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I grit my teeth and grip the wheel tighter as I speed back home. Once we get home, Violet slams the door shut. But I can’t help but smile.
We’ll see who caves first.
Closing the door to my room, I lean my back against it, my heart hammering hard against my chest. I’m back and I came willingly. Both of my parents told me I could end this marriage. I know Cameron would never allow it. I don’t want to acknowledge why I didn’t put up a fight.
Yet, seeing him again—that smug grin, his arrogantly sculpted face pulled tight with exhaustion, that intoxicating scent that drives me to do things I never thought I wanted—why am I so weak for him? What do I hope to achieve? I am here and trapped in a marriage with him. His absence and his silence dug a hole in my chest, leaving an aching void inside me.
Remembering the delight in my sister’s expression when I asked if I could hug her puts a small smile on my face. Serena had held onto me with a desperation that felt so good, I laughed and cried. The last few days with her were everything.
My phone rings and I pick up my mother’s call.
“How are you?”
“I’m back home.”
“Hmmm. So you already see it as your home?” I open my mouth to say no, but nothing comes out. It is my home.
“You have feelings for him,” she adds. In her voice, I detect a pensive tone. I’m sure they believed the polished exterior, choosing to ignore the truth about my husband. Behind the politician’s facade lurks a dangerous man, a member of a syndicate that rules from the shadows. The need to defend him compels me to say, “I’ve changed because of him. My time here pushes me to escape the clutches of my mind.”
“That is all I ever wanted for you. Now, I’m selfish, and I want you all to myself.”
“I love you, Mom.”
“I love you more.”
Smiling, I end the call and go to my gaming room. I spend hours playing until dinner. Competing in the championship and stepping into the spotlight is my ultimate goal and greatest challenge. And I know I’ll be able to accomplish it if I can shed the last layer of my shell and break free.
Descending the stairs, I find Cameron already sitting at the table.
A mix of emotions battle inside of me.
Marie serves our meal. We say thank you and she leaves. As we dig in, his unyielding gaze makes my cheeks burn.
“Stop staring.”
“I can’t.”
I lift my gaze to catch the warmth and something more. His behavior confuses me, alternating between hot and cold. What does this all mean?
“How was it at your parents?”
Oh, now he’s interested.
“Get out of your head. I had a lot to do, and I couldn’t come home.”
The asshole is back. I cut into the steak with more force than necessary.
“After dinner, we’re going to Cato and Chiara’s place.”
I can’t wait to see them. I offer a noncommittal nod and continue eating until I am done. I dab the napkin at the corners of my mouth, throwing it on the plate. Why do I crave his attention? Every fiber of my being is aware he’s going to react. His heated gaze lights my core. I gulp a glass of water, suddenly hot.
“Violet. I’m sorry. I know I could have done things differently. It won’t happen again. I swear.”
I roll my eyes at him and push the plate aside. He has no right to pronounce my name like that, sinfully rich and meaningful. I keep ignoring him until his chair scrapes on the floor. A cry of surprise screeches out of me when he lifts me up onto the table.
He sets himself between my legs, his fingers digging into my waist, and my breath hitches.
“I should tell you to stop,” I say.
