Page 76 of Savage Games

Harris. It was Harris, in the hospital. The conversation I wasn’t supposed to have overheard after Richard got out of surgery.

“Is phase two all set?” asked Richard.

“They’d have to be blind and stupid to not pick up on the damning trail of evidence I left.”

The same sense of cold unease settled in my stomach.

Continuing to read, there was a quote from her barrister, claiming someone had framed Nicole. He stated that the evidence implicating his client was almost too perfect not to be planted and was pressing for a quick trial to vindicate her.

Elizabeth, I will handle this my way. That is what Richard had said when I had asked why he wasn’t telling the police about the phone with the threatening photos.

I knew all too well how Richard liked to handle things.

No. It wasn’t possible. Even Richard wouldn’t take things that far.

It was our wedding! The queen was in attendance!

No, it was ludicrous to even think it.

Despite my weak assurances to myself, I continued to read.

Just as I was finishing the article, the end of a riding crop appeared at the top of the page. It slowly crushed the newspaper down to reveal Richard standing over me in riding attire.

I had been caught. There was no way he didn’t see the large photo of Nicole on the front page. I held my breath, waiting to see what my punishment would be.

Taking his riding crop, he slapped the leather tongue against his palm.

“I had finished early and thought I would surprise you with a final horseback ride through the countryside before we left tomorrow.” His voice was deceptively calm.

I knew better.

I stared at the evil-looking riding crop, remembering the stinging pain it caused.

Garbled memories flashed across my mind from the time I was first brought to this estate. Memories of Richard standing before me in the same dark, tight-fitting frock coat and buff breeches tucked into polished black riding boots holding that same riding crop.

I see you have not given up your fits of temper.

I tried to stop the flood of memories of me begging Richard as he grabbed me by the upper arm and dragged me across the conservatory to a dark corner. The feel of the riding crop punishing my naked breasts. The humiliating memory of him forcing the handle deep inside me… deep inside my… no, stop!

It was in the past.

All in the past.

We knew better now than to play such dangerous games with one another.

Richard had changed.

At least I hoped he had changed.

Richard took the crumpled newspaper from my hands and set it aside, then drew me up from my seat. His arms wrapped around me. I could feel the shaft of the riding crop pressing against my back. A subtle threat.

Giving me a chaste kiss on the forehead, he said, “It’s a beautiful morning, my love. I think it would be better spent enjoying it rather than dwelling on… unpleasant memories. Why don’t you change into your blue riding habit and join me?”

I let out the breath I had been holding. Going up on my toes, I gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll get dressed and be right back.”

As I hurried to do his bidding, I felt relief pour over me.

See? He’d changed.

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