Page 115 of King of Pride

For several seconds, he simply stared at her as though his mind had refused to process what she had said. Then his face twisted with disbelief, and the fury burning in his eyes intensified.

“You’re my girlfriend!” he shouted. “How could you do this to me? How could you humiliate me like that?”

Rose let out a sharp, humorless laugh.

“You’re the one who spent our entire relationship parading Jessica around in front of me. And now you have the nerve to stand here and accuse me of betraying you?”

She stepped toward him, anger tightening every muscle in her body.

“Weren’t you the one who was always telling me I was immature? That I didn’t understand you? That I wasn’t intelligent enough for you? That I was childish?”

Her eyes flashed.

“You found fault with everything I did. You made me feel like I was never good enough for you, and now you’re standing here demanding to know why I don’t want to marry you anymore?”

Ivan’s jaw clenched.

“I already told you we’re broken up,” Rose continued. “So why the hell are you still coming after me?”

“Whatever happened between us, we can fix it.” Ivan stepped toward her, his voice dropping as though he were trying to regain control of the situation. “Come with me. We’re going to talk.”

He reached for her arm.

Maverick moved before Ivan’s fingers could even touch her.

His hand shot out and caught Ivan by the wrist. With one hard shove, he knocked Ivan’s hand away and sent him stumbling backward.

He immediately stepped in front of Rose, his broad frame blocking Ivan from reaching her again.

His expression was cold enough to make the room feel suddenly smaller.

Rose barely had time to react before Ivan’s furious voice filled the room again.

“You’re really going to do this to me?” he demanded, glaring at Rose over Maverick’s shoulder. “How can you betray me? You’re my—”

He faltered for half a second, as though even he could hear how ridiculous he sounded.

“You’re going to be my wife!” he shouted instead. “Do you think I’m that easy to get rid of? I’m your boyfriend!”

Rose stared at him.

Then, slowly, she reached for Maverick’s arm and moved closer to his side.

“I’m married now.”

Her fingers tightened around Maverick’s arm.

“To him.”

Chapter 15 You Will Beg

Ivan went completely still.

Rose didn’t look away.

“You and I have nothing to do with each other anymore, and I don’t want anything to do with you. Stop ruining my life and get out.”

She pointed firmly toward the door.