Page 86 of Ruined By Protection
"How did you get Evelyn's phone?" What might he have done to my sweet cousin? I hardly dare consider it.
"Does it matter?" He chuckles. "What matters is that I've found you, sweetheart. And you've been very, very naughty."
I spot movement at the bottom of the stairs – Matteo and Lucrezia in deep conversation. Relief washes over me.
"The restraining order wasn't very nice," Elliott’s voice hardens. "Neither was hiring a lawyer. You know how I feel about airing our private business."
I descend the stairs, frantically waving to catch their attention while pressing a finger to my lips.
"I was scared," I say, injecting a note of apology into my voice. "You hurt me so badly that night."
"You provoked me to it," Elliott replies smoothly. "You always do. But I forgive you."
Matteo looks up, his stony expression changing instantly when he sees my face. I point to the phone and mouth "Elliott" while continuing down the stairs.
"It wasn't clever getting divorce lawyers involved, Hazel," Elliott's voice turns menacing. "Now I might be forced to take actions I'd rather avoid. Your father's next surgery, your mother's position at the company... such fragile things."
Lucrezia's eyes widen as she comprehends what's happening. Matteo's face transforms into something deadly.
"Please don't hurt them," I whisper, and the fear in my voice is entirely real. "They have nothing to do with this."
"They have everything to do with this," Elliott counters. "They're the reason you married me, aren't they? Not love. Simple convenience. Security."
I reach the bottom of the stairs. Matteo holds out his hand for the phone but I shake my head. I need to keep Elliott talking.
"I did love you," I lie. "In the beginning."
"And you will again," Elliott says with complete confidence. "Once you're home where you belong."
Matteo's jaw clenches so hard I can see the muscle working beneath his skin. He turns abruptly and strides toward the front door, moving with terrifying purpose.
Lucrezia reaches for the phone, mouthing "Give it to me."
"Elliott, I need time," I say, my voice breaking. "Can't you understand that?"
I tighten my grip on the phone, watching Matteo's retreating figure with a mix of fear and confusion. Where is he going? What is he planning?
"Elliott, I need time," I repeat, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Time's up, Hazel," he says spitefully. "You've had your little adventure. Now tell me where you are so I can come get you."
My mind races. I can't give him any information that might lead him here. Lucrezia stands beside me, her eyes stretched with concern as she gestures for me to hand over the phone.
"I—I don't know exactly where I am," I stammer and it's not entirely a lie. "I've been staying with Evelyn but I get confused here in New York. All the streets look the same to me."
"Don't play games with me," Elliott warns, his voice dropping to that dangerous whisper I know too well. "I know you aren’t with Evelyn. So where are you? What's the address?"
"I honestly don't know. We took a cab from her place." I force a nervous laugh that doesn't sound fake because I really am terrified. "You know how bad I am with directions. I couldn't tell you if we went north or south or?—"
"You think I'm stupid?" The pleasant facade cracks and the real Elliott emerges—vicious, calculating, destructive. "You think I don't know what you're doing right now?"
"Elliott, please?—"
"You're stalling." He cuts me off. "You know exactly where you are. You're just too much of a conniving little bitch to admit it."
I hear a commotion in the background—a door slamming, footsteps.
"Get away from me!" Evelyn's voice, distant but unmistakable, rises behind the grunts. "How dare you touch my phone!"
