No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 38

I feel my heart sink into my stomach as I watch them leave, a mix of guilt and dread for what I know is coming now.

Ryan shuts the door, and I don't dare turn to face him. "Put the boy to bed then come into my office," is all he says, for some reason hearing him refer to our son as the boy making my heart sink lower.

I nod, my eyes slamming shut as he grabs my arm, "Is that understood?" he grits out.

"Yes, I'm sorry. It's understood," I say immediately, keeping my eyes closed until his footsteps become distant echoes.

I let out a breath and press a kiss onto Sammy's temple, "Let's get you to bed sweet boy," I murmur, tickling his cheek as his lips curve into a smile.

I hate it when Ryan treats me this way in front of Sammy, I don't want him to grow up in this kind of environment.

I know I should leave, I've tried, but it never works. Ryan has too much power over me, and it's obvious to anyone who sees us.

It's pathetic.

I saw the way they all pitied me tonight, the way Anastasia helped me out because she felt sorry for me. And I hate it. I hate feeling this weak.

I begin walking up the stairs to Sammy's bedroom, trying to keep him happy as I talk softly to him.

"One day it'll be all ok my love," I whisper, "And you're going to grow into a big, kind man like Alessio and Vincenzo," I say.

I walk into his bedroom, kissing his cheeks until his little laugh is all I hear. "Can you be nice to Mommy and go to sleep straight away?" I beg silently, lying him down in his cradle and gently wrapping him up in his blankets.

"I'll be right back," I promise, "I love you," I smile, kissing the tip of his nose as he laughs again.

I kiss his forehead one more time before slowly walking out of the room, turning the light off and leaving the door ajar slightly.

I suck in a deep breath and walk down the hall to Ryan's office, knocking on the door until I hear the voices inside subside.

"Come in," Ryan says, and I walk into the room to see him and John talking.

"So," he says, "What did you find out about the Italians? And why was Mancini with them?"

"I don't know," I lie, "She wouldn't tell me,"

"Don't lie to me Izaria," Ryan says in a low voice, "How and why have the Italians  aligned with Le Aquile Rosse?"

"I don't know," I persist, "I asked Anastasia but she wouldn't tell me,"

John mutters something under his breath and Ryan sighs and stands up. "Remember what happened the last time you lied to me? Don't do that again,"

"I'm not lying," I say firmly, not wanting to put Anastasia and the others in danger.

"Don't fucking lie to me you pathetic little bitch!" Ryan shouts, striding over to me and slapping me across the face.

The force from the hit sends me tumbling backwards and I groan as I fall on my ass.

"Stop fucking lying to me!" he shouts, picking me up by the top of my dress. "I gave you one job tonight and you couldn't even do that," he spits out.

"I don't know the answers to your questions," I grit out, bracing myself as he hits me across the face again.

"Don't make me do it again Izaria, I know you're fucking lying to me," he hisses.

I begin to shake my head, trying to walk backwards but he grabs my arm, yanking it harshly as my eyes roll back in pain.

Suddenly I find myself thrown against a wall, letting out a cry of pain as Ryan's hand comes to grip my throat.

"Why was she with them? How did they partner up? And when are they leaving?" he hisses, squeezing my throat until I find myself choking for breath.

"I-" I choke out,

"Don't fucking say you don't know!" Ryan shouts, pulling me back by my neck before slamming my back against the wall again.

He pushes me to the ground and kicks my stomach, tears rolling down my cheeks as I look up at him.

How did it all end up like this?

"You have one more chance," he says, narrowing his eyes at me as I hang my head in defeat.

"She went to them for help, they accepted. Le Aquile Rosse are old friends of her parents so that's how the Italians are connected to them. They're leaving to go back to Italy tomorrow morning," I whisper.

Ryan crouches down in front of me, gently taking my face in his hand. "See baby? Was it that hard?" he croons, "Good girl," he whispers, pressing his lips against mine.

"Now go to bed, I'll be there later," he says, dropping my head and standing up before turning around.

I force myself to my feet and walk out of the room, closing the door behind me and going back to Sammy's room.

I flick the light on and am relieved to see he's asleep now, turning it back off before forcing myself to walk to mine and Ryan's bedroom.

I change into my pyjamas and curl up on the bed, biting the inside of my cheek to try and stop more tears from coming out.

"I'm so sorry Ana," I whisper, bitterness settling in my stomach. "I'm so sorry,"

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Bit of insight into Izaria, and setting up for the next chapter and the next book which will be Izaria and Alessio,

I'll post the next chapter tomorrow, but until then, have a good day/night and don't forget to vote!!

Abi <3