Page 82 of Revenge (Corrupt Empire 3)

She looked down between us and then back up at me, raising an eyebrow. I shrugged. When it came to her, it couldn’t be helped.

“I have work to do,” she said.

“I wasn’t asking for anything.”

I heard a slight cough from next to us and remembered John was here. I let go of Avery, turning away and readjusting myself. Fuck. Just what I needed. A raging hardon for my wife in her office with her bodyguard next to us.

When I glanced back at Avery, she was rubbing her cheek and giving me a half smile, mischief in her doe eyes. At least she was amused. I wouldn’t want her getting upset after what Chuck just did. Fuck. I was still fucking pissed off with him for slapping her.

Avery moved in between me and the desk, collecting one of the cups of tea and handing it to John before she set the other two cups on the desk and put the tray just outside the door for Saskia. She leant back against the door, sighing heavily.

“I thought I’d feel better having it out in the open, but I don’t. At least, not after that reaction.”

I put my hand out to her. She came over and took it. I smiled at her.

“We don’t have to hide any more. That’s a good thing. It’ll be fine.”

Except I wasn’t sure it would be fine at all. I’d seen the way Chuck had looked at me yesterday. Like I’d broken every single ounce of his trust by going behind his back and having a relationship with his niece. I didn’t care what he thought of me. I did care what he would do with this knowledge. And whether he’d hurt Avery for it or not.

It was that thought that had me pulling her back into my chest and holding her tightly.

I was fucking terrified of him taking it out on her.

Because if he did…

I was pretty sure I’d go back on my word to Avery about trying to make sure there was no more bloodshed.

I’d put a bullet in his head.

And I wouldn’t regret it as the life drained out of his eyes.

Not one bit.

---