“Care for a drink?” he asked, pouring himself a glass.
“No,” I answered.
He sipped at it and then sat down behind his desk. “I was impressed with you, Allie. You took everything I threw at you and still kept going.”
“It was nothing compared to what you did to me,” I spat.
He smiled, but it wasn’t kind. “I know it hurt you, but it was necessary. You can’t possibly understand the extent of my business, or the kind of people who wish to take it from me. Sometimes extreme measures must be taken.”
I shook my head. “You’re sick. You’re evil. You don’t deserve to live.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “You’re so dramatic. And yet I don’t blame you.” He looked at me, serious all of a sudden. “In many ways, I deserve exactly what you say.”
I clenched my jaw, looking away from him.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about you, about your future here,” he said.
I said nothing.
“Despite what I did to you, I find myself wanting you more and more. Perhaps it’s the thrill of the chase, the pain of not being able to have you. Or perhaps it’s more.”
I looked back at him, anger and fury burning through me. “There’s nothing between us, ever,” I said.
He nodded slowly, not acknowledging my anger. “I’ve been considering this, and I think I have an offer you might be interested in.”
I raised an eyebrow. I had no idea what he meant. “An offer?”
He nodded and poured himself another drink. “You’ve heard rumors of our baby, I’m sure. That it’s cursed.”
“Yes,” I said. “I’ve heard that.”
I felt a shiver run down my spine, but I didn’t let him see it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said.
“Of course you do,” he answered, smiling. “I’ve told you about my sister Magdalene before. How she died trying to give me an heir.”
“Yes, you mentioned that,” I said quietly.
“Magdalene was everything to me, and now she’s gone. But the baby... it could be a second chance. A way to continue our line.”
I stared at him, at a loss for words.
“I want you to give the baby to me.”
I blinked. “Excuse me?”
“Give me the baby,” he said again. “I’ll raise it as my own. I’ll give it everything it deserves and more.”
I stared at him like he was insane. “Why would I ever do that?”
He looked down into his drink, frowning. “Because I’m going to give you freedom in exchange.” He paused, looking up at me. “You can go home, Allie, if you give me the baby.”
For a second, I thought I might collapse. My entire body felt weak as I stared at him.
“Are you serious?” I whispered.
He nodded slowly. “I am. But it’s not just freedom. It’s more. You’ll receive a large sum of money and anything else you might want.”
I couldn’t breathe as I stared at him. Freedom. My home. My parents.
The baby, though. I couldn’t give up the baby. Not now, not ever.
And yet, there were two lives at stake here. My baby’s life, and my own.
If I gave him the baby, I would be free. I would never be trapped in this place again.
But my baby... I thought about all the ways he could harm my child. He would treat my baby like his own, but was that something I wanted? The man was a monster.
Or maybe... maybe it was the right choice. Maybe I would be a good mother. Maybe my baby deserved more than me.
It was a difficult choice, but in the end, it wasn’t really a choice at all. I knew what I had to do.
“Yes,” I said softly. “I’ll do it.”
He looked surprised and then nodded, smiling. “Good,” he said. “Then we’re in agreement.”
I nodded, looking away.
“I’ll have the papers drawn up,” he said, standing. “You’ll be free in no time.”
“Good,” I answered. “Good.” And I left his office without another word.
I had made my decision. It was a sacrifice, but I had to do it.
I was giving up my baby.
I walked back to my cell and curled up on my bed, deep in thought. My mind was a whirlwind of emotions, but my decision was firm.
It was time to say goodbye. My time here was almost up.
I only had to survive until the birth, until I could escape and begin a new life.
The thought sent a thrill through me, and for the first time in a long time, I felt a glimmer of hope. I wasn’t trapped here forever after all. I wasn’t his plaything any longer.
I was going home.
I wrapped my blanket tight and closed my eyes. It was going to be a long road ahead, but at least there was an end in sight. I would suffer through anything if it meant freedom.
I’d go back to living on the streets if it meant I’d never see Giorgio again. I could do anything with the money he’d give me. I was sure to be safe from him.
A baby’s cry echoed in my mind, and tears began to fall. I clenched my fists and willed them to stop.
No tears. I could cry later. I needed to be strong for now.
My baby’s future depended on it. And my freedom, of course.