Page 86 of Vow of Vengeance

“Huh?” he begs, “Tell me when I said that?”

I shake my head. “You didn’t have to say it.”

I remember that night, the first time. That nagging doubt crept up in the back of my mind when I tried to decide whether or not to let him in when I let my heart win. I’m in way over my head with this man.

He told me I deserved more.

And I do.

For once, I do the right thing. I swallow back my fear and my doubts and I tell him what he needs to hear.

“You said you were going to be better. For me.” I shake my head, staring down at my trembling fingers as I whisper, “This isn’t what I deserve.”

“I’m so confused,” he says. “I thought you liked this kind of stuff. You liked the chair I had made for you in your room.”

Finally, I let my eyes lock with his. I’m hurt by the sadness in his gaze—such a contrast to his earlier lust and greed. It softens me. Like it always does. He’s my weakness.

“Tell me more,” he pleads. “Make me understand.”

“I can’t help shake the feeling that all this—” I gesture around the room. “Was… I don’t know. Your way of using me.” I shake my head. “Not pleasing me.” He’s quiet, eyes trained on me, listening. His attentiveness gives me the strength to continue. “Sure, I came.” I shrug, thinking of the overwhelming vibrations that rocked my body. “A lot. But I wasn’t with you. And I missed you.”

He runs his hands through his hair, staring off into the distance. “I thought…” Finally, he says, “You’re right. I needed control.”

I narrow my gaze, asking, “Why?”

He absorbs my words, facing his selfishness. “I had a long day. I felt… powerless. I used this—chair, this thing to gain some semblance of control.”

“You didn’t use the chair,” I correct. “You used me.”

“Oh, God. I didn’t mean to, but I see how you’d feel that way.” He looks away, shaking his head. “I’m a terrible man.”

He’s not a bad man. I want to reach out and grab his hand. “You’re not.”

“Ophelia. I’m so sorry. You’re right. About everything.” He flicks away a tear, hoping I don’t see it.

I did.

The small gesture tugs at my heartstrings so hard, I almost stop him and tell him something that would shake his whole world.

I don’t.

Finally, he gets up the courage to meet my eyes again. “You deserve so much better. For the first time in our relationship, I’m going to give it to you.”

What does this mean? For him, for me, for us? The delicate promise between us to maybe, perhaps, one day…

I twist the ring on my finger. “What are you going to give me?”

“Keep the ring,” he says. “It’s yours. And whatever else you need. I’ll give it all to you. I’ll pay for your education and your housing. Your family’s housing. You only have to do one thing.”

Those deep, soulful eyes stare into mine.

Feeling numb, I ask, “What?”

His final words make my heart sink to my stomach.

He stares right at the screen. His words come as a command. “Leave me and never see me again.”

CHAPTER 27

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