Chapter 249
Anna’s POV
But Blake might not like strong women,” I said, watching Isabelle’s face for a reaction.
Isabelle smiled smugly. “Are you implying that Mr. Wright only has eyes for you? Your confidence is almost endearing. Makes me want to be friends with you.”
She rested her hand on the dress box, giving me a slight smile.
Her expression clearly said, “I’ll leave the dress here while you consider my offer.”
The smug confidence on her face made it seem like she was handing me some incredible opportunity I’d be crazy to refuse.
Ever since I’d known Blake, women had been throwing themselves at him. If she truly had the guts, she should go for it. I was curious whether after Scarlett, he’d fall for someone cut from the same cloth.
“Blake and I will attend your wedding tomorrow as planned,” I said coolly, showing her to the door without entertaining the conversation further.
Isabelle shrugged. “You might want to reconsider my offer, Miss Anderson. Otherwise, I wouldn’t mind telling my father everything about you and Seth. You! beloved friend could find himself in hot water.”
“Save the amateur threats. The Price family has considerable influence in Boston. They’re not someone you can push around. Let’s be clear–your families have a business partnership, not charity. And the Andersons will always back Seth.”
I opened the door and showed her out, smiling as I said, “But it’s premature to discuss this now. I’m just giving you fair warning. Before you make any rash moves, perhaps ask your father why you’re marrying Seth in the first place.”
The whole situation felt bizarre. I couldn’t determine if she genuinely desired Blake or was just testing my connection with Seth.
But this exchange finally answered questions that had been nagging at me.
When Blake orchestrated Seth’s marriage, Isabelle was nothing but a chess piece. Without her, he would have simply found another.
That night, I stood in front of the mirror in our Paris hotel suite when I heard Blake enter. He looked relaxed, almost cheerful–so different from his usual demeanor around me. He must have had a good time with Claire.
My eyes caught the gift box Isabelle had sent–an expensive evening gown for tomorrow’s wedding. Blake noticed it too.
“Who sent this?” he asked, his voice suddenly losing its lightness.
‘Seth?‘ His face darkened instantly.
No, Isabelle. Seth’s fiancée.”
Blake grabbed the box and threw it across the room. “She thinks she can intimidate you? Who does she think she is?”
He walked over and wrapped his arms around me from behind. I could smell his scent mixed with something else–Claire’s perfume, perhaps.
“I’ll make it right for you, he whispered, his lips against my hair.
“How?” I asked, testing the waters. “Will you ruin her wedding?”
His grip tightened. “Don’t even think about it.
I felt his teeth graze my collarbone, biting down hard enough to make me wince. I tried to step away, but he held me firmly.
‘I was just joking,” I said, attempting to defuse the tension.
Chapter 249
*Were you?” His voice was dangerously low. When we were in Boston, your always refused to have sex with me. Saving yourself for ka kopeek late for that?
Nothing happened between Seth and me,” I said firmly.
“Sure,” he sneered. “Because I found out in time. If I’d been a few days later, can you guarantee nothing would have happened between you and Selld
I tried to pull away again, but he spun me around to face him.
Anna, I’ll never get over finding you waiting for Seth in your new house in New York. Tomorrow, I’m taking you to see him marry another woman. Maybe that will finally kill whatever fantasy you’re holding onto.”
“If you can’t get over it, and I can’t get over your… whatever it is with Claire, then maybe we should just end this,” I said, my vice surprisingly steady Go be with whoever makes you happy. Don’t force yourself to stay with ine.”
His eyes flashed with anger. “Only if you forget him. Stay with ine and forget him, okay?”
When I tried to move past him, Blake grabbed my hair and yanked me back. The sudden pain brought tears to my eyes.
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“Look at me,” he commanded, forcing my chin up. “Just forget Seth. If my dad’s heart condition improves when we get back, I’ll tell him we’re not in a hurry to have children. Consider it compensation. But tonight, I need to fuck you!”
Before I could respond, he shoved me onto the bed so hard it groaned in protest. He ripped off his jacket and tie, his movements fueled by uncontrollable
rage.
I tried to scramble away, but he caught my ankle and dragged me back.
“You’re not going anywhere tonight,” he said, his voice terrifyingly calm.
In one swift movement, he bound my wrists with his tie and secured them to the headboard. I struggled against the restraints, tears of fear and anger spilling down my cheeks.
“Blake, let me go!” I demanded, my voice breaking.
He ignored my pleas, roughly tearing at my clothes. The fabric ripped loudly in the quiet room. His kisses were punishing, leaving bruises on my pale skin.
I shuddered with pain as my resistance gave way to helpless sobs. His movements were possessive, punishing, completely disregarding my feelings.
“Tell me you’re mine,” he growled into my ear.
“Blake, please… stop… it hurts,” I begged, the words catching in my throat.
He paid no attention to my suffering, consumed by his own jealousy and need to possess.
Our bodies moved together in a brutal rhythm, the bed frame hitting the wall with each thrust. I eventually went numb, staring blankly at the ceiling.
I turned my head and used a pillow to cover my face, letting it absorb my tears as I waited for this nightmare to end.
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