by Julia Sykes
For a moment, the world spun around me, the sickly-sweet stench of my husband powerful enough to make me lightheaded.
Hugo’s fingers dug into my thigh, a clear warning to behave myself.
The flare of pain helped me focus. I tore my eyes from Adrián’s, staring out the window instead.
“I’m fine,” I managed.
I couldn’t look at my husband. I could barely draw breath when he was so close, and Adrián’s hatred pressing against me like a tangible force didn’t help me breathe easier.
I tried to focus on the glittering lights as the city lit up around us, the historic sites of La Candelaria district beginning to glow against the falling darkness. The limo’s tires rumbled over cobblestones. I kept my attention on the soft, purring sound to soothe my raw nerves.
Eventually, the pavement evened out, and the city disappeared behind us. We made our way along a darker road to reach the castle where the wedding reception would be held.
The historic edifice appeared as we rounded a curve, the stone façade shining under golden lights. Vicente had spared no expense on this sham of a wedding, inviting hundreds of people to witness his defiling of a young, unwilling girl. The ostentatious display was disgusting, but everyone in attendance seemed to think it was a joyous occasion.
The limo slowed to a stop, and Hugo ushered me out of the car. We stepped onto a red carpet, which led us through the open, massive wooden doors. More golden light spilled out into the night, welcoming us with false cheer. Marble floors shined under the massive crystal chandelier that lit the foyer.
Hugo wrapped his arm around my waist, but I stepped away as my stomach lurched. Over the years, I’d become numb to his touch. Tonight, it made my skin crawl. The memories of my own wedding night threatened to bubble up, and bile rose in my throat.
“Excuse me,” I murmured. I couldn’t come up with a good reason to leave Hugo’s side, and I knew I’d pay for abandoning him later.
But all I could think about was fleeing from his slimy touch and rank scent.
I moved too quickly as I headed for the stairs, seeking privacy on the second level of the castle. No guests lingered around the banister on the upper floor, and I darted for the solace of a quiet room, where I could break down without witnesses.
The only thing worse than leaving Hugo standing alone in the foyer would be making a public scene. He’d be able to shrug off my sudden absence as the result of illness—I was sure I’d appeared pinched and pale enough in the limo to warrant that excuse.
No matter if the guests accepted his reasoning, he wouldn’t allow me to go unpunished.
I could only hope that he’d wait until we were back on our estate. It was the most likely scenario. He wouldn’t want to leave marks on me at this garish event; above all, he wanted others to believe that I truly was his devoted, loving wife. Anything less would be humiliating.
The second most powerful man in Bogotá couldn’t have a disobedient wife. Hugo had made sure to break me and turn me into his adoring spouse a long time ago.
That had been after Adrián left me.
The boy I loved had left Colombia, and he’d never come back. He let Hugo torment me and turn me into his perfectly polished, soulless plaything.
Now, Adrián lurked downstairs with the rest of the sharks. The man who’d glowered at me in the church might wear the boy’s face, but he wasn’t here to rescue me.
I’d given up on that foolish fantasy a long time ago, anyway.
I slipped into the first open room I found, closing the door behind me. Books lined the walls, gold lettering gleaming on darkly colored spines. The unique scent of leather-bound books helped calm me. The library on Hugo’s estate was the place where I most often found solace from him, losing myself in fiction for hours. I took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar smell. It helped calm my nerves and my nausea.
The door clicked open behind me, and I spun with a shocked yelp.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Hugo’s ruddy cheeks were redder than usual, almost purple with rage.
I took a hasty step back, raising my hands to ward him off.
Surely, he wouldn’t strike me. Not here. Not now.
I hadn’t prepared myself for the pain of his fists yet.
He slammed the door shut behind him, advancing on me. I backed up farther, until my butt hit the desk behind me. He leaned over me, pressing his hips against mine to pin me in place.
“I’m sorry,” I squeaked. “I’m not feeling well.”
“I don’t give a fuck how you’re feeling.” His spittle hit my cheek, and I cringed away. “You think you can embarrass me in front of all our guests?”
I shook my head wildly. “I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry,” I repeated, desperate.
He leaned closer, so I could feel his putrid breath on my face. “I should bend you over this desk and fuck you raw.” His cock jerked against my thigh as his cruel arousal rose along with his violence. “But I’d rather not have anyone hear you scream. You want to show me how sorry you are?”
I nodded frantically. “Yes. I really am sorry.”
He stepped back. “Get on your knees. You know what to do.”
The sick feeling in my gut intensified, my stomach churning. I sank to my knees, playing the part of obedient wife.
He quickly freed his cock from his slacks. It jutted toward my face, seeking the reluctant heat of my mouth.
I swallowed against the tang of bile on my tongue.
“Suck it,” he seethed. “Show me you’re sorry, and I won’t beat the shit out of you when we get home.”
Tears stung at the corners of my eyes as humiliation washed over me. I blinked them back. I wouldn’t cry for him.
“Now,” he snarled, thrusting his hips toward my lips.
I turned my face in revulsion, and his pre-cum wet my cheek.
He gripped my jaw, holding my head steady. “You’ll pay for that later.”
The door to the library opened, and my shame spiked. I couldn’t bear to have anyone witness my degradation.
A fierce growl filled the room, and Hugo was ripped away from me. I watched in dumbstruck silence as Adrián tackled him to the floor. His massive fist connected with Hugo’s jaw. My husband’s head snapped to the side, blood spraying from his lips. Adrián didn’t stop. He pummeled Hugo’s face repeatedly, until crimson coated his knuckles and Hugo went completely still.
For a few long seconds, Adrián loomed over him, breathing hard. His lips peeled back from his teeth in a silent snarl, and his dark hair fell around his angular face, no longer arranged in its meticulous style.
Finally, he pushed to his feet and turned to me. He towered over me where I remained on my knees, frozen in place by shock at the sudden, violent display. His pale green eyes burned into me, and another feral sound slipped between his clenched teeth.
He reached for me with bloody hands. I shrank back, but that didn’t deter him. His long fingers sank into my upper arms, yanking me to my feet.
He glowered at me for a moment, saying nothing. I shuddered in his grip, but I didn’t dare struggle against him. I’d learned a long time ago that struggling only earned me more pain.
Hugo groaned, stirring at our feet.
Adrián’s jaw ticked, but his shoulders relaxed, as though a decision had settled over him.
His grip shifted to my waist, and I shrieked as he tossed me over his shoulder.
His hand firmed on my upper thigh, squeezing hard enough to leave a mark. “Don’t fight me,” he ground out.
“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice shaking as fear suffused my system.
“I’m taking you.”
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Also by Julia Sykes
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Captive Ever After
The Stolen Series
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Stealing Beauty
Pretty Hostage (Coming Soon)
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RENEGADE: The Complete Series
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Dark Grove Plantation: Box Set
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Wounded Hearts Duet
Wounded Hearts
Mended Hearts
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