Robert pulls out his cell phone and brings up the tax documents for the property. He shows it to me, and I press refresh in the corner. It’s real, and the realization nearly smothers me to death.
“No,” I whisper. “No, no, no.” I bend over, tears rushing out of me as I try to come to terms with this. Why didn’t my father tell me? Why didn’t I know? I suck in air, hoping not to hyperventilate.
“So you’ll do exactly what I say, or you’ll both lose everything.”
I focus on the ground, feeling lightheaded and weak in the knees. I refuse to pass out in front of him, refuse to let him see how much this really affects me. He’s the type of psycho who gets off on having control. I straighten my stance, pushing my emotions to the side, and realize I don’t have a choice in the matter. He’ll take everything from my father and me. He won’t stop until I do what he says.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you. You’re going to have to speak up,” he says sarcastically, cupping his hand over his ears.
“I hate you,” I say between gritted teeth, and it’s obvious he’s finally found a way to break me.
“Good. So we’re going to tell everyone that after a short breakup, we realized how in love we were and decided to get back together. And since we can’t live without one another, we will be getting married as planned.”
“Robert, you can find someone else. Plenty of women would marry you in a heartbeat and do everything you want and say. People will understand you’ve moved on. It’s not as big of a deal as you’re making this out to be.” It’s the truth, but also my last resort to help him change his mind.
“The date is set. November. And it’s final. You love your dad so much, and I’m aware of how you’d never want anything to happen to this land or his business. So start wearing your ring again.” He pulls it from his pocket and forces it on my finger. “Prove your loyalty to me publicly. You’ll do what I say, or everyone you love will pay theultimateconsequence. I know you, Gemma. You care too damn much to let that happen.” He smirks, proud of himself.
I speak up. “What’s that threat supposed to mean?”
“Threat?” He moves until he’s inches from me and grabs my cheeks, forcing my mouth closed. “It’s not a threat, dear. Keep our arrangement or I’ll make sure Victoria gets her revenge on Tyler without any consequences. I’m sure you don’t want anything to happen to your criminal lover.” He lets me go and laughs. “I’m sure I can start adding your friends to the list too. Everleigh. Katie. Owen. Your brother, who may conveniently find himself doing more time. I’ll hurt every person who means anything to you.”
“You’re a monster.” I replay his words.
Robert has the financial stability to pay anyone hush money. He and Victoria would both win at that point. Robert would get rid of the man I’m in love with, and Victoria would finally be able to bury the hatchet. Tears well on the rims of my eyes, and I don’t think I’m strong enough to hold them back, not as everything crashes around me.
“Break up with the boy toy. Tomorrow. Then we can go back to hosting the wedding of the century. We’ll plan a public appearance, and you’ll wear that black dress I love so much,” he demands.
Bile crawls up my throat, and I might empty my stomach, though there’s nothing in it. “Tyler will never agree to this.”
“He will as long as you convince him. You’ve apparently been acting while you’re with me, so turn on the charm. Be demanding and make it believable. You’ll marry me, Gemma. Because there’s too much at stake for your fuck buddy’s life and your own. Not to mention, your father’s livelihood and this piece of shit cottage. The choice is yours, but don’t make the wrong one.” He chuckles.
“Cheer up, buttercup.” Robert comes closer and forces his mouth against mine. I try to push him off, but he’s too strong. He tastes like stale coffee and sweat, and it’s enough to make me gag.
“Fuck you,” I mutter as he moves past me. He opens the door, and before he leaves, he silently threatens me with a glare.
“We’ll have plenty of time for that during our honeymoon.” Once he’s gone, my knees give out, and I fall to the ground. No matter how much air I try to suck in, I can’t breathe. Hunched over, I’m hyperventilating, and my head feels like it might explode.
Tears stream down my face because Robert’s words aren’t threats. He’s a man of action and will do every single thing he said. I’m not stupid and fully understand that from being with him for so long.
Somehow, I stand and walk to the couch. I cover my face with my hands and let my wails release. The pain is too much to comprehend. The loss I already feel nearly destroys me.
How will I ever be able to let Tyler go and marry a maniac who’s determined to ruin my life? I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t, but Robert uses my weaknesses against me. He knows I’ll do whatever I can to protect the people I love, even if that means being miserable for eternity.
He’ll never allow Tyler and me to be together.
I wipe the tears away, trying to figure out how to convince the man I love that we’re over. It’ll destroy me—and him—but I have to be strong because our lives are on the line.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX
TYLER
I’ve been strollingaround the gym with a cheesy grin on my face that I can’t wipe off. This past week has been amazing, and nothing could piss me off right now. Gemma’s mine again, and everything between us has worked out perfectly. Our mutual attraction and the feelings we have for each other are beyond my wildest dreams.
After I close the gym, I walk home and immediately jump in the shower. Gemma and I have breakfast plans in the morning, and if the weather cooperates, we’ll go on a hike too. Honestly, I don’t care what we do as long as I’m with her.
Thoughts of her take over as the water streams down my chest, and my dick comes alive at the memories of her mouth on me. I loved the way her hands slid down my chest before she gripped my shaft and stroked it hard and fast. Or how she moaned when I growled out in satisfaction.
It’s all too much.