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“What’s that for?” Her voice is lighter than it has been all night.
I pause for a moment.
“Mo ghrá, what happened to your face?” My question is barely a whisper.
She instantly stiffens, her hand cupping her cheek again.
“It’s nothing. I’m fine.” Her response is clipped.
“It’s not fine. What happened? Who did this to you?” I growl.
She pulls away and turns toward me, tears pooling in the corners of her eyes. It’s written all over her face. I feel heat erupt in my veins, the rise of anger blinding me, and all I can see is red. I shake my head just a bit, clearing the rage, and gently cup her cheek, pressing my lips to hers for only a brief moment. It takes every bit of strength I have not to storm out of here, find the motherfucker, and give him a few bruises myself. A growl vibrates from deep in my chest at the thought.
“Bodach! I will end him, mo ghrá,” I grind out.
“No, baby. It’s fine, really. I don’t want him to darken our time together. I am okay. I promise.” Her voice cracks.
“Stay with me. You can move in here. I’d love to have you here with me. Please, mo ghrá, stay with me?” I can hear the desperation in my voice.
“Oh, Connor,” she breathes, pressing her forehead against mine. “I can’t. He’s still my husband. Even if he’s an asshole.”
“I won’t accept this. You are mine. I don’t care about any of the legalities involved. I will not allow him to harm you. Harm what’smine!” My volume grows until I roar out the last word.
She flinches at my response.
What the fuck does she expect me to do? Sit here and allow him to assault her? I don’t care if they’re married. She’s mine. I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
I don’t say anything for a while. I just bring her closer to me, wrapping myself around her and holding her. It takes every bit of restraint not to tie her to my bed and not let her leave when she stands up and tells me she needs to go home because of an early morning session with Kat.
“I need to be up at five. If I stay here, I’ll have to be up earlier,” she says softly.
“Let me know when you’re home?”
It comes out as a question, but we both know if she doesn’t, I’ll show up at their house. As it is, I would like to bang down his door and tear him apart for what he’s done to Hadley.
“Always, baby.” She smiles shyly up at me through her dark lashes.
I stand to join her, my intention of walking her to her car clear. We walk silently, hand-in-hand, to her car. When we get there, I pause for a small moment, just taking her in. I quickly confine her to the side of the car, pinning her arms to her sides and pressing my hips against hers, keeping her in place. Lowering myself to her mouth, I run my tongue around the delicate lines of her lips. She gasps, instantly opening for me. I deepen the kiss, taking her in. Her sweet taste is still as intoxicating as the first time. After several minutes, with my cock is so fucking hard it’s almost painful, I pull away.
“Please be safe. Call me if anything—and I meananything—happens.”
She smiles yet again, but nothing passes her lips this time.
Chapter Twenty-Two
HADLEY
I walk back into the foyer, my heart in my throat. His car isn’t here, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. I climb the stairs to my room and crash for the night. I have no desire to eat anything after the argument with Connor.
I can’t believe I defended Andy’s actions. What the hell is wrong with me? I know Connor is worried. Hell, if I’m honest, so am I. I didn’t expect this to ever be my life.
I’ve been with Andy so long, though. The old him was never like this. I can get him back, can’t I?
But do I even want to at this point?
The number of questions that spin through my mind is enough to make me dizzy. Locking my bedroom door, I change into Connor’s shirt and lie down. Tears in my eyes, I grab my phone and send him a message.
Hadley:
