Page 30 of Betrayed in the Dark
He’s not here to check on my well-being or because he misses my presence. That’s for damn sure.
He’s here to ensure I haven’t run away.
That I haven’t called the whole thing off.
And by the way his eyes dart over his shoulder at Eli, it’s clear he’s also here to claim his territory.
“Don’t you have a kiss for your future husband?” he asks, a menacing gleam in his beady eyes.
I swallow hard, trying to force down the lump in my throat.
So far, I’ve managed to keep a physical distance from Alastor as much as possible in these circumstances. Merely holding hands or standing by his side while in public.
But now, he knows I can’t deny him. Not with all eyes on us.
“Oh.” I wave a hand around. “Unfortunately, my throat has been a little sore. I would hate to get you sick—”
“Nonsense.” I’m taken aback when one of his hands slips around my waist, pulling me closer to his chest, while his other hand sneaks to the back of my neck. His fingers dig into my skin, holding me in place and ensuring I can’t escape. “You’re worth getting sick for.”
That’s the only warning I’m given before his lips crash down on mine.
Bile rises in my stomach as he kisses me, devouring me in front of everyone. I keep my lips pressed tightly together, breathing through my nose and enduring every excruciating second.
Finally, he releases me, a look of arrogance spreading across his ugly features. His rancid taste lingers on my lips, and I have to fight the urge to wipe my mouth with my forearm.
I glance to my side and see Scarlett and Alina with their eyes wide open, unsure how to react.
Humiliation washes over me.
Alastor then turns to his side. “Oh, I didn’t see you there.” He releases his grip on my neck and extends his hand toward Eli. “I don’t think we’ve officially met. I’m Alastor, the fiancé.” He emphasizes the last word, ensuring everyone hears it loud and clear.
Eli stares at Alastor’s outstretched hand, his jaw clenching forcefully. I know he wants to break it. He wants to twist each finger until he hears the bones snap, and Alastor screams out in agony. But when his darkened orbs look up, entrapping mine, I’m hit with an overwhelming surge of guilt.
This is my fault.
He looks ready to assassinate Alastor on the spot.
Anxiety skates across my body as tension forces its way between us, grasping its talons into me.
“Eli.” Eli takes Alastor’s hand, his knuckles turning stark white. His eyes never leave mine. “I’m the bodyguard.”
“Yes.” Alastor winces slightly before releasing Eli’s hand and shaking it out. “Vincenzo told me all about you. Ex-military, correct?”
“Yes.” Finally, his gaze leaves mine, moving to Alastor. “I’m prepared to kill anyone who dares to cause any kind of harm to Madeleine.”
His words produce a not-so-subtle flutter in my heart.
Alastor’s left eye twitches. “Well, good thing we have you to keep my future wife safe, then. Right, darling?” He glances down at me and pulls me closer to his side. His fingers ram painfully into my waist, likely leaving a bruise.
“Yes.” I nod. “Eli’s everything I need…to keep me safe.”
“Madeleine.” Cressida’s soft voice drifts closer to my side as I take a generous sip of champagne, hoping that a little buzz will help me get through the rest of the day. At least Alastor left shortly after staking his claim on me to take care of some business in the city…or sleep with a hooker. Who knows? It’s not like I give a flying fuck which of the two he plans on doing.
“Mm-hmm?” I turn to my side as Cressida takes the empty seat beside me.Ugh.Where the fuck did Alina and Scarlett go?
Her big, soft eyes stare at me as if waiting for permission to speak. I arch an eyebrow, silently urging her to continue.
“Is Eli single?”
