Chapter 14

He never imagined she'd leave him so cleanly, so swiftly-and marry someone else without a second thought.

The party was in full swing when Lucie's phone buzzed. She glanced down. Steven's name flashed on the screen.

They hadn't spoken in seven days. At last, he couldn't take the silence anymore.

She hesitated. Part of her wanted to ignore him, but the cold war had dragged on long enough.

"I'll be right back. I need to take this," she said, rising from the table and slipping away to the restroom.

Inside, Lucie steadied herself, taking a breath before picking up. “Hello?”

Steven's voice was cold, simmering with anger. "Where are you?"

"What's going on?"

"I asked where you are."

"I'm out."

"Out Where? Do you even know what time it is?"

"It's midnight."

"Exactly. So where should you be right now?"

Lucie hiccuped, tipsy and defiant. "Did you need something? If not, I'm hanging up."

So, he did realize midnight was late. Funny how he always spent entire nights with Shannon, leaving Lucie pacing until dawn.

She ended the call. The alcohol hit her hard; the floor seemed to shift beneath her feet.

Lucie ran cold water and splashed her face, hoping to clear her head.

Suddenly, a voice sounded behind her.

"Having a fight with your husband?"

Elio. She hadn't even heard him come in.

Lucie spun around, irritation sparking across her face. "Mr. Pitts, this is the ladies' room. Get out."

He grinned, unbothered. "Touchy, aren't we? Marriage got you bitter? Or did your husband cheat?"

"Are you crazy?" she snapped.

Elio spread his arms, blocking her escape. "Yeah, I'm crazy. You got a cure for that?"

He loomed over her, tall, broad-shouldered, muscles tensed beneath his shirt. The pressure of his presence forced her back against the wall. "Move."

His mouth curved into a lazy,

dangerous smile. Bracing one amet

beside her head he caged her in want an explanation." .net>

Lucie stared at him, stunned. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"We never really broke up. So what gave you the right to marry someone else?”

Her frustration boiled over. She shoved against his chest. "You're nuts. Let me go!"

She pushed too hard. He sidestepped, and Lucie's heel slipped. She lurched forward, off-balance.

Elio caught her, strong arms cinching her waist, pulling her flush against him. "Lucie, did you ever truly love me?"

Panic shot through her. She twisted, desperate to break free. "You're out of your mind! I'm married. Let go!"

"I just want the truth."

Suddenly, there was a thunderous crash.

The restroom door exploded open, nearly shattering the glass.

Lucie's heart leapt into her throat.

Steven stood in the doorway, radiating icy fury, his glare as sharp as a blade.

"What the hell is going on in here?"

She froze, dread crawling up her spine. "Steven-"

"You are leaving with me. Now."

Elio's lips curled in a mocking, dismissive smile as he let her go.

Lucie stumbled, falling right into Steven's arms.

Steven shot Elio a look of dark

contempt, mistaking him for some club gigolo. Jaw clenched, he scooped Lucie up in his arms she weighed nothing.

Lucie had actually come to a nightclub, looking for trouble. He'd neglected her for

a week, and this is how she handled it?

If he hadn't shown up tonight, would she have taken that man home?

She was going to pay for this.

His grip was punishing, his breath scorching against her cheek.

Lucie winced, ribs aching. She trembled. "Put me down. I can walk," she whispered.

He was usually gentle. But when Steven lost his temper, he was terrifying.

Tonight, there would be no escape. He'd break her down make her beg, and he wouldn't stop until she surrendered completely...