Page 55 of Coerced Kiss
He grips my chin and turns my face back to him. “Is that why you went to the gynecologist on Friday and this morning?”
If I still doubted he’s having me followed, there’s no question about it any longer. He just admitted it in not so many words.
“She got the results of my blood test,” I say with reluctance.
His gaze drills into mine. “What are the symptoms?”
“Dizzy spells.” I shrug. “I fainted a while ago.”
His jaw flexes even as his eyes flare. “You fucking fainted?”
I pull my face from his hold. “Yes.”
“When?”
Giving him an exasperated look, I ask, “Does it matter?”
“Yes,” he says tightly.
“During the week.”
“Fuck, Anya. Why didn’t you tell me? You could’ve injured yourself.”
“Tell you?” I chuckle. “Why would I do that?”
“I would’ve taken you to Nicole, which brings me to another point I’m going to make very clear to you. From now on, Dr. Wade is your treating ob-gyn. Got that?”
“I can’t afford her,” I say with mounting agitation. “Which reminds me, you still haven’t given me her bill.”
The small hoop in his ear catches the light that runs along the door handle. “I already settled the bill.”
“I told you I’d pay for it.”
“I never expected you to.”
“I’ll pay you back.”
“That won’t be necessary. Money isn’t an issue. I’ll cover Nicole’s bills, and I’ll get you the vitamins you need. You don’t have to worry about that.”
“Why do you care, Saverio? What difference does it make in your life?”
“In case you failed to understand the situation, I need you alive and well.” There’s no question about how serious he iswhen he continues. “Your health is not only my concern but also my responsibility. That night you walked into something you shouldn’t have, you signed your life over to me. That’s why I’m going to arrange for your mother’s medical and housing bills to be sent to me.”
“You’re going to do what?” I exclaim.
“The costs of her care are high. I thought you’d be happy not to have to worry about that.”
Wait. “How do you know about my mother?”
He doesn’t reply.
Great. On top of having me followed, he did a background check on me.
Incredulous, I say, “You didn’t discuss it with me.”
“Wouldn’t make a difference. It’s my responsibility now.”
“Wow.” I utter a wry laugh. “You have a warped way of looking at things.”