Page 46 of The Hermit

I’d much rather have her rant and rave at me than remain silent.

“Would it have helped if I had put up a fight?” she asks, her voice emotionless.

“No,” I mutter.

I stare at her, and only when the private jet starts to taxi down the runway does she turn her head and look at me.

“What do you want, Dominik?”

“You’re wound tight, and I don’t like it one bit that you’re suppressing your emotions. Stop holding back and let me have it.”

Her eyes narrow on my face as she asks, “You want me to fight with you?”

Yes, please.

I shrug. “If it will make you feel better.”

She lets out a heavy sigh and shakes her head. “The only two things that will make me feel better are to be reunited with Ciara and for the wedding to have never happened.” She turns her face away from me. “But I can’t have those things, so what’s the use of fighting?”

“Do you want me to track down Ciara?” I ask. “I’ll drag her ass to you in a heartbeat. Just say the word.”

Grace shakes her head again. “Ciara made it clear she wanted to be on her own when she left without telling me.”

“And it hurt you,” I state the obvious.

Grace closes her eyes. “I’m not having this conversation with you.”

“You should try to get some sleep during the flight,” I mention.

“Uh-huh,” she mutters.

When the flight attendant comes into the cabin, I ask, “Do you want something to drink, Grace?”

“No, but silence would be appreciated,” she grumbles.

That I can do.

I sign to Evinka to intercept the flight attendant so she won’t bother us, then relax in my seat and stare at my wife.

Jebat. I’m married.

Grace is my wife, and oddly, the thought fills me with intense satisfaction.

The fire in her eyes will return once she realizes I won’t hurt her.

The corner of my mouth lifts, knowing her fiery temper now belongs to me.

GRACE

The private jet lands at what seems to be an abandoned airfield, and besides a black Hummer, there’s nothing else around for miles.

Great. I’m really going to be alone in the middle of nowhere with Dominik.

The guards carry my luggage to the vehicle while Dominik and Evinka communicate in sign language.

When he walks toward me, Evinka gives me a wave before heading back to the private jet.

“Come,” Dominik orders as he stalks past me.

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