“I heard this crazy rumor,” I say, trying to pull my wrist away, but he still holds tight. “I heard that you’ve had some ex-girlfriends who… well, had some terrible things happen to them. Is that true?”
“Of course it isn't,” he says, but his grip tightens. “Where did you hear that from?”
“Oh, just rumors,” I whisper. “I'm sorry, I don't—” Because he's hurting me now. Tears prick my eyes when he nearly crushes my wrist. It feels like it's going to break.
“Let go of me,” I hiss.
“Whotoldyou that?”
“If it's not true, why are you so fucking defensive?”
“Language,” he says, and he twists my arm so hard that I scream—catching the attention of several people around us.
“Stop being so fucking dramatic,” he says, but he lets me go so people stop staring at us.
My heart is pounding in my chest.
I'm not going to marry this monster.
There has to be another way, a way out.
“Of course,” I say with a small smile, rubbing my wrist beneath the table. “I'll never do that again. And why would I ever think that you're anything but a good man?”
Fire rises in the back of my throat, and my belly churns with nausea. I'm lying with every single breath I have.
I reach for my glass and take a sip, acting like I’m shaken before I let it slip. It splashes across the table and onto my dress, and I leap from my seat, feigning shock and surprise.
“Oh gosh, I'm so sorry,” I stammer, hoping he'll believe me.
His eyes narrow at me.
“You should be more careful,” he says with a frown.
“It's fine. I'm going to step out and clean myself up a bit. I'll be right back.”
I grab my clutch and head toward the restroom. Two waiters are already at the table, helping to clean things up.
Marcus stands and… follows me.
I pretend I don’t see him, go into the bathroom, find an empty stall, lock the door, and take my phone out with trembling hands. I start searching.
Marcus Crowning wives. Marcus Crowning marriage.
Why haven't I done this before? Why did I wait till now?
Why have I been lying to myself?
Why did I think Ashland lied to me?
I see one thing after another. A mysterious death no one can explain. But when I click on the link, it's gone. An article that existed has been scrubbed from public view.
Oh god, I'm going to be sick.
I hear frantic pounding outside the stall door.
“Bianca, are you alright?”
How am I going to get away?
