Page 70 of Taken By Him

“I wouldn’t have,” I say honestly. “I would have tied you to my bed to keep you from going there to see what you saw. To have that horror etched into your mind.”

“When you got there, you didn’t order your men to take me away. You asked me what I wanted done.” She seems confused by this still. Doesn’t she understand?

“I will always be there, always ready to stand in front of you to protect you, and to stand behind you when you need support.” I press my forehead to hers. “Kocham Cie, Kasia.”I love you.

“Kocham Cie, Dominik.”

It’s the first time I’ve heard her speak in Polish, and I will always remember it.

I kiss her, not one of ownership or power, but a tender kiss that relays every emotion I hold for her. I went into this marriage as a way to help my father, a way to expand our territory. But I’ve gotten so much more.

I have Kasia.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Kasia

It’s past nine o’clock when Dominik comes up to our bedroom. He sent me up here after dinner tothinkabout what was going to happen when he came up.

My father’s service was two weeks ago. His ashes have probably already reached his brother in Poland. I met with his attorney this afternoon and signed all the paperwork to claim my inheritance. My father never wanted me to have anything, but he never changed his will. I get everything.

I want none of it.

Instead I’ve instructed my father’s attorney to sell everything that can be sold. Once everything’s liquidated, Dominik has agreed to help me build a halfway house for women. I know his family doesn’t sell women, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

Every woman we saved that night has been brought home or are being set up with a new life. That’s why the halfway house is needed. They need a safe place to stay while they get an education, find new footing in this world. I may not be using my education degree to teach young minds, but I will be using my skills to help people who need a helping hand.

And yet...I’m sitting in our bedroom, waiting for my husband to come upstairs to punish me.

He mentioned something about getting too big for my britches. My grandmother used to use that term. It’s old school, but if I know anything about my husband, it’s how traditional he is. And he doesn’t like it when his wife starts ordering him about in front of his men. And I suppose outright defying him when he told me to stay out of the sun this afternoon wasn’t the right move either.

If he thought having me worry about the punishment was going to make it worse, he was mistaken. He won’t spank me, that will be sad because I do love it when he brings a hot hum to my body, but he’ll use pleasure against me. I’m not worried.

The bedroom door opens, and Dominik walks inside with a tight expression. He’s been home most of the day, so he’s not wearing his suit. He’s in a casual t-shirt and black jeans. His feet are bare.

I stand up from the bed, drop my robe to the floor at my feet. It’s a challenge.

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