"First, we get you a lawyer. A good one." I tick items off on my fingers. "Someone who specializes in domestic abuse cases, restraining orders, that kind of thing. I have contacts. I'll make calls this afternoon."
Belle nods, listening intently.
"Second, we secure your finances. Do you have access to your bank accounts?"
"I... I'm not sure. Nathan handled most of the money. I have a debit card, but he monitored everything I spent."
Of course he did. "We'll get you set up with new accounts, completely separate from anything Nathan has access to. Transfer any money that's legally yours. Make sure he can't freeze you out financially."
"I don't have much. Maybe a few thousand from before we moved in together."
"That's yours. We'll protect it." I pause, considering my next words. "And I'm going to set up an account for you. Moneyyou can access anytime, no questions asked. Not a loan, a gift. Insurance, so you're never dependent on anyone again."
"Richard, I can't accept—"
"Yes, you can." I cut her off gently but firmly. "This isn't charity, Belle. This is me making sure you have options, freedom. So, you never feel trapped again."
"Why are you doing all this? You barely know me."
"I know enough." I turn her bar stool so she's facing me, stepping between her legs. "I know you're smart, kind, resilient. I know you survived two years of hell and still came out with your humanity intact. I know Nathan tried to break you and failed." I cup her face with both hands. "And I know that watching you marry him would have destroyed me. So yeah, I'm invested in making sure you're safe, protected, free to build whatever life you want."
"Even if that life includes you?" Her voice is small, uncertain. "Even though this is complicated and probably a terrible idea?"
"Especially if it includes me." I lean down, kissing her. "I'm not letting you go, Belle. I meant what I said earlier. You're mine now. And I protect what's mine."
"Even from your own son?"
"Especially from him." The words come out harder than I intend. "I’ve told you. Nathan stopped being my son the moment he put his hands on you. Whatever relationship we had, or could have had, died then. There's no coming back from that."
Belle's eyes search my face. "Do you really mean that? Because when he shows up, and he will show up, it's going to get ugly. He's going to say terrible things, try to manipulate you. Are you prepared for that?"
I think about Nathan. About the boy I raised until Victoria poisoned him against me. About the monster he became—charming in public, cruel in private. About the way he looked at Belle like she was a possession to be owned rather than a person to be cherished.
"I'll fight hell itself if that's what it takes to protect you," I say, and I mean every word. "Nathan, Victoria, anyone else who tries to take you from me. I have money, resources, connections. I've built an empire from nothing. Protecting one woman from my sociopathic son is well within my capabilities."
"Your sociopathic son must already know where you live. He probably figured out I came here, too."
"Let him come." I'm surprised by how calm I sound. "This property is secure. He can't get past the gates without my permission. And if he tries..." I trail off, considering. "Marcus has very specific protocols for uninvited guests."
"Richard." Belle grabs my hand. "I don't want you to have to choose between me and your son."
"There's no choice to make. I chose you the moment you showed up at my gate. Before that, even." I squeeze her hand. "I chose you two years ago when I first saw what he was doing and tried to intervene. This is just me following through on that choice."
She's quiet for a long moment, processing. Then she takes a shaky breath. "Okay. So, we lawyer up, secure my finances, and wait for the inevitable confrontation."
"Essentially, yes."
"And when that confrontation happens? When Nathan shows up demanding I come back?"
I pull her off the stool and into my arms, feeling her soft body press against mine. "Then he learns that some things, once lost,can never be reclaimed. That you're not his anymore, you're mine. And that I'm not the kind of man who gives up what's his without a fight."
She burrows into my chest, and I feel her take a deep breath. "I'm scared."
"I know. But you're safe here. I promise you that."
"What if he tries to hurt you?"
The question surprises me. "Belle, I'm twice his age and I have an entire security team. He's not going to hurt me."
