Page 119 of Brutal Collateral

Only, it snaps, and I fall to the ground. I don’t hurt myself, but now I’m covered in mud, even my hair.

That’s when the damn bursts and I start to really cry, feeling sorry for myself.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Griffin

Iwas always the kindof man who used someone’s weakness against them. My enemies. Not a woman. Notmy wife. But here I am...

That’s not how I want to get married.

Ava had confessed that nugget the day I rescued her and suggested we get married in the state she was in. When she said no, I backed off immediately.

All I’ve tried to do since then is make the wedding special. A big ring, a nice dress, and the ballroom at The fucking Sterling hotel.

She kept fighting me.

And I broke.

I certainly didn’t want to get married sweating like a pig with scratches on my arms from my feral bride.

But I did.

This isnotwhat being a king looks like.

As much as Ava is fighting me, I know she’s scared. All I want to do is hold her, tell her it will all be okay.

How do you hug a cactus?

Or kiss an angry wasp?

Despite that impromptu marriage, I know we still have to go through the real ceremony her aunt planned. It would look suspicious to cancel. As far as I’m concerned if that’s the next time Ava and I speak, so be it. I’m done. I thought I felt something for her and that she felt something for me.

Clearly, she doesn’t. How stupid of me.

Today was a calculated move to break her spirit. The way she’s breaking mine. I’ve never let my emotions get this out of control. Seeing Ava so close to Shane felt like lava running under my veins.

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