkward silence, waiting for the doctor. He does a quick ultrasound and lets us hear the baby's heartbeat. Emilio stands beside the bed, holding my hand. He leans over, kissing me, and I notice his eyes are glazed with tears. "Baby girl, did you see our child? I am so grateful to you, my precious girl."
The doctor leaves the room as Nurse Holly returns. "Just remember, her body won't look like that once she's pushed out a kid."
My head snaps around at the woman who has been the bane of my existence for the last few minutes. "Do you have a fucking problem with me, Nurse?"
"No, I was just saying, hon, when that baby comes out, nothing will ever be the same."
At this point, I'm done with Nurse Holly and her eyeing my husband like a bitch in heat. After straightening my clothes, I hop off the bed and stomp out of the building, heading to the car.
The ride back to the house is quiet. I suspect Emilio still feels guilty for using Nurse Holly to make me jealous.
"I want you to change doctor's offices, Serena. That woman is disrespectful to you, and I don't like it."
"I refuse to let her win. Dr. Riley is a good doctor, and just because Nurse Holly is a cunt, doesn't mean I should leave to convenience her."
"I'm sorry for making you feel jealous of her, wife, but I can assure you she has nothing on you."
Smiling at him, I decide to let it go. She's a floozy and not important in our lives.
Once home, Emilio goes to his office and works for a while, and Gio brings Everly, Mom, and Sam over to visit.
"I missed you guys so much," I say while hugging each one and my nieces and nephews. "These babies are all growing up so fast."
"Before you know it, your baby will be here. I'm so excited for our kids to grow up together," Samirah gushes.
"Yeah, without a fucking father alive to show for it," Marcello adds as he comes around the corner.
Jumping into my brother's arms, I remember he hasn't seen Emilio yet. "Don't hurt him, Cello. And you are definitely not allowed to shoot him."
"Well, that's fucking unfair. Gio got to shoot him, but I can't." He pouts.
"Assholes." I roll my eyes.
"Gio. Marcello, if you would come back to my office, we can talk business while the women and children visit," Emilio says with a straight face. He's confident and not showing any fear, which is admirable.
Emilio has huge balls to go into a room with Gio and Marcello alone. My brothers would not think twice about killing him, but I've begged both not to. My father was the one I had the hardest time talking down.
After a long afternoon visiting with my family, and the men doing business in Emilio's office, everyone leaves.
"Little Storm, let's get you fed and get showered."
"First, thank you."
"For what?" he asks, furrowing his brows.
"For allowing my family to be here in your home."
"Baby, it's our home and they are your family."
"Thank you. They mean the world to me. I thought… I thought I would lose them.” I pause to get a handle on my emotions. “You've made a sacrifice by making peace with them, and I appreciate it."
I wish, in this moment, I could say the words I really want to say.
I love you .