Chapter Four

Two Lies, One Truth

Willow

Leaving Cyprus behind has a deep sigh leaving my body. Seated on the private plane I let my mind drift. Cyprus will always hold a special place in my heart. From being a safe haven when I needed it, to being the place where I lost the first little bit of myself to Raphael Gallo, and now because of the memories it will evoke of my fantasy being fulfilled.

Rafe has bulldozed his way into my life, and even though I know I should be pissed off I can't find it in me. Yes, he is an overbearing asshole. But he's my asshole. His domineering personality will have me climbing the walls shortly, I'm sure of it, but I owe him everything.

He rescued me from a fate worse than death when he could have chosen to return me to my demented uncle. He has avenged me, strengthened me, and supported me. His insanity and possessiveness know no bounds but I'm starting to appreciate his brand of insanity. His violence and demons speak to mine, allowing me an outlet for the darkness I have been forced to keep hidden for years.

"I would like to know what will become of my family's name," I say, facing my husband.

While my uncle, Sebastian, was still alive, it never occurred to me to try and restore my family's name or our businesses. But now, it's always at the forefront of my mind. Sebastian killed our parents, leaving my baby brother nonverbal at the tender age of twelve. He's not uttered a sound since, and if I could bring Sebastian back and tear him apart all over again to avenge my baby brother, I would. Even though he's a few years younger than me at sixteen, Roman should lead the Hernandez family once he comes of age. First, there needs to be something for him to take charge of.

"What do you mean?" Rafe frowns.

"I mean, the Hernandez name needs to be restored. It is Roman's birthright."

"Can I worry about keeping the Gallo name alive before trying to fix something I didn't break?" he asks with irritation.

"Rafe," I start but he cuts me off.

"No. I have more important things to focus on right now."

Dom watches our exchange with a scowl but doesn't utter a word.

His words are final and my heart breaks a little bit. I thought we were finally on even footing. Partners. But now I see that Raphael Gallo is exactly who he's always been. He is only concerned with what is best for him and everything else takes a back seat.

"Willow?"

Regina's soft voice pulls me from my torrid thoughts. Facing her, I take in her appearance for the first time since we boarded the plane. Her face is exceptionally pale, her forehead sweaty. She looks like she is going to vomit at any moment.

"Regina, are you okay?" I ask, concern tainting my words.

She shakes her head vehemently before jumping up and heading to the room in the back. Dom and Rafe watch her with concern. My husband moves to stand, but I halt him with a lifted hand.

"Let me," I say. "I'm sure she wouldn't want you hovering over her."

He nods but I see the glint in his eyes that confirms he won't leave us alone for long.

I find Regina with her arms wrapped around the porcelain seat. Her entire body convulses as she wretches, but I don't think she is throwing up. Come to think of it, I haven't seen her eat a thing since we landed in Cyprus. I wet a cloth and lift her hair away from her neck before placing it there.

"Thank you," she mumbles.

Taking a seat on the floor beside her, I gently rub her back as we both wait for her body to stop convulsing. Once she does, Regina scoots in beside me, leaning her back against the wall before pulling her knees against her chest. She seems so small and fragile in this moment and it hits me. She has been sheltered from this life for most of hers.

Armand has shipped her from one end of the earth to the other, ensuring she was well-educated and kept safe, all while keeping her out of the darkness we live in. And now, he is gone. As is her shelter.

"I fucked up," she whispers, her cheek pressed against her knee, tears welling in her eyes.

"It can't be that bad," I tried to reassure her. "Why don't you tell me what's going on and I can help you find a solution."

She stares at me for long tense moments. "I'm pregnant."

"Well, that isn't ideal. But there are worse things." I know it's not what she wants to hear but it's the best I have at the moment.

"I know. Having a baby wasn't in my plans until I had a husband, and even then I was hoping to wait a few years."

"You'll need to tell your brother."

"That's the problem."

I chuckle. "He'll be pissed, but he loves you and he'll get over it eventually."

"He won't," she sobs, and I know there is something she isn't telling me.

"I can't help you if you don't tell me everything that's going on," I say, gently pushing her hair out of her face.

"The baby is Devon Hennie's."

Her words are so soft I almost don't hear her. It takes a moment for me to register what she just said and the moment my brain fully comprehends her words I can't hold in my reaction.

"Jesus fucking Christ, Regina!" I'm on my feet and pacing the bathroom. "What were you thinking?"

I know my voice is too loud and will attract unwanted attention but … what the fuck?

"Willow, please!" she sobs.

Regina is distraught, trembling as she cries on the cold bathroom floor. Grabbing her arms, I pull her up and cradle her against my chest. I try to offer her comfort but my mind is reeling. How can she be this irresponsible?

The Hennies are our direct competition for control of not just the underworld in Rhode Island but in the entire United States. Rafe is going to lose his fucking mind when he finds out that Devon laid a hand on his little sister, not to mention knocked her up.

This is a colossal fuckup.

"Does Devon know?" I ask once Regina stops crying.

She shakes her head once more. "I only took the test this morning."

"And you're sure it's his?" The poisonous look she directs at me has me chuckling. "Just making sure."

"I love him," Regina whispers, and my heart breaks for her.

How did her life get this complicated? To fall in love with someone who is your sworn enemy is never going to end well. I suddenly understand why so many people think Romeo Juliet was a crock of shit. I'm going to be living it alongside my family.

"Let's wait until we are home and then we can figure out what to do," I say, leading her back to our seats.

Rafe watches us closely as we make our way toward them. I can see the wheels in his head turning from here.

"Are you okay?" he asks his sister.

She nods but doesn't attempt to speak as we take our seats.

"She drank too much last night," I interject before he can question her further. "She's just hungover. Some sleep will help her feel better."

Rafe stares at us, first one then the other. He is looking for any sign of deception and I know I will regret lying to him in this moment. Rafe hates liars and even though I am doing it for the right reasons, there will be hell to pay when he finally gets to the truth.

"I wish you would stop acting like a spoiled brat," he directs at his sister. "It's time to grow the fuck up and start acting your age."

Chastised, Regina lowers her head in shame. I want to stand up for her but I hold my tongue. I am not having this conversation on a plane. Rafe is bound to be irate the moment he hears what Regina has done, and I want to be able to put space between all of us when the inevitable explosion happens.

The rest of the flight is tense and silent. Dom watches each of us in turn, trying to figure out what the hell is going on, but we are all playing our cards close to the chest. I have enough of my own problems without having to add an angry husband and a reckless sister-in-law to the damn mix.

Once we land, Rafe grabs my hand and drags me toward the exit.

"Bring my sister to the estate," he directs at Dom. "I need to have a conversation with my wife."

I struggle to keep up with his long strides as he leads me down the stairs and across the tarmac toward a town car with blacked-out windows. Opening the back door he harshly shoves me inside.

"What the fuck, Rafe?" I ask in outrage, pulling my dress down to cover my exposed ass.

He grabs my face harshly, staring at me.

"Listen to me, Willow. I won't abide you lying to me."

His eyes are dark and stormy, rage visible in every line of his face. His body is stiff and I know he is holding back.

"Tell me what is going on, wife." His words are demanding as his grip on my chin tightens.

"I can't," I reply softly.

"I will get the truth from you, one way or another. But rest assured you won't like my methods." The threat is clear but I stand my ground, not showing an ounce of the fear I feel right now.

"Don't threaten me." I glare at him.

My world flips upside down and I find myself draped across Rafe's legs. My dress is quickly flipped up before his palm connects with my left ass cheek. Crying out loudly, I struggle against his firm grip, but to no avail.

"This was your choice. The moment you stop keeping things from me, this will come to an end." His warm hand strokes over the area that is currently stinging like a bitch.

When I don't reply, he spanks me again.

"Fuck!" I yell. "Stop that."

"Tell me what I want to know!" he seethes in my ear.

"No. Regina trusted me and you need to stop being an overbearing prick. Give her time and she will come to you."

I hope he hears my words and takes them to heart. But when his hand connects with my heated flesh once more, I know he doesn't give a shit what I say.

"I won't have a wife that lies to me, Willow. Not about anything, and not to protect anyone."

"And I won't break her trust."

A tear tracks down my cheek. I never thought Rafe would resort to physical violence. I knew he would be pissed but I never expected this. He continues to rain blows down on my battered ass cheeks. I've stopped speaking, not allowing a single sound to leave me as he punishes me for my perceived slight. My mind drifts back to other times when the men in my life have used their superior strength to bring me to heel when I step out of line.

It takes long moments for me to realize that I am no longer draped over Rafe's lap but cradled against his chest. His hand is cupping my cheek, trying to force me to face him. After a moment I allow my gaze to collide with his.

"Where did you go, Willow?' he asks with a frown.

I don't reply. I only slip off his lap to sit beside him as I stare out the window at the passing trees as we drive down through the gates that lead to the Gallo estate.

I never considered that I had exchanged one prison for another, but I am starting to realize my mistake.