Page 1 of The Vicious Defender

Prologue

Tallulah

Istare at theruined fabric with tears in my eyes. How is it possible a dream could be ruined in one fell swoop? It's over. It's really over.

I'm not pregnant. My dreams have been officially crushed this morning. My panties are soaked in blood and it's all over.

A single tear rolls down my cheek.

This was my one chance.

A loud, racking sob escapes my throat. I throw the tattered remains of my lingerie at the garbage and sink onto my bed, covering my face with my hands and letting the tears fall.

My shoulders shake and my breaths come in short bursts. I feel like my entire life is falling apart. And all I can do is cry.

It's not like me to wallow in self-pity, but today I need it.

I know Xavier's going to come looking for me soon. My husband doesn't even know I was convinced I was pregnant. I was waiting until I was sure, so there wouldn't be any false hope.

I was so fucking sure.

How is it possible to have missed the signs so badly? I know the answer, and it makes me feel worse. I was ignoring the signs because I was sure, just fucking sure, I was carrying Xavier's child.

It was too good to be true, apparently.

He was so excited about the prospect of fatherhood, too. We both wanted a child of our own so desperately. And now that dream has died. I can't tell him. Not right now. Not today. It would ruin him.

I sit up and wipe the tears off my face. I sniffle, taking a few deep breaths to try to compose myself. I need to breathe, like he taught me. The good news is, he never knew.

I change into a navy dress and take special care to ensure Xavier won't notice. But having such a dominant, controlling husband, I'm well-aware he'll notice the signs of my predicament soon enough.

Tonight was supposed to be about us. I was going to tell him tonight, during the romantic date he'd planned for us. Now I was going to undoubtedly ruin it all.

Wiping the tears from my eyes with trembling fingers, I compose myself in front of the mirror. He'd notice, though. My husband notices everything.

The door swings open and he walks into the room.

"Angel, where are you?" he calls.

"I'm in the bedroom," I call back.

He strides toward me with his usual confidence, stopping when he reaches me. His palm comes to rest on my shoulder proprietorially and I fight a sigh of relief. I'm grateful to have him, I just wish I could tell him about this without freaking out.

"You look gorgeous," he says. "What are you wearing? "

I shrug. "The new collection from Prada. Just thought it was pretty," I say, smoothing my hands over the silky fabric. It's tightand curve-hugging, an attempt to distract my husband from the grief written all over my face.

"Stunning," he smirks. "We should get going now, angel. I have a special night planned for you. I'm glad you're wearing something tight."

"You're always glad I'm wearing something tight," I giggle despite the despair bubbling in my stomach.

"Tonight, you'll need it," he grins and helps me get up, spinning me in front of him to get a full look. He whistles, the sound low and full of admiration and lust. "As always, my wife will outshine everyone else."

"You're so dramatic, Xavier," I sigh, a smile on my lips.

"You deserve the best, angel," he says and leans in for a soft, gentle kiss. I melt into him, letting his kiss consume me and his touch heal me. He's the best thing that ever happened to me. And yet I have to break his heart.

When we pull away, he stares into my eyes and his grin is replaced with a worried expression.

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