So much for feeling unwell–this was nothing but a ploy to lure him away from Violet.
She had played such tricks before. In the past, Grayson hadn’t minded indulging her, as long as she was obedient and knew her place. He had entertained her, let her taste some sweetness, but that never meant he would tolerate ambition from her.
In his world, there was only one person who could be his wife–Violet.
And for what happened to Violet, Ruby would have to pay.
Oblivious to the storm brewing around him, Ruby was lost in the dream of becoming Mrs. Warhol. Seeing him enter, she gently touched her flat belly and spoke in a soft, fragile voice.
“Grayson, I know today is your wedding. I shouldn’t have called you back, but my stomach feels awful. This is your first child. I was worried something might be wrong. That’s the only reason I called.”
Grayson’s gaze remained cold and unreadable.
“Where does it hurt?”
Ruby didn’t catch the chill in his tone. She mistook it for concern.
As always, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, her breath warm against his ear.
“The baby says he misses his father.”
1/2
Chapter 15
She had always been uninhibited in such matters.
She knew Violet was deaf. In bed, she could never give a man the kind of experience Ruby could.
That was her edge.
And tonight–on his wedding night–the thrill would be different. She was confident she could make him stay.
$15 BONUS
Her mind was already plotting the message she would send Violet tomorrow to taunt her. She didn’t notice how Grayson’s
expression grew darker by the second.
She took his hand and placed it over her belly. When he didn’t respond, she guided it upward.
Just as her skin was about to meet his touch, Grayson yanked his hand away and, without hesitation, slapped her across the face.
The force sent her sprawling to the ground. A sharp sting spread across her cheek, five distinct finger marks appearing almost
instantly.
Ruby clutched her swollen face in shock, staring at him in disbelief.
She had been with him for a year, and not once had he laid a hand on her in anger. What had changed?
She was carrying his child. How could he be so cruel?
“Grayson! What did I do wrong? Why did you hit me?” Her voice wavered, tears brimming in her eyes. “We’ve always been like
this… haven’t we?”
Her tear–streaked face, once so effective, stirred no warmth in him. His expression was terrifyingly dark, the calm before the
storm.
“Who gave you the audacity,” he said, his voice eerily steady, “to bring this in front of Violet?”
Comments
Support
Share
