Chapter 46 Chapter 0046

Chapter 46 Chapter 0046
•ISABELLA•

“Don’t worry, my love. You and I will be happy together. No one is ever going to come between us again,” Tom whispered behind me as the warm water from the shower ran over our bodies.

I closed my eyes and braced myself for what I knew he expected from me, forcing my breathing to remain steady even though every part of me wanted to pull away.

I couldn't afford to fight him now, not when everything depended on time.

I prayed silently that my father had done the right thing and that Antonio was already on his way to us before Tom decided to move us somewhere else.

I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and the thought of letting him touch me made my stomach twist, but I convinced myself that I had no choice.

If I wanted him to believe that I was finally giving in, then I had to play the part convincingly.

“What’s going to be my new name?” I asked softly, trying to distract myself from his hands and the way he pressed his body against mine.

“Whatever name you choose will be yours,” he murmured as he kissed along my neck.

He knew exactly where I was most sensitive, and even though I tried to remain detached, my body betrayed me when he squeezed me and continued kissing my skin.

I hated that he understood me so well, hated that he could still draw a reaction from me.

“What if I want to keep my name?” I asked, keeping my tone light even though my heart was racing.

His movements stopped instantly. He grabbed my neck and tilted my head back so I was forced to look into his eyes.

“Do you think Antonio wouldn't search every house that has an Isabella in it?” he asked coldly. “You can't keep your name. Not if you want your father to stay alive and keep the deal I made with him.”

I exhaled slowly and nodded. “Fine. We will use whatever name you choose. You already changed my hair, so you might as well choose everything else too.”

I tried to pull away and reach for the sponge to wash myself, but he caught my arm and turned me around sharply. His fingers dug into my skin, and pain shot through me.

“You’re hurting me,” I said, struggling against his grip.

“If you are planning something, you'd better tell me now,” he warned, his voice low and threatening. “I won't let you make a fool out of me. If you try to play me, we will both regret it.”

“I’m still here, aren’t I?” I replied, forcing frustration into my voice instead of fear. “If I had a way out, I would've taken it already. I am tired, Tom. You won. I have nothing left to fight with.”

He studied me for a moment before loosening his hold. “I love you,” he murmured. “If the Conti brothers hadn't threatened to hurt you, I would never have ignored you for those months.”

I swallowed hard before answering. “I stopped caring when you pretended I didn’t exist. When Antonio forced me into that marriage, I didn't expect to feel anything for him, but I did. I fell in love with him. I won't lie and say I still feel the same way about you.”

The words surprised even me. It was the first time I had admitted that truth out loud, and saying it made everything clearer in my own heart.

I loved Antonio and I was done pretending he meant nothing to me.

Tom’s expression darkened instantly. “Your father went to Antonio, didn’t he?”

“What are you talking about?” I asked, keeping my face calm even though panic flickered inside me.

“I am not stupid,” he snapped. “We are leaving right now, so get ready.”

He stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist, already moving toward the bedroom.

A wave of dread washed over me. If he moved us again, it might take Antonio weeks to find us, and I couldn’t let that happen.

“Tom, wait,” I called as I stepped out of the shower and stood in front of him, water dripping down my skin.

He turned slowly, his eyes traveling over me in a way that made me feel exposed, but I ignored the discomfort and forced myself to move closer.

I placed my hands against his chest and looked up at him.

“You didn’t let me finish,” I said softly. “You were my first love. If we are going to start over, then let me feel that again. Teach me how to love you again. I chose to stay, didn’t I? Antonio may have married me, but you were always the one who made me feel safe.”

I ran my hands slowly over him, making sure my movements were convincing.

His breathing changed, and I knew I had his attention. I needed him distracted.

I needed him to think about nothing but me.

He started to say my name, but I pressed my finger gently against his lips to silence him before lowering myself in front of him.

I focused on pleasing him the way I knew he liked, ignoring my own discomfort and the humiliation burning inside me.

I forced myself to continue sucking his dick until he finished, making sure he saw that I didn’t pull away or hesitate.

When it was over, I stood up and met his gaze steadily.

“Do you trust me now?” I asked quietly.

He wrapped the towel back around himself, a satisfied expression crossing his face. “A new place will be good for us,” he answered. “A fresh start for our relationship.”

He turned and walked out of the bathroom as if nothing had happened.

“Go to hell, Tom,” I muttered under my breath, anger finally breaking through the mask I had worn. “Antonio will find me.”

His laughter echoed faintly from the other room. “I guess we will see about that.”

As the door closed behind him, I stood there trembling, praying that my gamble had bought us just enough time.