Page 65 of Wrong Marriage. Right Groom
Only then did I realize why the vehicle had slowed moments earlier.
My arms tightened instinctively around Zara.
He had taken the sample then.
Somehow.
So quickly that Zara hadn’t cried out. Hadn’t even made a sound.
A cold wave of helplessness washed over me.
If I still had my sight, he would never have been able to do that without my knowledge.
“How dare you?”
I pulled Zara closer against my chest, as though I could shield her from him now.
For the first time since entering the car, genuine remorse crept into his voice.
“I’m sorry, Loretta. I simply needed confirmation.”
The apology did nothing to soothe the panic clawing through me.
The car continued forward for several minutes before gradually slowing again.
I felt the gentle deceleration beneath the tires.
The engine softened.
Then the vehicle came to a complete stop.
“We’re in front of your apartment,” Ramiro said quietly.
The cabin fell silent.
“The sample will be tested tomorrow. If it turns out Zara isn’t the child we’re searching for, I will personally compensate you for taking the sample without your permission and for cutting her hair.”
I laughed bitterly.
“Compensate me?”
How absurd.
My fingers moved protectively through Zara’s curls before I shifted her higher in my arms, carefully adjusting her weight against my chest.
She made a small sleepy sound, not quite awake, not quite asleep.
Then she burrowed closer.
Trustingly. Seeking comfort.
Seeking me.
The simple gesture tightened something painful inside my chest. My arms wrapped around her a little more firmly.
No amount of money could compensate for the fear of losing her.
I stepped out.
