Chapter 20: The Breaking Point

Bruno's eyes blazed with fury, and for the first time since I had met him, I felt real fear curling in the pit of my stomach. His anger was like a storm, simmering just beneath the surface, waiting to explode. 

"I'm not taking that pill, no matter what" I said as I tried to make my voice firm.

His fists were clenched at his sides, his whole body vibrating with tension, and I couldn't shake the terrible thought that he might actually hit me.

"What the hell are you thinking, Maria?" His voice was low, almost a growl, but there was a razor-sharp edge to it that made my skin prickle. "Why would you want to have a child with me? Now, of all times?"

I swallowed hard, my heart hammering in my chest as I struggled to find an answer. What could I say? How could I possibly explain without revealing everything about his mother's threats? 

The truth was tangled up in so many lies, so many secrets. I felt like I was drowning in them.