Page 223 of Hate to Love You
“You didn’t use protection,” I swallow, trying to hide the way my voice trembles.
“And I never will, Abigail,” he says wickedly, whispering against my lips. “You are mine. There will be nothing between us. Ever.”
While this might be incredibly romantic, or sexy to someone else, it actually breaks my heart.
Fuck. I don’t exactly want to have this conversation.
But I can already feel myself getting attached to this man, and I’m suddenly unable to stop the words as they bubble to the surface.
“So…you know then?”I ask, turning away from him and pulling on my skirt in the mirror.
“Know?” He asks, fastening his belt. “Know what?”
I say nothing. Not because I don’t want to say something, but because the words strangle me where I stand.
“Abby?”
His voice is soft as he steps behind me.
But I just stand there, staring at my reflection.
Gently his hand grips my shoulders, and he turns me to face him, but even then, I can’t look him in the eye.
This is it. This is where he rejects me.
The one thing a woman is good for, and I can’t even do that.
“Abigail…what are you talking about?” He says, softly gripping my chin and forcing my gaze to him.
“You’ve read my file,” I say, feeling a tear streak down my cheek. “You said you know everything about me.”
Instinctively my hands push against his chest, as if bracing myself for the impact.
His eyes scan mine, his chest rising and falling.
“I can’t have kids, Roman,” I say, the words choking in my throat. “After my husband pushed me down the stairs, the doctor told me that the damage was so extensive that I’d never be able to carry a child again.”
“Abigail…” He starts to say but I step away from him, pacing slowly across the bedroom floor.
“So, I guess protection isn’t really needed, is it?” I laugh, the sound bitter in the air. I inhale sharply, my heart hammering hard in my chest, which feels as if it’s tightening around my lungs. “I mean…all this trouble you’re going through to keep me? And I can’t even give you a child!”
“Abby, I—”
“I’ve heard about the mafia,” I continue, my steps quickening and my breathing becoming erratic. “You’re all obsessed with heirs and continuing your family legacy. But I can’t have kids. You’ll never be able to have that with me.”
He stays silent, his jaw ticking as he continues to stare at me as I pace the room, finally coming to a stop beside my bed.
“I’m damaged goods. Physically and mentally, so I’m going to save you all this trouble. Leave, Roman.” I yell, my finger pointing at the door. “Just leave now and save us both the heartache.”
I slam down on the bed, my hands covering my face as I pull at my hair.
Sweet Lily is scratching at my door to get in, her meow getting louder by the minute. She knows I’m upset.
I feel Roman move toward me, the fabric of his suit rustling as I feel his hands cup mine, gently pulling them away from my face.
My eyes remain closed, my lashes thick with tears as they run down my face.
“Look at me,” he whispers, his thumbs running soothing circles against the back of my hands. I pull in a deep breath, trying to take back control of my emotions as my eyes blink open, my eyebrows shoot up as I see Roman’s face directly in front of mine.