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“Do you mean the mistake of leaving those pearls in your pocket?” I jerk from his hold with a laugh, but the sound is hollow. “That was a huge mistake. It showed me I can’t trust you not to put your needs above mine.”
He works his jaw, visibly struggling with inner turmoil before narrowing his eyes. “I’m not changing my mind, Calista. Pack your bags or don’t. Either way, we’re leaving.”
My heart sinks. “I don’t get a say in this?” I ask, bitterness coating my words. “You just get to decide what’s best for my life, and that’s it, end of discussion?”
“It’s for your own good.” He folds his arms, a silent indication that the subject is closed.
I rear back as though he slapped me. Indignation and hurt well up inside my chest, nearly bursting through my skin. “I won’t accept that. You can’t dictate every aspect of my life and dress it up as protection.”
“Say what you want, but you’re not leaving this place until I come back for you. When I do, you’re getting on the plane, even if I have to carry you. Whether you’re tied up or not, that’s your choice.”
I give him a saccharine smile. “How kind of you to let me have a say. What about my body? Will you take that whenever you feel like it, too?”
Hayden’s eyes flash at the implication right before he steps towards me. I retreat, but he keeps advancing until my back hits a flat surface. He slams his palms against the wall on either side of my head, caging me in. It doesn’t matter. I don’t have the strength to run, not with the look of fury covering his face and draining me of my courage.
“I would never force myself on you,” he grinds out. “I’m not a rapist. Don’t insult me or what we have by suggesting it. However…”
He presses the length of his body to mine, pining me in place. I gasp at the feel of his cock, hard and pulsing against me. My cheeks burn from both arousal and shame. I crossed a line, but I can’t take it back, even if I regret what I said because of anger.
“Miss Green, if you think that I won’t seduce you until you’re begging me to fuck you, then think again. I don’t have a problem playing with that pretty pussy until you’re crying to come.”
“Miss Green? I thought it was Mrs. Bennett, according to Sebastian,” I snap, my words sharp and my breaths thin.
“Mrs. Bennett has a nice ring to it. It’d look even better written on your skin.”
I glare at Hayden, knowing I failed to get a reaction from him. “What we have is a joke,Mr. Bennett. You only want me if you can control every aspect of our relationship.”
“Sounds like marriage to me.”
“You arrogant son of a bitch.”
“Call me what you want,” Hayden says, “but remember that name because it’ll be the one you’re screaming later,Mrs. Bennett.”
He shoves away from the wall, his jaw set in a hard line. Without speaking another word, he turns away from me and strides into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him. I stand there clutching my chest, willing my heart to calm and my panicked breaths to even out.
Seeing Hayden this angry with me… I never want to experience it again.
I stumble from his room to the guest bedroom and sink onto the edge of the mattress. Time passes while I stare ahead, still in shock from the confrontation. The distance between us feels insurmountable, and from the looks of things, we’ll never come to a peaceful agreement.
Unless I surrender.
* * *
I grabmy phone from the nightstand in Hayden’s room without wincing. Relief due to the pain medication is in full effect, but the pain from my conversation with Hayden earlier still lingers. He hasn’t contacted me since he left for work. I’m grateful, but lonely.
On the screen of my cell phone is a notification from Harper. I smile, despite my battered emotions, and open up the text.
Harper: Hey girl, I know you’re busy resting, but when you get a moment, send me a text. I’m trying not to freak out. Okay, that’s a lie. I’m totally freaked the fuck out over you. Message me when you get this.
Harper: I don’t know if the pain meds they gave you are working, but if not, let me know. My mom works for some big-name pharmaceutical company, and I can get you the good shit.
Calista: Hi friend. I’m sorry I made you worry. After I saw you in the hospital, I was discharged. Then Hayden drove me to the pharmacy to pick up my medication, and we went back to his place to eat dinner. After that, I passed out. How’s Alex? Can you tell him that I’m sorry and I’ll pay for all of the damages once I get back to work?
Harper responds within seconds. I smile as I picture her typing furiously on her cell phone while ignoring everyone around her. Once she has her sights set on something, good luck getting her attention.
Harper: It’s about time you messaged me. I was thiiiis close to breaking into the penthouse, or whatever fancy-as-fuck place you live. Yesterday, Alex and I cleaned up all of the glass, tossed all of the baked goods to ensure they didn’t hurt anyone, and then spent the rest of the day baking in the kitchen. Don’t worry about trying to compensate Alex for anything. Your husband—I believe I heard that Russian god refer to you as Mrs. Bennett—arranged for someone to arrive today and fix everything. He paid for all of it too, and he gave Alex the amount of revenue he would’ve made if we’d been open.
Calista: Wow.
