Page 25 of My Ruthless Husband

Now, as the car comes to a stop, my stomach twists into knots. The marble walkway leading to the front door is eerily familiar. Memories of me pacing this very path, eagerly awaiting Damian’s return from his work trips, come flooding back. The nostalgia is suffocating and painful.

Memories of my twenty-one-year-old self, dolled up for my husband, now bring only pain. I recall the anguish of waiting for his return, unaware that it would become my life: endless waiting, endless agony.

“Mrs. Montgomery.”

I startle and look up to find Hal peering at me expectantly while holding my door open. His tanned face appears pinched slightly. Even he is pissed at me for running from his ruthless boss.

As Damian’s right-hand man, Hal takes everything personally, and my escape from his team here and in Paris is clearly a betrayal. He’s the one who stalked me through the city’s winding streets, scaring me. Now, his expression makes it clear that he’s angry, not just with me, but with himself for letting me slip through his fingers.

Without taking his offered hand, I climb out. Damian rounds the car and snatches my hand in his. It’s just as well he is dragging me inside because I don’t think I possess the strength to walk back into hell myself.

With each step forward, my stomach contracts painfully. I don’t want to go in there. Being here is inflicting more damage to my soul.

My marriage gave me wealth and luxury, but it took away the one thing I truly wanted: love. The fancy clothes, jewels, and mansion only made me feel emptier. I was surrounded by beauty, but my heart was breaking.

Hal swings open the front door, standing aside as Damian pulls me into the grand foyer. He stops at the center, near the enormous swan centerpiece made of white marble. The chandelier’s light falls over us as we stand facing each other.

“Go to bed, there’s something at work that needs my attention.”

“It’s four in the morning.” The words are out before I can think.

He cocks his eyebrow as he takes a step closer. He cups my cheek tenderly. “You want me to come to bed right now?”

My jaw drops at his clear hint. Before I could set him straight, he continues, “I fired all the staff.” At my stunned silence, he says, “Now I have guards stationed outside as well as inside the property.”

“To babysit me?” We both know I don’t wish to stay here. Just standing here feels like someone has twisted the knife that has been lodged in my chest ever since I ran.

“Something like that. You’re free to do as you please within the house; they won’t interfere.”

“I can leave the house?” I ask sardonically.

When he gives me a warning look, I shake my head and push his hand away. “Thought so. But just for your information, you can’t keep me locked up in here forever.”

“I’m not.”

“But you implied I can’t leave the house.”

He cocks a shoulder, riling me up.

I rub my temples. “I’m not interested in your mind games. What the hell do you mean?”

“You heard me. I told you that they won’t interfere. They won’t stop you from running.” He leisurely unbuttons his suit jacket before taking it off and handing it to Hal. Then continues, “but if youdoleave me again, I’ll punish them.”

My eyes go wide. “What?”

He slides his hands in his pockets. “If you ran, they will pay the price.”

I inhale sharply. “Why?”

“Because someone has to bear the consequences.”

I shake my head in part confusion and part fear. “But why would you punish innocent people for my actions? That’s so messed up.”

“So don’t run. Don’t give me a reason to make them and their families suffer.”

His words shock me to the core. I take a step back, gaping. I knew he is a ruthless man. He ruins people who crosses him. But that was in business. He likes to strip people from their power and money and status who cheats him. Sure. He wades into gray territory. Might have crossed legal boundaries in some cases but he wouldn’t harm people. Would he?

“What’s wrong with you?”

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