Page 67 of Shattered Vows

“It’s no wonder,” he said. His eyes raked over her. “You looked fabulous tonight. Truly. That little black dress leaves nothing to the imagination, and those working girl shoes...”

The hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention, and her smile wavered. “You bought me this outfit. I thought you liked it.”

“Yes, I did.” His hand shot out and gripped her chin.

She bit back a gasp, holding herself absolutely still.

“Don’t get me wrong, darling. You fill out that dress wonderfully. On other women, it would look beautiful. Elegant, even. But on you...” He released her chin and turned away. “Tonight, you looked like a pro. God knows you worked the room like a dockside whore.”

Her pulse quickened. What was he talking about?

While she waited for him to say something else, she tried to stay calm. And failed. Fear swelled in her gut.

“His hands were all over you,” he finally hissed, his back still to her.

Her mind scrambled for answers. Whose hands?

Spinning, he strode toward her, his fists clenched at his sides. “Did you really think I wouldn’t see?”

She sat motionless on the edge of the bed, aching feet forgotten. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you’re—”

“Do you know what the worst part is?”

Her mouth slammed shut, and she fought to keep her expression neutral.

“It isn’t that he touched you, darling, because let’s face it—you looked hot tonight.” He eyed her up and down, and the smirk that grew on his face made her blood run cold. “Just like a good little trophy wife should. I mean, I can hardly blame the man, but the problem...”

He grabbed her by the bicep, fingers digging in, and dragged her into the steamy bathroom. “Wasyou. You clung to him.” His spittle sprayed in her face. “You had your arms wrapped around him like a cunt begging for a fuck. And in front of everyone! You fucking humiliated me!”

His fist shot out, and her head exploded with pain. Her vision clouded, and her footing gave way on the slick tiled floor. Catching herself on the edge of the tub, she stopped her fall and slid to the ground. With her knees pulled to her chest, she sat there numbly and waited. He turned off the water to the jetted tub.

He walked by her, and she curled away.

With a dark laugh, his foot struck her ribs. “You stupid whore.”

Seizing her upper arms, he hauled her to her feet—and then into the air. Her pounding head screamed in protest.

“Please—I’m sorry! Please don’t!” She wasn’t sure what she was begging for, but she knew whatever he did next was going to be bad.

Every nerve in her body howled when he dropped her into the scalding tub. Her heart stopped, then kicked back to life, hammering hard. She flailed, arms and legs thrashing, trying to grip the slippery sides of the tub, trying to push herself up, but his hands held her down.

Looking through the reddening water at him, she desperately changed tactics, bucking and clawing at the hands that pinned her. Her lungs burned for air. The painful throbbing at the base of her skull grew stronger.

A glint of metal caught the light above her. She could only struggle helplessly when the knife came crashing down. She opened her mouth to scream, and the scorching water rushed in, boiling her throat. She went numb.

Eyes flying open, a guttural moan escaped Alex’s lips. She gasped, desperate for air. Frantic, she tried to sit up, but strong arms held her still. She resisted, jerking against the man’s chest, hysterical to be free.

“You’re safe, sweetheart. I’ve got you.”

She stilled at the familiar voice, then looked up at Quinn in confusion.

A nightmare. Just another horrible nightmare.

With her lungs still on fire and sweat dripping from her naked body, she focused on his embrace as he softly rocked her. On the quiet, calm words he murmured into her ear.

He pressed and held his lips to her forehead, then tucked her head under his chin. “You’re okay, Alex. You were having a nightmare. Relax into me, sweetheart. Just breathe.”

Taking in an unsteady breath, she let herself be comforted by his hand rubbing gentle circles along her spine, by his leather and forest scent. With her cheek against his bare chest, the steady thump of his heartbeat beneath her ear brought her pulse back down.

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