Enemies or family

Enemies or family
How was I going to survive him? Everything about him made me sick. I was supposed to get him to sleep with me so I could pretend the baby was his, but just the thought of it made me want to throw myself off the balcony.
"Are you feeling all right, Amelia?" he said, continuing to press painfully against me.
No," I said.
He pushed me until I was crushed under him on the couch, his skin sticky and disgusting and his weight pinning me to the fabric. I squealed as he slapped me hard across the face and my head spun.
Then his other hand was under my leggings, digging uncut nails and painful blows into me.
I tried to wriggle away from him by squirming and flailing, and fear made me lose my sense of self-protection. I had to get him off me.
I screamed for help, hoping someone on the other side of the door would burst in and save me. Help! Please.
No one appeared. Another loud snap on my cheek ripped another wave of tears from me before he forced his fingers inside me, wrenching another big sob from me. Everything hurt, but the terror was overwhelming, overcoming everything.
You should consider yourself lucky that I please you. I could fill you with my cock." His breathing was ragged as I kept trying to get him off me. You should thank me.
Another blow to my face, this time to my temple, left me dazed, my vision blurred as it ached behind my ear. He left me stunned back against the couch as he tugged at my pants, the distant sound of his belt unbuckling and his zipper unzipping. I tried to move, but I couldn't, my limbs were unresponsive.
He parted my legs and knelt between them, moving closer to me and roughly fingering me. You're still dry. This is going to hurt."
More tears. More fear.
The door opened behind me before I could go any further. Her son, Danilo , stepping in as I tried to cover myself.
"Come on, they need you downstairs.
"Five fucking minutes, Dan . It won't take me long to fill her up.'
Dan's face twisted as he saw my tear-stained face and the red marks covering my cheeks.
'Please have mercy. Help me, please.
I mouthed at him to help me. She quickly averted her gaze.
The deal with Cosgrove has gone down the drain, we have to go there right now. They've locked the rat up and I need to ask him a few questions before our men get to shooting."
William grumbled as he buckled his belt, before reaching out and grabbing my face hard. 'Two days of waiting until you get the rest of me, though, will you manage? I'm looking forward to it.'
When he released me, I curled up on the couch, pulling my pants back into place and pulling my knees up to my chest. Enough tears to choke me and big sobs that shook the couch beneath me.
Hours later, Mery found me there, staring at my bruised cheeks and salt-stained face.
What happened," she said, hugging me against her and smoothing my hair.
William
Amelia, I'm sorry.
You don't have to be sorry. But he does.
'Come on, let's get you a shower and get you something to eat. I'll stay with you in case he comes back.'
Next time I'd be ready. I'd stick a knife in him while he worried about his cock.
It was the only pleasure he could really give me.
EDWARD
The gravel crunched under my feet as I walked up the driveway of the Kensington's house . Dense gray clouds cast a headache-inducing light over the mansion.
Being family acquaintances, and trusted despite my recent transgression, the boys let me pass with a brief nod and nothing more. I went up the stairs two at a time, hoping I wouldn't run into anyone else before I found Mery . If I did, I might lose my temper.
I knocked on her door and waited, raising a silent prayer. I succeeded. I heard her stir before I reached the door, which she opened without hesitation.
Mery raised her eyebrows when she saw me, crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the door frame.
What can I do for you," she said.
May I come in?" I glanced down the long, opulent hallway, relieved to see that it was still empty.
To my room? Why?
I need to talk to you.
About Amelia?
Yes.
He thought for a moment and glanced down the hall. Fine, but make it quick.
From her body language, I couldn't tell if she was mad at me or not. Her brothers didn't seem to be, though Kyle was still furious, with his short, gruff directions, his eyes still avoiding mine unless absolutely necessary.
I took a seat at her desk, swiveling the chair around to face her as she sat on the edge of the bed. The silence became awkward as I tried to find the right words. If she went to her father, or William , it would be bad news for me.
How is she doing? I said at last, the need for information about Amelia outweighing everything else.
Heartbroken. Terrified. Lost. How else could she be? Mery picked up a cushion and pressed it to her chest, her voice softening as she spoke of her sister.
I have to get her out of there.
Are you out of your mind? Look where it's gotten you. I'd kill her in a heartbeat if she tried to run away again."
That's why I have to get her out. She's not safe there. You know it and I know it. Is that the life you want for her?
Mery's face darkened and she glared at me. Of course it's not what I want. I want her to be happy, but what choice does she have?
A difficult one. To lose everything and run away for a chance at happiness, or to stay and spend every day knowing she will be hurt, tortured and abused by the man who killed two members of her family."
There is no choice.
There will be. I will find a way."
Mery bit her lip as she watched me. Do you love her?
My heart skipped a beat just thinking about it. Yes. I know it's rash, but I've fallen madly in love with your sister. I can't imagine my life without her. Having to watch someone hurt her over and over again and not being able to protect her. From loving her the way she deserves. I know it's hard since it leaves you in the line of fire, but I can't stand by and do nothing. She's been failed enough. I don't just want her to be happy. I need him to be happy. I can't live like everything is fine when I know she's not fine.'
Mery's face softened as I vented, spewing out the words. Words I should have said to Amelia when I had the chance.
She deserves to be happy. I'm not afraid to be next. No way would I marry William . I'm the youngest, but my father and brothers spoil me too much. How can I go on knowing she sacrificed with him for me? I've tried to get her out, but it's impossible. William owns the whole building, and he is thoroughly armed by men who have been told to shoot to kill if they see anyone not on the approved list'.
How's he doing?
Wrong. William ... well, he touched her. He stopped before he got beyond hands when his son interrupted and insisted that there was some kind of trouble he needed to attend to urgently. She's hurt and scared and I don't know how to help her."
My muscles twitched with fury at the idea that he would try to force himself on my girl, that he felt he could take what he wanted from her. My chest burned as I fought the urge to strike something, to destroy. To lash out with the lack of control I felt.
Will they go to the wedding directly from where she is?
No. Tomorrow night we're having a big dinner here with our family and hers.
I wonder if I'll be able to get an invitation.
'Not a chance, Papa is happy to have you around, but William won't want you at the meal, or near him.'
I think it's time we stopped giving a shit what he wants.'
"Okay," said Mery , her eyes sparkling. "So what's the plan?
'You're going to be sick, to stay out of the way for when things go south. I'm going to hide out here until dinner, then I'm going to get you out. Somehow.
'It won't happen without bloodshed.'
I smiled as I looked into her eyes, fingering the edge of the knife in my pocket. 'Good. I'm counting on it."
AMELIA
The atmosphere was tense in the dining room. Even the waiters shifted uncomfortably as they waited on one side of the room between courses. The food was divine, as always as our chefs pulled out all the stops. Plate after plate of delicate, spiced meats and sautéed vegetables all sat heavy in my stomach as the conversation about me came in fits and starts.
MERY wasn't even there to keep me company - and who could blame her? I would have gone to bed too.
William sat next to me, at one end of the long mahogany table, and Dad at the other. The hatred between them was palpable even as they pledged their peace to me. I tugged at the collar of my dress, overwhelmed by the heat in the room.