Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19668 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 79(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19668 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 79(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
“They all?” There shouldn’t be another man even speaking to her. I had dug into her father’s schemes and deterred all potential suitors, but there were visits before I could deter the bastards. Did they cross any lines with her? “What do you mean by that?”
“Oh, I mean like on the crime shows. He promises to love and protect her. The show ends with the husband guilty of some heinous murder of his wife.” I smirked, wondering if all women loved crime shows. My life was almost as dark, but she still sat a foot away from me.
“I believe there are several shows featuring women killers who promise forever.”
“You watch crime shows?” Her mouth flew open, and her hand pressed onto my sleeve. I swallowed hard. She touched me by choice. I ached to lower my gaze and stare at where the connection was made, but I didn’t want her to pull away. I cracked a subtle smile.
“Not really. My sister does, and sometimes I’m dragged into them.” She smiled at me and squeezed my arm a little tighter. Fuck, I needed air before I pinned her to the seat and let her know what her simple gesture did to me.
Swallowing the lust, I asked, “So, was that all you brought with you?”
“Yes. Is that a bad thing?”
“No. I just wondered if we had to make another trip for the rest.” She shook her head.
“The only things that matter to me.” I hated how pathetically sad her words sounded. There were things in the reports that weren’t shared. I had a feeling I knew exactly what they were.
“We’ll have to go shopping.”
She blushed and dropped her head. “I suppose you’re right; I can’t be seen dressed like this.” Her hands went to the edge of her dress.
I pressed my hand to hers, stopping her from drawing attention to her luscious legs. “Baby, it’s not that. I want you to have as many clothes as you want.” I’d rather see her in nothing, but she still had to leave our bedroom. Damn, I had to stop thinking with my dick.
“Thank you.”
I released my hand and then lifted it to her face, lightly caressing her cheek. “You don’t ever have to thank me for treating you right. You’re my wife, and I will make sure you have everything you need and want. I have to ask, though. Are there other bruises I can’t see?” She tucked herself inward again, so I decided to back off. “You don’t have to answer right now, but I’m sure I’ll see them eventually.”
“There are a few others.” Her eyes quickly became glassy and red-rimmed. She was a moment from crying. The anger building in my chest throbbed painfully.
“Did he do this to you?” I asked. I already wanted to cut off his head for putting her up for sale.
“Yes.” Her response was low yet strong.
“Thank you for telling me the truth.”
“Well, you’re my husband, and I don’t think it would do me any good to lie, would it?”
“No, it’s not in your best interest to lie to me, but I will say this, sweetheart.” I cradled her face, my thumb brushing her chin and bottom lip. “I’ll never lay a hand on you in anger.”
“So, then I shouldn’t believe the rumors?” Her voice was breathy as she stared at me.
“Oh, you can believe the rumors, but not when they come to you. I’m the ruthless son of a bitch everyone describes, but it won’t be anything compared to the monster I’ll become if someone hurts you.” Her cheeks brightened to a pretty pink shade before she returned to staring out the window. I watched as she swallowed hard, trying to read every part of her and to understand my beautiful wife. She knowingly signed a marriage contract with a man she knew to be dangerous. What the fuck was she going through in that house?
“It seems you’re always saving me.”
“So you do remember me,” I replied, chest tightening. I didn’t ask why she was running that day, but that wouldn’t happen again.
“How could I not remember? It was the only pleasant part of my day.”
“So being in my arms is pleasant.”
“Well, I only have that one experience.” The bold confession went straight south along with my thoughts.
“I can rectify that for you.” I extended my hand, and she took it. Slowly, I pulled her close to me until we hugged tightly. A soft moan escaped her as I rubbed her back. “You’re mine, Yelena, and I’ll hold you whenever you want.” My lips lightly kissed her shoulder, and the beast in me hungered for more.
Just then my phone decided to interrupt us. I readjusted my body and sat back in my seat, pulling her to lay her head on my shoulder. My right arm remained around her. “I do need to take this call, but you can stay like this.”