Page 141 of The Protégé

The urge to gouge his eyes out soared in me. “Get the fuck off of me!”

I curled my knee, hitting him in the balls. He winced and released his grip on my wrists. I scratched his face, and my nails caught one of his eyes.

Even better.

JR2shrieked in pain, and I pushed myself up. Adrenaline pumped through me as I rushed to the kitchen counter for a knife—for anything that could be used as a weapon. I knew he’d rape me and then kill me. I’d never killed anyone, but I’d do it right now without hesitation.

I rounded the counter, but he caught up to me. “You can’t escape me this time! I’m going to fuck you, bitch! Then I’m going to bury you alive!”

“Help me!” I shouted, even though I knew there was no one on the island.

He gripped my legs, and I fell to the floor. He dragged me back toward him, flipped me over. Then he threw his weight on top of me.

CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

ORION

My meeting ended early,and I flew the plane home, desperately missing Elena. I needed her presence—her comfort. Everyone on the Reimann Corporation board, including Jonah, didn’t object to my plans and the thorough investigation of every single bank under our umbrella.

We all wanted what was best for the company. Even if some of them had objected, there wasn’t anything they could do. I’d gotten the majority vote. Those who had showed displeasure were on my list to investigate. A separate team—that no one knew about—had been designated for that.

From what my mother had left me under the rock, the game had completely changed. I’d alerted my friends for help because there were too many moving pieces, too many angles to oversee. If I wanted to succeed—which I would—I’d need help from those I trusted.

I didn’t realize how much my father had to endure until I sat in his seat. He was dwelling in a poisonous snake pit. How did he manage it?

Frustration threatened to overwhelm me as I thought about the damaging information that had gotten my mother murdered. She wasn’t killed in a car accident. My father had also paid a price when he started investigating the bank scams.

I wanted to eliminate every single person responsible for hurting my family. Eradicate them like cockroaches. But that would be too easy. Too quick.

I tried my best to shove the thrumming vengeance aside. I didn’t want to bring it back to see Elena. If she weren’t in my life right now, I could have easily spiraled out of control.

When I landed the plane, I noticed Jasper’s boat on the pier. What the hell was he doing here? I’d already told him I had no interest in selling my island. I wasn’t in the mood to entertain him right now.

Getting off the plane, I hopped into the car and drove to the house. Arriving, I heard Elena’s scream and rushed in.

Blood roared in my ears as I saw Jasper on top of her, trying to rape her. Fury blinded me and I stalked over, yanked the fucker off her, and threw two punches into his face. I dragged his ass to the counter, reached for the knife, and stabbed it into each of his thighs.

He shrieked. “What the fuck, Orion?!”

I shoved him against the counter, placing the blade to his throat. A red stream trickled down his neck, and I didn’t give a fuck.

“Don’t. Ever. Touch. Her. Again. Do you understand me?” I seethed.

“She’s just a fuckingmaid.” Jasper looked at me. For the first time, I saw fear in his eyes. He’d never seen me this way. Well, he’d been blind.

I shoved the blade closer. “Do you want me to slit your throat or cut off your dick?”

I wanted to cut off his family jewels, but I needed him cognizant enough to deliver a message. There were bigger fish to fry than him.

“I’m okay.” Elena placed a gentle hand on my arm. I could hear the tremble in her voice. When I looked at her, I saw a flushed palm print on her cheek. I stabbed the knife into his hand and yanked it out.

“The fuck! What is wrong with you?” Jasper shouted.

“It’s about time you realize there are consequences to your actions. How dare you come into my home and assaultmygirlfriend!”

I examined Elena, who looked frightened and disheveled.

My eyes met hers, and she nodded. “I’m fine.”

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