"He's unpredictable. Violent. When he doesn't get his way—"
"Then he'll learn what real violence looks like." The words come out cold, harsh. "I've spent my entire adult life being civilized, playing by the rules. But if Nathan threatens you? All of that goes out the window. I'll do whatever it takes."
Belle pulls back to look at me, and there's something like awe in her expression. "You really mean that."
"Every word."
She kisses me then, and when we finally break apart, both breathing hard, she says, "Take me to bed. Properly this time. I want to fall asleep in your arms and wake up knowing this is real."
How can I refuse that?
One Week Later
The call comes from Marcus at eleven in the morning.
"Sir, we have visitors at the main gate. Nathan Kane and Victoria. They're demanding entry."
I've been expecting this. Dreading it but expecting it. Still, hearing that Nathan is actually here, actually trying to get to Belle, sends cold fury through my veins.
"Let them in." My voice is calm. "Escort them to the main house. I'll meet them at the entrance."
"Sir, are you sure—"
"Let them in, Marcus. It's time we settled this."
I end the call and go to find Belle. She's in the living room, curled up on the couch with one of those mystery novels she loves. She's been reading constantly this past week, making up for two years of Nathan telling her what she should and shouldn't read.
She looks up when I enter and immediately sees my expression. "He's here."
It's not a question. She's been waiting for this too.
"Both of them. Nathan and Victoria. They're coming up the drive now."
Belle sets down her book with trembling hands. "What do we do?"
"We face them." I hold out my hand. "Together. You don't have to do this alone, Belle. I'm right here."
She takes my hand, standing, and I feel her fingers shake in mine. "I'm terrified."
"I know. But remember, he has no power here. This is my property, my rules. And you're under my protection." I pull her close, kissing her forehead. "No one is taking you anywhere you don't want to go. Understood?"
She nods against my chest. "Understood."
We walk to the entrance together. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, I can see the black SUV pulling up, one of Marcus'steam driving, Nathan and Victoria in the back. Marcus himself is following in a second vehicle, along with two other security guards.
Good. Witnesses.
The SUV stops, and Nathan gets out first. He's dressed impeccably as always—designer suit, perfectly styled hair, the picture of young wealth and success. But I can see the fury in his eyes even from here, the barely contained rage.
Victoria follows, equally polished, her expression cold and calculating.
I open the door and step out, Belle beside me. My hand finds the small of her back, a claiming gesture, possessive and unmistakable. Nathan's eyes zero in on the contact, and I watch his face contort with rage.
"You fucking bastard," he spits, starting up the steps. "I should have known. All that concern about abuse, about protecting her, you just wanted her for yourself."
"Nathan." I keep my voice level. "This is private property. You're here as my guest. I suggest you remember that."
"Guest?" He laughs, sharp and bitter. "You steal my fiancée and expect me to play nice?"
