Page 18 of Blackmailing the Mogul

Henry's face turns beet red with rage and he takes another step closer to me, his face mere inches from mine. I stand my ground, holding his blazing gaze despite the violent thudding of my heart.

“You little slut,” he snarls. “I'm going to kill you!”

His hand shoots out, so fast I didn't see it coming, his palm closing around my throat and squeezing tightly. Panic surges through me as I gasp for air, clawing at his hand with my nails, but his grip only tightens.

"Let her go, Henry!" Ryan's voice rings out, strong and authoritative. In an instant, he’s across the room, his powerful hands gripping Henry's arm and wrenching him away from me.

Henry stumbles backward but doesn't get the chance to steady himself as Ryan immediately punches him in the face, sending him sprawling to the floor. Blood trickles from Henry's nose, and he glares up at Ryan with a mixture of shock and fury.

“You're lucky I'm holding back, Henry,” Ryan says, his voice low and dangerous. “Now, get the fuck out of my house before I decide to stop being civil.”

Henry wipes the blood from his nose, his expression twisting into a sneer as he looks at me. “This isn't over," he snarls, struggling to his feet. “I'm going to get you, Jenna. Don't think Henry will be around to protect you forever.”

Ryan steps forward, his fists clenched, but I place a hand on his arm, stopping him. “Get out, Henry,” I say, my voice steadier now. “Go. Before we call the police.”

Henry looks between Ryan and me, his eyes filled with hatred. But he knows he's outmatched. With a final glare, he turns and limps out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

As soon as he's gone, Ryan pulls me into his arms and holds me tight, his body trembling with rage and worry. "Are you okay?" he asks, his voice muffled in my hair. I can feel the rapid thudding of his heart, mirroring mine and somehow that comforts me.

“I'm okay,” I reply, looking up into his worried face. “I'm glad you came in time.”

“I should have come down sooner,” Ryan says, his voice filled with guilt. “I cannot imagine what would have happened if…” he trails off, his voice cracking with emotion. “I'm sorry, love.”

I wrap my hands around him, smiling up into his warm brown eyes. "You saved me and that's all that matters. Thank you, Ryan."

He nods, holding me tighter. “I'll never let anyone hurt you again, Jenna. I promise to keep you safe.”

And I believe him because, in his arms, I feel protected. Loved. "I love you, Henry." The words flew out of my mouth, my heart swelling with indescribable happiness. "I love you so much."

Ryan's face lights up with a radiant smile, and he brushes his thumb against my cheek, wiping off the lone teardrop that slid down my eyes. “I love you too, Little Fox… More than I ever believed possible.”

***

I stare at the full, bright moon shining overhead, a content smile tugging at my lips. It's a beautiful night, one that gives the illusion of endless possibilities and prompts heartwarming dreams. And right now, I'm dreaming about the past three months with Ryan… how his laughter has become my favorite sound, how his touch feels like home, and how his unwavering support has given me strength I never knew I had. He's been nothing but amazing and I couldn't be happier to have him as my man.

My man…

The thought sends a flutter of excitement through my chest. I love that I'm able to think of him so possessively.

A lot has changed in three months; I quit my job at MedPlus and started to take a course in Early Childhood Education because that will help with my ambition to work with kids in the near future. Henry was tried and convicted of corporate fraud and was given a long prison term. Mom and Dad were shocked, but I think they've come to accept the fact that Henry is more of a dirtbag than they were willing to admit and that some people, no matter how loved they are, are beyond redemption. They welcomed Ryan into the family with open arms and have even come to adore him. So, for our three-month anniversary dinner, Mom bought me a pretty shimmering gown in the most gorgeous shade of green, did my hair, and even made me put some make-up on.

I'm glad I indulged her, though… Ryan couldn’t take his eyes off me all night and he kept telling me how stunning I looked. Dinner consisted of grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce, roasted asparagus, and garlic mashed potatoes. The meal was perfect, but it was the company that made it truly special. We talked, laughed, flirted, and laughed some more.

Ryan drove us back to his house where he had a fancy table set up on the terrace with flower petals, soft-lit scented candles, and a super expensive bottle of wine.

Everything feels so magical and I feel like a princess in a fairytale.

“Hey, baby,” Ryan says, coming to stand behind me by the terrace rails. He slips his hands around my waist, nuzzling his head in my neck. “You smell so good.”

“Thanks, honey,” I say, craning my neck to give him more access.

“A penny for your thoughts,” he says after a stretch of comfortable silence.

I turn around in his arms and smile up at him. “I'll take a penny and a kiss.”

He chuckles and leans over to paste a quick kiss on my forehead. “What're you standing here thinking about?”

“Us.”

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