Page 77 of My Ruthless Husband

I cover my face with both hands, my stomach twisting in tight knots.I was an idiot. I worked up the courage to tell him I love him and ended up being rejected in the coldest way possible.

A deep, low voice calls out my name.

I startle, glancing behind me to find Damian, his strides long and confident as he comes toward me.

No!

I can’t handle any more pain. And that’s what I’ll get if I spend even a fraction of a second with him. So I break into a run again.

I become acutely aware of the heavy sound of his footsteps against the asphalt.

Sniffling, I use all my strength to lose him and turn the corner but the rhythm of his approaching footsteps is like a relentless drumbeat.

He calls out my name again, and agony spreads through me. Why can’t he leave me alone? Isn’t what happened enough? I got my punishment. I paid the price for loving him. I paid it dearly and now I am empty. I have nothing left in me. Absolutely nothing.

The footfalls draw nearer, and I can almost feel the tension resonating through him, sending shivers up my spine.

“Leave me alone,” I whimper, knowing he can’t hear me as I turn another block.

Suddenly, a hand grasps my upper arm. In a single, fluid motion, I’m yanked around, colliding with his strong chest. Immediately, I pull away, my attempt weak and trembling. But he wraps his arm around my waist, halting my movements.

Crying softly, I try again, this time with a little more strength. But still, he doesn’t loosen his grip, and the desperation in my chest tightens.

The ache in my heart turns to rage, and I try once more—this time with a force I didn’t know I had left. My hands push against his chest, weakly at first, and then with more force, pounding my fists against him, as if I could somehow beat the pain out of me. I start sobbing.

He simply stands there. His grip remains firm, and he doesn’t attempt to restrain me. Instead, he allows me to release my frustration and pain.

With each blow I deliver, my sobs grow louder and more desperate. The tears blur my vision, but I can still see the determination in his eyes, a silent promise that he won’t let go, that he’s here.

He keeps holding me until I am spent. My bowed head touches his chest as I take shuddering breaths.

“I told you I didn’t want to hurt you.” He speaks finally.

But you did.

Shaking my head in misery, I say, “L-let me go.”

“You should’ve stayed away,” he continues, cutting me with his words.

“I know,” I admit hoarsely.

I can feel his eyes roving intensely over my face. “But you didn’t.”

“I didn’t.” I agree, still not looking at him. “You should go back to your date.” I choke out.

Damian’s free hand slides up and into my ponytail. Grabbing it, he tugs, bringing my eyes back to him. “Why did you come to New York, River?”

He asked the same question earlier but this time my answer is different. “Because I love you.”

The moment the words leave my lips, his gaze blazes to life, glinting with dark possession. And in an instant, his mouth claims mine.

Chapter Twenty-One

Present

Ihave to get out of here.

Gianna is here.

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