Page 52 of Forced to Marry the Bratva

I’ve never felt prouder of my wife than in this very moment.

He glowers at her, his eyes darting between the two of us. He adjusts his coat rather violently and takes a step closer. “I’ll deal with you later,” he threatens Genevieve.

“Back off,” I step in front of her.

He stares at me, enraged, and turns around without another word, stalking away from the hallway without another word.

I release a slow breath as he disappears around the corner. Genevieve steps up beside me, slipping her hand into mine. I intertwine my fingers through hers and look at my employees.

“Don’t you all have work to do?” I drawl, cold and unfazed.

They look at each other like scared chickens and scatter.

Genevieve’s eyes search mine, her breath still coming in soft gasps. Her fingertips brush my arm, and I suppress a shiver at her touch. Our eyes meet, and in them I see a flicker of the fire from when she stood up to Gerald. Slowly, she steps back, chin lifted.

“You didn’t have to do that,” she says, voice barely above a whisper. “I could have handled it.”

It breaks my heart to see her so unfamiliar with having someone on her team, to pretend she could have dealt with her father herself.

I reach up and gently grasp her hand. “Yes, I did. I’m your husband. It’s my responsibility to shield you from all harm, even if it’s coming from your father.”

Her lips curve into a tremulous smile. “Still. Thank you for defending me.”

Warmth blooms in my chest at her words. I squeeze her hand lightly. “I’ll always protect you, Genevieve. No matter what.”

She blinks rapidly and looks down, showing rare vulnerability. I tilt her chin up with a knuckle under her jaw. Her eyes are bright with emotion. Unable to resist any longer, I lean in and press a soft kiss to her forehead. She sighs, some of the tension leaving her body.

I wish I could take away her pain and undo the assault she just faced.

We stand like that for a long moment, her hand still clasped in mine. I don’t know what this means for us or where we go from here. But as I breathe in the sweet floral scent of her hair, I know one thing.

I will never let anyone hurt my Genevieve again. “Come, let’s get you home,” I say, gently guiding her out of the office. She’s had enough. She needs to rest and heal.

***

The ride back home is quiet. Genevieve sits beside me in the back of the car, her gaze distant as she watches the city lights stream by through the tinted windows. She hasn’t said a word since we left the office.

I study her profile, taking in the furrow between her brows and the tension in her slender frame. She’s unsettled, lost in her own thoughts. I assume a lot is going through her mind. Her father slapping her, my confrontation with Gerald, her defiance in the face of his rage. It’s too much for a single person to bear.

Perhaps I could’ve made it easier for her to have dealt with Gerald in a less confrontational manner. Maybe I shouldn’t have been so harsh in front of all those spectators.

Perhaps my actions were too aggressive. I let my emotions get the better of me despite my reputation for being cool and calculated. But when I saw Gerald’s hand connect with Genevieve’s cheek, something primal rose up inside me, demanding retribution.

But that’s no excuse for having traumatized her.

“Genevieve,” I say softly. She starts, turning to look at me with those wide, sea-foam eyes. “About earlier. I apologize if my behavior upset you. I allowed my temper to get out of hand.”

My ruthless reputation precedes me, yet until tonight, Genevieve has only experienced my gentle nature. She has only ever seen my ferocity in the ring.

“I would never direct such anger at you,” I assure her. Reaching over, I take one of her hands in mine, enveloping it completely. So small and delicate. “Never doubt that I only want to keep you safe.”

She meets my gaze again, lips curving into a tremulous smile. “I know,” she whispers. “I’m not upset with you, Damien.”

Her voice is steady, certain. I feel a flood of relief.

“I just...” She bites her lip, glancing down at her hands folded neatly in her lap. “I’ve never seen you so angry before. It surprised me.”

I nod slowly, understanding dawning.

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