Bittersweet

~~ Consequences ~~

I remembered Tony coming home with a busted nose. He'd said he tried to break up a fight and got caught in the middle. I didn't believe his story back then.

"But he was right about one thing, Jenna. I should have told you. I'm sorry."

Janelle was right. "No, don't apologize. Tony was in the wrong. I understand it from your point of view, and I get it."

He looked surprised, with obvious relief. "You do?"

"Yeah, it's fine. I would have done the same thing in your position."

"So, we're good then?  Me and you?"

I didn't know honestly where this could go; he wanted children and I couldn't take that away from him. But for now, it felt nice to be wanted and maybe relax and live a little. Who could that hurt? "Yeah, we're good."

He smiled. As he leaned in and lifted my face towards his and kissed me. Thank god I'd at least brushed my teeth!

~ ~

In the early evening, Vivi had returned and was reading a book to Ava, when Tony made his appearance.

"Daddy!" Ava yelped excitedly. "I had a scan on my belly?"

He walked over and kissed her head. "And did it hurt baby?"

"No, I was a big girl, Daddy."

"Good."

"Look what Uncle Gabe brought me. He's bigger than me, Daddy." She pointed to the Teddy bear placed on the chair next to her bed."

"My, he is big." His eyes fell on mine, narrowing slightly before returning his attention to Ava. "Will you be okay with Nonna for a short while, whilst I talk to Mommy outside?"

She smiled, nodding her head. It irritated the life out of me; he hadn't even asked if I was okay with that. But I wouldn't kick up a fuss in front of Ava or his mother, and he damn well knew that.

Stepping outside the room, I followed him to the end of the corridor into a wide-open area with seating, an waiting area I could only assume. "Please sit, Jenna."

He sat down and gestured toward the seat next to him. I sat on the chair opposite. "You wanted to talk."

"I don't want my brother involved in Ava's life."

Or mine?   "Why?"

"I have my reasons."

Typical Tony, instruction without explanation. But if he expected me to follow, then he had another thing coming. Tempted to repeat Janelle's wise words, I bit back a smirk.

"I think you gave up any rights to a say. And I would never allow Ava to be around anyone whom I considered unsuitable. And Gabe's family. Even your mother has pleasant things to say about him. So, unless you can tell me he's an axe murderer or a drug trafficker. Then I don't want to discuss this again."

"Did you listen to me last night?"

"Tony, the only thing last night confirmed was how stupid I was to think you ever loved me. Now if you've quite finished." I stood to leave.

He quickly stood and grabbed my arm. "We could have done this the easy way. But now you leave me with little choice and your choices will have consequences."

I didn't have a clue where he was going as I tried to shrug his grip on my arm.

"You cut all contact with Gabe or else I will contest custody of Ava and trust me when I say, she will be placed in my sole custody."

My mouth dropped open. He couldn't be serious. "No judge would allow that." The words left a sour taste in my mouth.

"Really, sweetheart? What kind of mother leaves her sick daughter on death's door to whore herself out, with her child's uncle."

My legs felt weak as I stuttered. "H-How dare you." Ignoring the fact he'd called me a whore. "How could you suggest such a thing? I didn't know she was unwell." Bile rose up my throat. "Nothing or no one has ever come before my daughter."

He scoffed, stepping closer as his eyes darkened. "There isn't a judge I don't know Jenna—or one that can't be bought. They will grant me custody."

My heart flew from my mouth as my stomach dropped onto the cold, hard floor. "You wouldn't."

"Try me, sweetheart."

I knew that cold, hard look. He could, and he would.

Tony released his grip as I slumped down into the chair, my breath left me in a rush. "End it today, or I will file the papers tomorrow."

He had won. I wouldn't risk going up against him in court.

That left me the only choice I couldn't escape.