He rushes towards me and grabs my hand. “I’ve by no means been extra terrified. When the officers confirmed up at my workplace, telling me you had been attacked throughout a house invasion, all I might take into consideration was attending to you. Seeing that you just had been okay with my very own eyes.”

I battle a whimper when Sebastian’s grip tightens in an unmistakable warning to not name him out on his bull.

“Sweetheart, I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to guard you.”

Our gazes are locked as we look forward to the nurse to depart. As at all times, he’s completely coifed, not a strand misplaced on his thick head of hair or a wrinkle to be discovered on his five-thousand-dollar swimsuit. The one imperfections marring his lovely options are the slight scratches on his cheek and neck. The second he’s assured we’re alone, the air shifts as the true Sebastian Winters leaks by means of the shiny floor. The involved, loving husband has disappeared fully. As a substitute, a menacing man now looms over me with the satan in his eyes, promising retribution. Now not in a position to stand the strain, I avert my eyes. There was a time when this man’s child blues would suck me into his orbit, however now, I’m going out of my strategy to keep away from eye contact with him, afraid of what I’d discover.

Sebastian leans over, urgent his mouth in opposition to my ear. His thumb idly brushes over the racing pulse on my neck whereas his fingers span the width of my throat. “Making an attempt to run was extremely silly, Presley. It’s best to know by now I’ll by no means allow you to go, and I don’t tolerate disobedience. You’re going to need to work very arduous to make it as much as me.”

“Sebastian, in the event you don’t let me go, I swear I’ll scream.” I’ve been bowing right down to this man for too lengthy. After what I discovered final evening… after what occurred once I confronted him about it… I refuse to maintain my mouth shut any longer.

“I’d wish to see you strive.” His minty breath teases my nostrils as a darkish chuckle falls from his lips. “Matter of truth, please do. I’ll take pleasure in punishing you for it later. And belief me once I say, I’ll punish you, pricey spouse. I have to be sure you by no means try and do one thing so silly once more.”

I claw at his fingers with my good arm when he places strain on my throat. I greedily gulp in air as he jumps again upon listening to somebody enter the room.

“Excuse me, however I have to evaluate these discharge directions with my affected person now.” The nurse—Mia, I believe her title is—turns her icy gaze on my husband.

Stated husband straightens his tie as he takes a step again, appearing as if he wasn’t simply attempting to strangle me. “Sure, in fact.”

Mia glances at me out of her peripheral. “I’m sorry, sir, however I’m going to need to ask you to attend within the foyer to guard my affected person’s privateness.”

Sebastian narrows his eyes. “I’m her husband. You possibly can say no matter you could in entrance of me.”

“I imply no disrespect, Mr. Mayor. It’s hospital coverage.” She juts her chin out. “Please don’t make me name safety. I’m assuming you’d wish to keep away from making a scene. I’ll be glad to escort you to the ready room myself, so that you don’t lose your method.”

I might kiss this girl for enjoying the fame card. The one factor Sebastian cares extra about than appearances is management. I wait on bated breath as he decides which plan of action he’ll take.

His gaze flicks to mine. “I’ll be within the ready room, darling. Proper outdoors the emergency room doorways, so I can return at a second’s discover.”

I don’t miss the implied risk.

My nurse straightens her shoulders as she steps apart to let Sebastian stroll out first. Proper earlier than she leaves the room to comply with him, she appears over her shoulder. “I’ll be proper again.”

I nod, too busy attempting to swallow the lump in my throat to type any phrases.

As promised, not more than two minutes later, Mia returns, sliding the glass door closed behind her, sighing as she takes a seat beside me.

“Presley, I hope I’m not stepping over a line, however I’ve to ask this once more. Are you secure at dwelling? Was it actually an intruder who did this to you?” She waves a hand towards me. “Or was it somebody ? Maybe somebody near you?”

I take a second to formulate my reply. I don’t know what I’m going to do about Sebastian, however I do know I can’t go away right here with him. I’m not about to belief that FBI agent with out understanding the motive behind his actions, however one thing about Mia tells me I can rely upon her. This girl heals folks for a residing. If anybody is a secure wager, it’d be her.

I take a deep breath. “Hypothetically… if I mentioned I wasn’t secure at dwelling—which that’s not what I’m saying—but when I did, what good would that do? I’ve no cash, no pals, nowhere I can keep on this metropolis.”

“What about household? Is there anybody you’ll be able to stick with? Or, in the event you want me to, I’d be glad to make some calls to test shelter availability.”

“No, a shelter would by no means work.” I shake my head. “I may very well be acknowledged. And I don’t actually discuss to my household anymore. Even when I might go dwelling, it’s nearly a thousand miles away. I’ve no method of getting there.”

She provides me a tragic smile. “I’d wager a pawn store would offer you good cash for these rings. On the very least, you may get a ticket dwelling. They need to be open quickly.”

I gasp, my wedding ceremony set. I’ve been carrying these rings for thus lengthy, typically I neglect they’re even there. Sebastian made it clear early on, I used to be not permitted to take away my rings for any cause. It’s not like folks don’t already know I’m married, seeing as we’re within the public eye, however I believe he likes having tangible proof that I belong to him. The overhead lights replicate off the flawless five-carat diamond as I look at it carefully, casting tiny rainbows on the wall. It truly is gorgeous, with its Asscher-cut heart stone in a pavé setting, however it’s been extra of a shackle to me than a chunk of knickknack, so I overlooked its magnificence. Plus, if Sebastian ever really tried to know me—the true me—he would’ve discovered I’d by no means be comfy with one thing this flashy and impractical. That ought to’ve been my first clue, however sadly, I used to be too busy nursing a heartbreak to note.

“I don’t…” I toy with the bands on my finger. “I don’t even have cab fare to get to at least one.”

“My cousin Joey drives an Uber. I can name him and have him take you someplace. It’s on me. There’s a service entrance… you wouldn’t even need to cross by means of the ER ready space. And so they is likely to be a bit of massive, however I’ve a change of garments in my locker that I’d be glad to present you to assist disguise you as a lot as potential. You have to resolve shortly, although, as a result of I’ve a sense the nice mayor isn’t essentially the most affected person man.”

You possibly can say that once more.

“Can I ask you one thing?”

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