Page 63 of Ashes of Sin

Two weeks later, after arguing with my wife, Maddox was sent away to school. She knew what had gone on over the years. Not completely, but she had enough of an idea and knew not to mention it.

Until the first night, we were alone.

“You are a monster. I should never have let you touch our son. You’re disgusting.”

“I know,” I’d replied and walked out of the room, leaving her to her bottle of gin.

I think that’s why he never came home again. No holidays. Not even when he graduated and fought for his mother’s inheritance.

I planned to take him under my wing, tell him that what had happened in the past should stay there. That I would teach him to be a powerful businessman.

Maddox proved me wrong.

He did it all on his own.

But I’ve been waiting for him. For his wrath. For his demands that I apologize or repent my sins. If that’s why he’s taken Kyra, he will be waiting a lifetime.

Or mine at least.

My message on the show was clear—return her. What else does he plan to do? Kill her? Christ, that mouse of a girl must be terrified. Not my concern, as long as she is at the church the day we are to marry.

“The narrative is shifting,” Terrance says, walking into my office. “The interview was good.”

I nod.

“It’s probably too early to tell, but I think most people are starting to believe Kyra Fox has a mental health condition and was having premarital jitters.”

“It’s been six hours.”

“That’s about one hundred years in the social media landscape these days.”

I grunt.

“Well, good.” I push out my chair. “I’m heading home for the weekend. Call me if anything changes.”

I need to prepare to send my son a stronger message beyond today's if Kyra isn’t returned. I know where he lives and have a few cops in my back pocket.

It doesn’t serve me to see my son locked up, but if I have to, I will.

Maddox might not think I’ve kept tabs on him, but he’s wrong. He’s underestimated me and embarrassed me twice.

He won’t do it again.

Surely, he doesn’t think I love the girl. After my wife died, I knew I didn’t want to marry again. I enjoyed the freedom to be the depraved man I am. Now, I’m older. I need a woman to attend events and play the role of my wife.

Yes, it would’ve been better to choose a more age-appropriate woman, but I wasn’t worried about gossip until this fucking situation occurred. I was focused on choosing someone compliant.

Kyra is perfect.

Once returned, I will marry her, and she will take her place in my household and spread her legs so I can fuck her whenever I please. It’s going to be even more pleasurable knowing my son failed to destroy me.

If he’s fucked her, then even better.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

KYRA

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