Becoming His Wife by Hayley Faiman

Prologue

MIA

Like a coward, I run.

I run fast and hard.

It doesn’t matter though. They’ll find me. I know that they will. The Zanetti famiglia does not fuck around. The only plus is that Gavino has always had a soft spot for me, he’s always been in my corner and without him, I don’t know where I would be.

Sitting in a dingy motel room, in the middle of nowhere Ohio, I pinch my eyes closed and bring my knees against my chest.

Leaving probably wasn’t the smartest idea, especially since the government is after me. But I couldn’t stay there. I couldn’t just sit there and be forced to make a decision that would impact my entire life. Not just impact, but it could potentially ruin the fucking shit out of my life.

I can’t do it again.

I’ve been one man’s pawn, his punching bag, his fuck toy before. I refuse to ever be that again, not for anyone. But especially not to keep myself out of prison. Fuck. That. A lifetime with an abuser isn’t worth staying out of prison for a few years.

Tears fall down my cheeks and I try to swallow them, but I fail. If I’m willing to go to prison, then why didn’t I just stay there? I’m lying to myself and I know it. I don’t want to do either.

What I want to do is continue to live my life the way that I so choose. I don’t want any changes at all, prison or marriage.

I’m tired of changes. I’m just plain fucking tired.

ELIO

She watchesme from across the bar. Sexy. That’s the word that I would use to describe her if I had to choose one. Innocent is definitely not something that would describe her in any way whatsoever, and that is just how I like my women. Not innocent, extremely sexy.

Making my way toward her, I decide that I’ll be taking her home tonight. Usually, I fuck the strippers that are in our employ, but I’m in the mood for something different tonight. I think I’m ready to find someone to settle down with, marry and make some babies.

I’m not sure if this woman is the one, but I’m willing to give her a try. Smiling, I continue my approach. She turns to me, sensing me, and her gaze flicks down to my shoes and slowly slides over my entire body until it lands on my face. She must like what she sees, her lips curve up into a smirk.

“Bella,” I say. “Buy you a drink?”

She licks her bright red lips. Her gaze focuses on mine before she decides to finally speak to me. “Only if it’s at your place.”

Perhaps I was wrong. Maybe she is the one.