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“Sir, it was still my responsibility,” Zane continued.
“Oh, my God. Look what you’ve done to a man who for some fucking insane reason likes you. He likes and respects you and you beat him.”
“Ms. Rollins. I’m fine. You don’t understand.”
“No, you’re right. I don’t, Zane. This life is bullshit and I want no part of it.” With that, I stormed out of the room, determined to find anywhere else to go other than the bathroom. When I managed to find the kitchen, turning on the light, I was shocked how much anger had built up inside of me. Maybe I shouldn’t be. I’d been stalked, fucked, and abducted in a matter of hours.
And most of it I’d liked.
Oh, God. Oh… God.
I raked my hand across the counter, knocking items to the floor. There was the sound of glass shattering. I didn’t pay any attention, didn’t care about what I could have broken. I just reacted.
Like my father.
Why was the man suddenly so important when he’d never been there for me? Why? I couldn’t understand what was going on and it irked me. Enough so, the fury turned into something else altogether, tears of anger forming. I moved to the kitchen window, staring out at the stars, allowing tears to burn my skin as they slid down, dropping to the floor one by one.
When I heard footsteps behind me, I bristled, when all I really wanted was to have Constantine put his arms around me. It was the craziest thing I’d thought so far, and I hated myself even more for it.
I expected him to yank me over the edge of the counter or toss me over his shoulder, telling me in no uncertain terms that he was going to spank me for my ridiculous behavior. When he moved by my side, taking several deep breaths, I finally stole a glance in his direction. I hadn’t noticed he’d shaved off his beard. While it should have brought back unwanted memories, as my heart started to race, I realized it wasn’t from fear but from another sweep of desire.
“I was wrong,” he said so quietly I had to strain to hear him. “I overreacted.”
“Yes, you did. Zane is an incredible man, and one of the most loyal people I’ve ever met. You should be honored to have him by your side. He took on Tristen, refusing to allow that man to…” I sucked in my breath, uncertain how far I wanted to go considering Constantine’s bouts of rage.
“What did he do to you, Jade?”
“Like I said, he didn’t because of Zane.”
“I will make amends to Zane.”
“Then you’ll need to start by saying you’re sorry.”
“I know what I need to do,” he said, more emotion in his voice than I’d heard.
“Do you?” I shot back, immediately regretting it. “I don’t think you do.”
“You’re a very brave woman. Most people who’d faced something like what you did in the Bahamas would have crumbled.”
I snorted, laughing after I did so. “I’m not most women.”
“No, you’re not. However, you need to learn your place. You will not disrespect me in front of my men no matter the circumstances. Do you understand?”
There was the asshole I remembered. “Fine.”
“Not fine, Jade.”
“Why, yes, sir.”
He turned to face me, his features softening. “I will learn not to overreact but when I saw the rope, all I could think was that he’d hurt you and I can’t stand that.”
“Why? That’s what you wanted to do.”
“Yeah, maybe for a little while. But I was wrong about that too. And the reason is that I care about you. I know you’ll find that hard to believe, but from the moment I set eyes on you, I realized the effect you’d had on me all those years ago hadn’t changed, only growing stronger.”
“I had an effect on you?” I found myself crowding closer.
“Yes, you did. A forbidden fruit.” His smile was genuine, his eyes twinkling. “You were a spitfire then. You’re more so now. I couldn’t scare you into not testifying. You did your civic duty, no matter the reason. You stood your ground. Do you know how few men have done that with me?”
