BY DEMARCO'S STANDARDS (Part 5)

The Bride

After Ricardo left me I wandered back to my room. Lifting Capone from his perch on the windowsill I took a seat on my bed. As I stroked the cat's fluffy fur I tried to come up with a solution to my new problems.

Yes my mind was screaming at me to contact Mr. Harper for help but I couldn't get them involved in my world. It wouldn't be fair to Laney or Demarco to use Mr. Harper this way. Had I known what my future held here I would have never fled Demarco's rule. I was so foolish. Yes I did lose my job and was kept locked into his luxury apartment but Demarco was good to me. He made sure my needs was met and that I had the best of everything. He never raised a hand to me or threatened me for arguing about my entrapment. Demarco would just roll his eye's, explain that my safety was his first priority and tell me to quit my bitching. Basically we argued like a normal couple. Later he would try and make me feel better by giving me flowers, sweet notes, or my favorite chocolate. I highly doubt Ricardo will be sending me any of those thing's. I made my bed and now I have to lie in it.

A few hour's later my father exploded into my room like a madman. His face was roaring red and his jowls trembled. In long, purposeful strides he zoomed in front of me. Before I could speak or protect myself he backhanded me across my cheek. The blow was enough to send me falling back against my bed. "You will never embarrass like you did today. You will marry Ricardo and do as he says. Are we clear Ivanya?"

Sitting back up with watery eye's I spat. "I will marry no one unless I choose. You can't make me".

My father gave me a smirk. "My girl, there is where your sadly mistaken. You will do as I say or else..".

He left the end of that sentence hanging in the air with promising threats. As in most case's my temper got the best of me and word's spewed from my mouth before I could control them and I revealed my most deepest, darkest secret. "No father that's where your sadly mistaken. You see I'm sure Ricardo will not want me when he discovers that I'm pregnant with the Italian Mafia kings baby".

For the first time since I met my father I saw his face pale and he seemed to be speechless. When the shock of my announcement faded off he grip my throat in a vice like grip. "Pray girl that you are lying". He yelled as I battled to free myself from his choking hold.

Finally he released his grip and I gasped for air while rubbing my neck.  Bending down into my face he raged as particles of spit speckled my face. "You had better explain now?"

"I don't need to explain shit to you or anyone else. You sent me away and now suddenly you believe you can control my life. Sorry, but it just doesn't work that way".

Not hearing me he hammered another blow to my already sore cheek. "If you intend to keep this bastard child you had better start speaking".

Understanding exactly what his threat meant I said. "I met him while in New York. We saw each other briefly before I chose to leave. That is all".  I stated.

I wasn't about to reveal that I actually stayed with him and met the entire family. I wanted it to seem as if my relationship with Demarco was just a short fling nothing more. I'd never let on how deeply I was involved with the Harper's.

My father started to pace in thought. Spinning on his heel he turned to face me and ask. "And how far along do you expect to be?"

"Just a bit over a month. I didn't discover that I was with child until my second week here." I said.

"So you don't even know for sure that your carrying a Harper child?"

"Not exactly but I'm not stupid enough to not recognize the signs of pregnancy." I hissed.

Rubbing his chin he murmured. "I'm going to send you to my doctor. You will be given a through exam to find out if your pregnant and how far along you might be. Then I will plan accordingly".

He waltzed out without another word and twenty minutes later I was escorted to a waiting car that drove me to his private doctor. After several tests and examinations I was told what I already knew. I was seven weeks along with Demarco Harper's child. Upon arriving home I was ushered into my father's office where he awaited already having spoke to the doctor. "You shame me and the Kerverso name. No one must know this child belongs to that Italian bastard." Then he sent me a slimy grin that sent a chill up my spine.

"However you just made my job easier. I have leverage over you now. If you want to keep the bastard inside you safe and healthy you'll do as I say. You'll marry Ricardo as planned and will not give him any more trouble. You will claim to have gotton pregnant on your wedding night and the baby will arrive early. Baby's are born early all the time so he shouldn't expect anything is amiss. In fact I suggest you crawl into his bed before the wedding to make the pregnancy seem even more convincing".

"Your sick". I snarled.

"No daughter, I'm smart. Now it's either this or I will see to it that that monster growing in your womb is destroyed before it takes it's first breath". With that warning I was dismissed from his office by the wave of his hand.

Back in my room the tears finally fell. When I left the states I had no inkling that I was pregnant. Then after a few week's here I started experiencing morning sickness and sleeping more than normal. My thoughts were confirmed when I missed my period and my pants felt a bit snugger.

I didn't mean to let it slip out but it did and now I have to worry about my child's welfare. Then a sudden thought occurred to me. Maybe I should reach out to Demarco. Even if he didn't want me maybe he would take our child. Not because I didn't want my baby because I do, it's sounds crazy but I already love it. However his life would forever be in danger here and the Harper's can offer him a safe, loving environment.

With shaky hands I punched Demarco's number into the phone London had provided me. He answered by the fourth ring. "The fuck calling my personal phone with a unknown number?" He asked without saying a simple hello.

I grinned at thinking how so Demarco this was. At my hesitation he growled into the receiver. "You called don't be bashful now, fucking speak". He barked.

"Demarco". I said ever so softly.

Silence.

Dead silence on his end.

"You still there?" I questioned.

"Fuck you want?" He snarled.

I expected this reaction and I probably deserved it but I had to make him listen. "Please Demarco. I know your pissed and probably hate me and I'm truly sorry for what I did but this matter is urgent. Please listen".

"Ivy, go fuck yourself biiitch". Click.

That was it. He hung up on me and didn't bother listening. I decided to give him a few day's to cool off and try again. He had to know about his child.