Page 71 of Sacrifice (Corrupt Empire 2)

“Princess,” I whispered.

The relief I felt at having her right there almost fucking killed me.

“Well hello to you too,” James said as he walked in.

I ignored him, focusing on my girl. She trembled, her limbs shaking as she clutched me.

“What happened?” I asked.

When Avery didn’t answer, James did instead.

“Well, she ran out of the car as soon as it stopped. The other car pulled up and some seriously scary looking blokes got out, but we were through the door before they had a chance to get anywhere near us. Davis was out of there like a shot.”

“Did you get a good look at any of the men?”

“No, I was too busy trying to make sure Avery was safe.”

I nodded. So it wasn’t the paparazzi. It most definitely wasn’t someone hired by the Shaws as that wasn’t their style. Who the fuck could it be? Why the hell would someone send a bunch of guys after Avery?

“I think we need to stay here. Getting her out now is too much of a risk.”

James eyed the two of us. Avery looked up at me finally. Her eyes were wide with fear.

“James only has one bedroom,” she said.

“The sofa pulls out,” he said with a shrug. “I mean obviously you two are always welcome to stay here.”

I didn’t really care where we slept, just that my girl was safe and in my arms. The tension in the air wasn’t helping matters though. Neither of us had seen him since she’d admitted to me about them sleeping together before we met.

“Thanks.”

I looked down at Avery. She wasn’t trembling so hard any longer, but her doe eyes spoke volumes. Today had been taxing for her.

“Come on, princess.”

She let me take her over to the sofa and sit her down. I squatted by her feet and slipped off her heels for her, setting them next to the sofa. I put a hand on her knee, rubbing it.

“How are you feeling?” I asked, my voice low.

“Like everything has gone to shit.”

I looked up at James.

“Do you have something she can change into?”

He nodded and shuffled out of the room. Pressing her legs open, I knelt between them and tugged her towards me, cupping her face.

“We haven’t talked about what he did.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Avery…”

“He was going to rape me, Aiden. I could see it in his eyes. If you hadn’t been there…”

Tears welled in her eyes. I stroked her cheek. I didn’t want to think about what would’ve happened if I hadn’t been there. If that sick fuck raped my girlfriend, he wouldn’t have walked out of that building alive. Fuck the consequences. I would’ve killed him on the spot.

“I was there and he didn’t.”

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