Page 56 of Checks & Bonds

"You don't want to get back at Henry for what he and Amber are doing?" Jensen's incredulity was palpable.

"No," I repeated, my voice stronger this time. "Not like this."

I tried to push him off, but he wouldn't budge. His body was an immovable force against mine.

"Jensen," I pleaded, my voice cracking. "Please."

"Oh, come on now," he said, pressing his body into mine, his breath hot against my ear. "Surely you can't be happy with Henry. How mad do you think this'll make him, hmm? Mad enough that he breaks your engagement?"

I hesitated, the words echoing in my mind. Is this what I wanted? I didn't want to marry Henry, but to do it like this? Was I that desperate?

I shook my head. "I won't."

"Yes, you will." His hand started to creep up my thigh, fingers rough against my skin. "You came to the ceremony. You were going to bind yourself to someone. This is the same thing."

"I…" My voice faltered, caught in a whirlwind of confusion and fear. Tears blurred my vision. I had made a mess of everything. I should have been better; I should have put more thought into this. And now…

"I said stop," I demanded, struggling against his hold.

"That's not going to happen," Jensen snarled through clenched teeth, tightening his grip on me. "Henry Mathers has taken everything I've ever wanted, and now, I finally get the opportunity to do the same thing. Sorry, but I'm going to take it."

Desperation fueled my movements as he tugged at my pants. Summoning all my strength, I managed to knee him in the crotch.

"Fuck, Freya, you bitch!" he exclaimed, doubling over in pain.

I took the moment of his distraction to push him away with all the force I could muster. My heart pounded as adrenaline surged through me.

I stumbled toward the door, my heart hammering in my chest. My breath came in ragged gasps, desperation driving me forward. But just as my fingers brushed the doorknob, a sharp tug at my ankle sent me crashing to the floor.

Jensen's grip tightened around my ankle, and before I could react, he mounted me, pinning my hands above my head. I bucked and twisted, but his weight was overwhelming, crushing me into the hardwood.

He smirked down at me, eyes glinting with a sickening satisfaction. "Don't worry," he whispered, his breath hot against my face. "I'll make you feel good. I promise."

Panic surged through me. I struggled harder, trying to free myself from his iron grip. But then, without warning, Jensen was yanked off me and thrown to the floor with a force that made the room shake.

Blinking in confusion, I looked up and saw him—Henry. His broad shoulders filled the doorway, his piercing blue eyes blazing with fury. He looked every bit the hero from an action movie, his presence radiating raw power and anger.

I'd never been more grateful to see anyone in my life.

"What are you doing here?" Jensen demanded, his voice a mix of shock and pain as he tried to scramble to his feet.

"Considering this is my house," Henry said coldly, stepping forward with measured menace, "I should ask you that question."

"Freya invited me—" Jensen started, but I cut him off.

"I didn't," I insisted, my voice trembling with emotion. "He's lying."

Henry's gaze darkened even further. "You touched her," he said slowly, each word dripping with controlled rage. "You tried to do much more than that."

In one swift motion, Henry pulled Jensen up by the collar until he was standing on unsteady legs. Then Henry's fistconnected with Jensen's jaw in a punch so powerful it echoed through the room.

Jensen crumpled to the floor again, clutching his face in agony.

Henry towered over Jensen, his eyes a storm of fury. Without hesitation, he brought his fist down again, connecting with Jensen's jaw. The sickening crunch echoed in the room, making my stomach churn.

Jensen tried to scramble away, his hands raised in a feeble attempt to protect himself.

But Henry was relentless. He grabbed Jensen by the collar and yanked him up, delivering another brutal punch that sent Jensen sprawling back to the floor. The impact reverberated through the wooden boards, and I winced.

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