FIFTY TWOCATHERINAI had had the night to think about what I was doing and my confused feelings towards Andres. It was clear that I was foolishly in love with him; the man whose men had killed my brother but the same man who had also killed for me and made sure that I was protected.I was conflicted about everything and when he did not return to the room after I had shunned him; it was also clear that I had hurt his feelings. I knew he cared for me judging from the way he had been gentle with me after everything but he was a hard man and one who had undergone a very difficult childhood from what I could gather about him.I wanted everything to be alright between us and so I made up my mind to talk to him about it right before he stepped in and everything I was thinking flew out of the window when I looked at him.He was staring at me like he wanted to say something and was figuring out a way to say it and then I had gone right ahead to ask what he was doing in his own bedchambers. I

FIFTY FOURCATHERINAI stormed away from the den, stomping my foot.The fucking unbearable asshole, I fumed“Gilipollas” I grunted“Fucking calling a kitten, i am no kitten” I said to myself as I walked, kicking my legs“Catherina, is that you?” a voice called.It was an unmistakable voice and one I had never planned on hearing again. I spurned around to where I was sure the voice had come from.“Mamma?” I called outI watched her face break into a smile as I ran towards her, jumping into her arms. Her scent was still the same and I could not believe how much I had missed it.“What are you doing here?” I asked when I let go of herShe smiled, tears streaming her face before I noticed the shadow rounding the corner.It was Oliver and my face paled considerably as he walked to where we stood. He was accompanied by Miguel who was watching me with interest.“Catherina, I see that you have been well” he smiled, reaching to pull me into his arms.I was numb as he hugged me and as I smelt hi

FIFTY SIXCATHERINAIt was either Christmas or Santa Claus had decided to give me presents early. I was with mamma in Andres’ room when the door opened and Audrey was escorted in by one of his men. I scampered off the bed and straight to my sister, stopping when I saw her protruded belly.“Hermana” she exclaimed, wrapping me up in her arms“Audrey, I have missed you terribly” my voice broke as I hugged her back.My mamma was standing behind us with her eyes red from crying.“Come and sit” I told her, smiling ever so widely“I want to know what is going on; I was handed over to some men by Oliver’s people and then they brought me here” she said“Andres; he brought you and mamma and…”“He accepted Oliver’s proposal?” Audrey gasped, rising to her feet“No, he did not. He tortured it out of the poor man” I whispered not feeling the least bit sympathetic.“I am sure he did; he always did take a liking to you all those while” my sister murmured, hugging me“How are you and the baby?” I aske

FIFTY EIGHTCATHERINAFucking tight space, my mind screamed as I came to.I could not move neither could I see anything due to the blindfold over my eyesI cannot breatheI was gasping for air, desperately trying to draw something into my lungs as panic seized me, watering my eyes.I am not going to die… here, I thought, pushing myself forward and backward.I was in the truck of a car and it was moving; that was all I could make out.I was hyperventilating and clawing at my throat as I pushed and banged until I noticed that the car had stopped.I heard someone curse in Spanish right before the truck opened up and I was pulled out and the blindfold ripped away“If you do not stay fucking quiet… what is wrong with you?” the man before me asked“I…cannot…breathe” I gasped, hitting my chest“Maldita perra” the man cursed, approaching me.Tears streamed down my face as I concentrated on trying to get air in my lungs. His fist cracked against my cheek sending me spiraling to the ground“Shu

SIXTYCATHERINAI was blindfolded; my hands bound tighter this time since I had been caught trying to escape. I listened very carefully as Miguel barked out orders to the men in front of my door; orders to be prepared for Andres’ arrival.The door opened and he stepped in; I could tell he was the one judging from the chuckle he gave as I shrunk farther to the side of the bed. I wanted to disappear so he did not touch me with such filthy hands.“Andres is on his way to rescue you as I have heard” he announced.My heart stilled for half a second before it began pounding mercilessly against my ribcage. If Andres was coming here, he was going to die… I knew that Miguel would not let him live to challenge for the throne again.“Why are you doing this?” I blurted, tears threatening to fall.I could feel his presence in front of me right before he snatched the blindfold away from my eyes.“I have served Andres for a really long time; don’t you think it is time I finally claimed my place as h