“No. Stop,” Thomas ordered. “This isn’t right.” He looked at Stefano who now pushed me back and put his cock back in his pants. “We talked about this, Stefano. Crossing the line we can’t come back from.”
Clearly Thomas and Stefano had felt the connection before and discussed it. It scared them. I could see it. It was all starting to make sense. They had made some kind of pact.
“Well, I’m glad I was included in this little agreement of yours,” I snapped as I fell to the floor, not caring to stand. “So, because there was something special that happened between the three of us, you decided between the two of you that it’s wrong. Without letting me in on that discussion?” I shrugged and closed my eyes in defeat. “I guess I am nothing but a fucking breeder.”
“I’m sorry, Hailey,” Thomas said as he lifted me up and placed me on the edge of the bed. “We weren’t sure if you felt what we did. And yes, it scared us. We both had never experienced anything like that before, and we had a feeling it would only get stronger if we continued on. Because of the circumstances, we had to put a stop to it. We know what’s best.”
I laid down on my bed and turned my back to the brothers. “Fine. I understand. It’s just a matter of time until I’m fat with swollen ankles anyway.” I took a deep breath so my voice wouldn’t crack and reveal my pain. “I’m tired. Can you both leave so I can get some rest? I’ve been tired lately…”
At least the baby would love me.
Chapter Fifteen
Hailey
Gio walked into the bathroom as I finished washing out my mouth from my new morning ritual of throwing up my breakfast. His presence didn’t surprise me when it should have. I had only seen him a few times, and it was always while he held a video camera.
And I had always been naked.
Not this time, however. When I woke up this morning, I found a light and summery floral dress with pink high heels resting on top of the dresser. There was also a lacy bra with matching panties.
And a note.
The words written on the note were like a punch to the gut, when in fact they should have made me happy:
Your last comfort item has been earned.
Congratulations. Your time at the manor has ended, and penance has been paid.
~B. Brothers
I also hadn’t seen Stefano or Thomas for a full day, which only meant one thing.
“Have they left already?” I asked as I stared at my reflection—still not used to seeing myself with clothes on—in the mirror and leaned against the sink for support.
“They had to both go to Miami for a few days for some business.”
“They aren’t coming back to the manor.” I wasn’t asking a question. I already knew the answer. I knew it the minute they had left my room that what we had—what I thought we had—was over.
“No. But all the arrangements have been made for you to leave as well. Is there anything you want to pack or bring with you?”
I turned and looked at Gio with a smile. “Well, that all depends. Do I have to earn my comfort items in this new place you are taking me to, or will I have access to a bed at least?”
Fuck them. Fuck them all.
I refused to cry. Absolutely refused.
Damn those tears that burned my eyes. Damn them to hell.
“Everything will be provided for you there. The brothers wanted me to tell you that you’d have a generous allowance as well, so I’m sure you can purchase anything that wasn’t thought of. Also, there will be a full staff waiting for you there to assist with you and…” I saw him look at my stomach. “There will be people there to help with you and the baby.”
Fury built inside of me, but it was no match to the overwhelming despair and sadness that overpowered all other emotions. “I’m fine. I can go anytime you’re ready.”
I wasn’t going to ask where we were going. I didn’t care.
I wasn’t going to ask when I would see Stefano and Thomas again. I didn’t care.
I wasn’t going to ask any questions about my future. I didn’t care.
It was just me and the baby I carried. No one else. Just us.
* * *
“Mrs. Bennato, welcome to your new home,” an older man in a pressed gray linen suit with a baby blue tie said as he opened the large double doors to a countryside villa in Florence, Italy.
“Hailey Parker,” I corrected as I looked over his shoulder for a place to sit.
I was exhausted. Traveling to another country—even by private jet—while suffering from morning sickness, night sickness, and every hour of the day sickness made for a very long and uncomfortable journey. I couldn’t wait to find a bed and sleep for days.