Page 41 of My Ruthless Neighbor

His words wake her up and she takes a hasty step back.

He takes a step toward her. “Tsk. Tsk. That’s not wise.” She takes several back. But doesn’t escape him. Because he is right there as he erases the gap easily.

With an arm circling her waist, he pulls her flush to his chest. “You have no idea how angry I am. You shouldn’t test me now, angel.”

“Let go of me. I am not going anywhere with you!”

“Oh, I don’t remember asking you.”

“Fuck you.” Her hands land on his chest as she tries to push him.

There’s a frightening pause before he lifts her hand in his. “Where are your rings?”

The question makes her shudder. “I threw them away.” Her voice is small.

“You are in a lot of trouble.”

“Get out!”

I march toward them. “You heard her, buddy.”

He takes a solid minute to look at me. Then his eyes slide back to River. “Let’s not trouble your friend any longer. We can talk about this at home.”

She pushes him with all her might and he releases her. River hugs herself as she stares at him with unshed tears. “I am not coming. I’ve told you that. I want a divorce. I—”

He cuts her off when he steps into her personal space. “Divorce?” He asks incredulously.

She lifts her chin. “Yes.”

His eyes blister into hers. “Well, until we get a divorce you’re my wife, aren’t you?”

She doesn’t get a chance to answer as he jerks her left hand up. He fishes something out of his pocket. My eyes widen when I see what it is. The rings. Her wedding band and the diamond ring.

She struggles but he thrusts them back to where they used to be. On her ring finger.

River is shocked by his actions. Her pale green eyes are locked on the rings. “Where did you get them?”

“Doesn’t matter.” He takes advantage of her stunned silence. With an arm under her back and the other under her knees, he lifts her up.

“Put me down!”

“No.”

With a fluid motion, he turns and carries her across the living room and out the door.

Ruff! Ruff!

Goldie flies past my frozen state and dashes out the open door. That shakes me out of my stupor.

River’s husband carried her out of here without her consent! He manhandled my friend in my presence. That’s barbaric!

“Argh!” I roar and take off, following my puppy who’s braver than me.

The marbled floor of the hallway is cold against my bare feet as I come to a stop. He is pressing the elevator’s call button while River thrashes in his arms.

Goldie tugs at his slacks, making a rumbling sound. He glares at my fur baby.

“I said let go!” River pants.

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