“Why did you do this?”
“Because the last week without you has been the worst week of my life. I love you.”
I shake my head in disbelief. “People in love don’t need to buy their bride.”
“It was the only thing I could think of to get you back and away from him. I didn’t think he would let you go back with me, even if you wanted to.”
“Well, I don’t.” I did, but this is just beyond fucked up now. I could have forgiven the lies, but if he thinks he owns me because he did a deal with my father, he’s sorely mistaken.
“Maybe once I’ve reminded you how much I love you, you’ll change your mind.”
“What exactly am I worth, anyway? How much is the necklace worth?”
“The necklace is a rare piece commissioned by an Indian prince for his bride. She was a Parisian dancer. The prince fell in love with her and whisked her back to India, where she was to become his bride. Only his family didn’t approve. He was already betrothed to another. The necklace was gifted to her on her wedding day, but it was laced with poison. She died on their wedding night, thinking he had betrayed her. Then the prince took his own life.”
My hands wrap around my throat where I’d worn the piece. My skin breaks out in a rash just thinking about the tragic story. “That’s so sad.”
“The jewel went for 1.2 million at auction around twenty years ago to a private collector. Then it was stolen and never seen again.”
I suck in a breath. “1.2 million? You bought me for 1.2 million?”
“It’s probably worth double that by now. Maybe triple. But to me, Red, you’re priceless. I would give everything I have and it’s not much, but I’d give it all for you.”
“Stop it, Dom. Stop saying that. If you truly loved me, you’d let me go.”
“I told you I can’t do that. I can never let you go. You’re half of my soul, Red. Without you, I’m only half alive. I love you.”
“I hate you.” A strangled sob escapes me.
“What are you more upset about? The fact that I bought you or that your pa sold you?”
The reality of his words hits me like a head on collision. Before I realise it, my body is shaking violently as I sob into my hands. The car swerves onto the side of the road and comes to a stop. I hear the click of a seatbelt, and Dom’s arms smother me. His hands pull my head against his chest as he leans over the centre console to comfort me.
His palm slides up and down my back while his mouth presses soft kisses into my hair. “Let it all out, Red. Nobody’s ever going to hurt you again. Not while I’m around.”
“It’s like I’ve lost a father all over again.” I wail into his chest, my tears wetting his white shirt and my red lipstick staining the fabric. “At least when I thought he was dead, I thought he loved me.”
“I know. I’m sorry, but you needed to understand what sort of man he is. He’s a cold, ruthless killer who takes what he wants.”
I lift my head from Dom’s chest. “I know he killed Malcolm. I know that wasn’t you.”
He exhales a breath. “No, but I have killed people before. In the army and when I came home. Dan and I tracked down the gang that killed our mother. We were able to get dirt on some of them to lock them up, but not all. Some ended up dead.”
He rubs his temple. “I’d do it all again if anyone dared to touch you or hurt you. But I’m trying to be a better man, Red. You make me want to be a better man. It’s the only reason I kept Malcolm alive, because you said you couldn't date a killer.”
I wipe my tears, then straighten my back. “Are you going to lock me up again?”
“No. You’re a wild flower, Poppy. I won’t do that to you unless you’re under threat.” He drives back onto the road, passing a sign for the Lake District. He’s taking me back there.
“What happened to the body?”
“The police got rid of it. Shane dealt with the paperwork. Made it look like he’d been dumped in the lake and was found on the shore. I set fire to the boathouse. You never have to relive those memories again.”
I stare out the window at the English country fields now we’re out of the city. “What about your leg?”
“It was just a surface wound, no major damage.”
My breasts bounce as Dom drives over the bumpy dirt road through the trees that surround his lodge. The sun shines today as if welcoming me home. He parks the Range Rover next to my car.
