Page 37 of Grave Intentions

I struggle against his grip, fear spiking through me. “Let go of me! You’re hurting me.”

His hold only tightens, and he pulls me flush against him. “That’s no way to talk to your future husband.” His free hand trails down my side, and I shudder in revulsion.

Panic rises within me, and I cry out, “Stop! Get off me!”

David clamps a hand over my mouth, silencing my pleas. "Shh, it's okay, Lena. I’m just showing you how much I love you.”

Tears stream down my face as he forces me onto the bed, using his body to pin me down. I try to fight him off, but he’s too strong. The realization that I’m truly alone in this hits me hard.

I kick and scratch, desperately trying to break David’s vise-like grip. He leers at me, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of lust and anger. As he moves to tear my blouse, my heart hammers in my chest. I know what’s coming next, and I’m terrified.

Suddenly, the door bursts open, and Jamie strides into the room. “Get the hell out, David!” he barks.

David freezes, his hands still wrapped around my wrists. He looks like he might refuse for a moment, but then he seems to think better of it. With a final, venomous glare in my direction, he releases me and straightens his clothes.

“Go on, get out!” Jamie repeats, his stance threatening.

David’s face twists with annoyance. With one last look at me, he stalks out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

“Are you okay?” Jamie’s voice is gentle as he approaches me. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

I nod. “I-I’m fine, though. Thank you, Jamie.”

Jamie’s eyes flicker with concern. “You sure? He didn’t... you know...”

“No,” I whisper, feeling relieved that Jamie arrived when he did. “I’m okay. Really.”

“You’ve had it rough, Lena. I’m sorry. First Talon, then my dad.” He shakes his head, anger, and shame written over his face. “And now that scumbag David.”

My jaw clenches. “What do you mean by first, Talon?”

He tilts his head. “Well, my parents mentioned that they caught him forcing himself on you?—”

“That’s a lie,” I hiss, shaking my head. “I was more than willing with him. I loved him.”

Jamie’s eyes widen. “Motherfuckers,” he mutters, shaking his head. “I need to get the fuck out of here and soon. With youleaving, I can’t stand being around their lies.” He gives me a sad look. “I’m sorry for all of this, Lena. Just be careful around David. He’s a piece of work.”

I grip the edge of my bed, trying to steady my shaking hands. “I don’t know how I will be careful when forced to live with him in Boston.” The words tumble out before I can stop them.

Jamie’s expression darkens. “They shouldn’t force you to live with him.” His voice is tight with barely contained anger. “I’ve tried talking some sense into my mom, but she’s got this warped idea that you and him will make the perfect couple. And, of course, his family is rich as sin. My mom will brag about it to all her book club friends.”

Of course, that’s all this is to Mrs. Wilson—a means to an end, a way to claw her way into the upper echelons of society and brag about it. My well-being and happiness have never factored into her decisions and never will.

“I just...” Jamie runs a hand through his hair, his expression pained. “I wish there was something I could do to help you. You don’t deserve this.”

His words strike a chord deep within me, and I blink back tears. In all my years under this roof, Jamie is the only Wilson to show me a shred of kindness or basic human decency. He may have a rough exterior, but there’s a gentle soul beneath it all.

“Thank you, Jamie,” I whisper, offering him a tremulous smile.

He shifts uncomfortably as if unused to such open displays of emotion. But then he meets my gaze, his eyes filled with a fierce determination. “I promise, Lena. If that bastard hurts you, I’ll make him regret the day he was born.”

I nod, knowing Jamie isn’t one for empty threats. Despite his flaws, he has grown into a man with a strong moral compass and a deep-seated need to protect those he cares about—a miracleconsidering who his parents are. And for some reason, he seems to have taken me under his wing ever since Talon left.

As he turns to leave, I call out to him. “Jamie?”

He pauses, glancing back at me.

“Thank you,” I repeat.

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