The Unwanted Wife (Unwanted #1)(33)
“They would like you,” he suddenly said, his eyes intent on her face.
“What?” she asked distractedly.
“My family,” he elaborated, and she frowned, not sure why he’d felt the need to say that.
“I doubt that, Sandro. I don’t think I’d feel any kind of charity toward someone who deliberately set out to trap my brother or son in a marriage he did not want, and I can’t imagine your family doing so.”
“But you didn’t…”
“They think I did, and once you’ve made up your mind about someone, it’s pretty hard to change it again.”
“It’s not as hard as you think,” he said, half under his breath.
“I don’t know why you think you have to say stuff like this.” She shrugged dismissively. “Soon we’ll both be getting what we want: freedom from this awful situation.”
“What about the baby?”
“If I have a boy, you would have fulfilled the terms of your contract with my father. You’ll be free. Of course, the baby won’t be any of your concern, but you can be quite certain that my father won’t be getting his paws on my child either. I ask only that you leave us this house and support us while I study jewelry designing. I don’t think we’ll need your support for much longer than two years. After that, I think I’ll be able to manage on my own.”
“You seem to have given this some thought,” he said tonelessly, his face back to the familiar icy mask that she despised so much. She nodded nervously.
“I’ve been thinking about it all afternoon. Please, Sandro, after two years I’ll be completely out of your life, and while you’re supporting us, I won’t bother you for anything. You won’t have to talk to me or hear from us, and it doesn’t have to be too much.”
“You think I give a damn about the money?” He suddenly exploded, losing his icy reserve in spectacular fashion. “Do you think I would nitpick over pennies when it came to my wife and child’s welfare?”
“Ex-wife,” she reminded tentatively, fascinated by the incandescent fury she could see in his eyes. It flared even hotter after her timid correction.
“Nothing’s set in stone,” he gritted. “It could be a girl.” She went dramatically pale at his words; oddly enough she hadn’t even considered that possibility.
“No,” she whispered. “It’s a boy, it has to be.”
He swore shakily beneath his breath.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured quietly. “I know that this has to be stressful for you. Theresa…whatever the future holds, you can rest assured that I’ll support you in every way possible for as long as you need me.”
“It won’t be for long,” she assured earnestly. “I know you want to move on with your real life. Probably get married and have children.”
“This is my life,” he growled. “I am married and having a child.”
“But it’s not the life you wanted,” she reminded. “Not the wife and child you wanted. This is certainly not the life I wanted.”
“So, what the hell are you saying? That you’re looking forward to getting married to someone else and having his kid?” he suddenly snapped, and she jumped, astonished by his unpredictable mood.
“Why are you being like this?” she asked in confusion. “I thought you’d be happy. It’s what you’ve been asking me for since the day we married. Every time we had sex, without fail you’d ask me—”
“I know,” he interrupted savagely. “You don’t have to remind me of it again.”
“Well.” She got up yet again and he jumped to his feet, braced to catch her if she fell. She sent him an amused sidelong glance. “I’m off to bed.”
“Have you eaten?” he asked in concern.
“Some toast.” She shrugged.
“I don’t like the way you’re managing your meals, Theresa,” he growled. “If you’re serious about getting through this pregnancy healthy, you should eat better than you have been.”
“I know that but I think my body might be adjusting to the pregnancy, so things are probably going to be a bit out of sync for a while. I’m sure my appetite will come back with a vengeance. Don’t worry about it, Sandro. The baby will be fine.”
“Yes, babies are resilient.” He nodded. “I have no doubt he will be fine, but what about you? You won’t be able to enjoy your newfound freedom if you damage yourself irreparably during this pregnancy.”
“I’ll be fine,” she said dismissively, with a flick of the hand.
“How the hell can you be so goddamn cavalier about your health?” he snapped, and Theresa lost all patience with him.
“I really don’t see how any of this is your business, Sandro. My pregnancy, my body, and the rest of my life are no longer issues you need to concern yourself with. For all intents and purposes, you’re free to go off and have a blast. In fact, why don’t you go out with a couple of the floozies you so enjoy dangling from your arm every time there’s a photographer nearby? Go out, get wasted, and bang a bimbo. Celebrate your impending freedom in the time-honored tradition.”
“What time is your doctor’s appointment tomorrow?” he asked calmly, ignoring her rant as if it hadn’t happened.