“You should leave.” Her sharp, venom-laced voice invades my space. “It doesn’t matter what my son wants. It matters what he can have. And that’s not you.”
“It’s his choice,” I fire back, not bothering to turn around. “Not yours.”
“Silly girl. How much will it take? You’re in quite a pickle financially, aren’t you?” The hatred she feels for me is loud and clear. “Say the word and I’ll make it happen. One million? Three?”
I whip around, locking eyes with her. She towers above me, glaring down at me like she’s so got me pegged.
“I don’t want your money.”
“So, that’s how we’re playing this? Fine.” She inspects her long polished nails and sighs like she’s growing bored. “I wonder what my son would do if he knew?—”
“Darius and I have no secrets. He knows all about my father. About Wilson.” I cut her off, and when she smirks, it hits me what she thinks he doesn’t know. “He even knows about my temporary employment with Kismet. Everything. Do you honestly think there’s anything you can use against me he hasn’t already dug up or heard? Do you not know what he does for a living?”
“He’s a fool, that boy of mine. And you’re a distraction I’ll erase—one way or another.” Her venomous words strike a chord that makes me want to prove her wrong. “Even if that means hurting someone you care about. Your friend inside—she’s playing a dangerous game. When the truth comes out, her family will be ruined. Are you willing to put her through that? She’s a helpless little lamb who?—”
“Enough!” The command shakes the air like thunder.
We both turn. Prince Esteban stands there, fury etched into every line of his face. It’s the angriest I’ve ever seen him.
“I’ve said what needs to be said.” The duchess turns, cool as ice, then glances over her shoulder with one final blow. “I will stop at nothing to get my way. Walk away now. It’s your only option.”
That’s it. I snap.
I grab her arm, spin her hard, and watch shock flash across her perfect face. “Listen carefully. This is the only time I’m saying this. You don’t scare me. I’ve survived worse vipers than you. I’m immune to your idle threats and lies. I’m not going anywhere. Your son is mine, and Iwillprotect him from the likes of you if it’s the last thing I do. The only way I’ll leave him is if he asks me to, and we both know that’s never going to happen. So back the fuck off and stay the hell out of my way.”
Releasing her arm, I storm off with my head held high.
That felt good. I think I’ll stand up for myself like that more.
Chapter 24
Darius
Alow, steady beep pierces through the darkness as I wake, the air thick with the smell of antiseptic. Pain explodes through me, as if a semi-truck hit me or someone tossed off a skyscraper. Every nerve screams, my body trembling from the inside out. Even the act of groaning feels like it might split me in half.
Don’t care. I need to get up and find Ingrid.
“Hey, stop trying to move. You’re going to hurt yourself.” That voice—hers. Sweet, but firm. Her face appears, soft and worried, above me. “You weren’t supposed to wake up yet.”
The face of an angel looks down at me, and my world stills. Her face is blotchy, eyes red.
I hate it.
“You’ve been crying. Didn’t they tell you that I was okay?” My throat is bone-dry, making it hard to form words. Smacking my lips together several times, I frown. “I need a drink. Got any bourbon handy?”
“They told me.” A tear runs down her cheek, but she ignores it. “Said you were stubborn. Bragging about being superhumanand swearing you could finish what we started yesterday.” Lifting her hand, she wipes the wetness away. “Is that all you think about?”
“Yes.” Grunting, I blink a few times, trying to clear the fog. “My dick’s still hard from stopping mid-stride. It’s done waiting to claim you.”
Maybe not, but it would be if I weren’t so fucking weak I can barely lift a finger.
She shakes her head, but I don’t miss her smile—God, it’s beautiful.
“Plus, I’ve never made love to a woman before. I was looking forward to doing that.” It takes some effort, but I lift my hand and close it around hers. “Did he give you what I asked him to?”
She reaches behind her and shows me an envelope. “I have this. What is this?”
“Open it.” I let go of her hand and motion toward the sealed envelope. “I think you may like it.”
