Chapter 103 Forgive Me...
Audrey swallowed hard, heart still pounding from his kiss, his anger, his intensity.
"I just..." Her voice was barely audible. "I just wanted to talk—"
"Talk?" He laughed bitterly, fingers tracing her jaw—but the touch wasn't gentle. "And you expect me to believe that?"
She shook her head. "I'm not lying!"
He scoffed. "Then why didn't you tell me? Why did I have to hear it from Bruce, not from you?"
She was silent.
He waited. Nothing.
His patience snapped. He lowered himself again, grabbing her wrists, lifting them slightly—enough to make her feel his control.
"Don't test me, Audrey." His voice was dangerous. "Answer me."
She tried to pull away. His grip didn't budge.
"I just... I didn't want to make things more complicated." Her voice was small. "Bruce showed up suddenly. I thought if I just met him once, he'd understand and stop."
Elliot closed his eyes briefly, fighting the rage building again.
"And you actually thought that would work?" His eyes opened, sharp. "He still had the nerve to challenge me!"
She was silent again.
He leaned closer, his breath warm on her face. "Next time he contacts you..." His whisper was cold. "Tell him you're mine."
He pressed the last word like a brand. Then kissed her again—hard.
She couldn't breathe. His lips were demanding, filled with the anger still burning inside him.
She was pinned beneath him, hands trapped above her head. He wasn't letting go until he was satisfied.
She turned her head, gasping. "Elliot... w-wait..."
He didn't listen. Or didn't care.
"Since you did whatever you wanted," he muttered between kisses, breath hot on her skin, "maybe I should teach you a lesson."
She tensed. "Elliot, we can talk—"
"Too late." His voice was cold. "You made your choice. Now face the consequences."
She held her breath as he moved lower, lips leaving a trail of heat along her jaw, down her neck. His fingers found her skin, and her body responded—even as her mind screamed to stop.
"Elliot, please..."
He paused. Looked at her.
Something flickered in his eyes—not just anger and dominance, but something deeper. Something that was tearing him apart inside.
Then he lowered his head again, silencing her with another kiss.
His lips grew wilder. Rougher. His movements were rushed, driven by lust and rage. His fingers slid under her skirt, touching her most sensitive place without warning—rough, demanding, like he needed to claim her.
She gasped, breath caught in her throat. She tried to push his hand away. He was too strong.
"El-Elliot... stop..." Her voice trembled. Not loud enough.
He didn't hear. His fingers pressed deeper. His lips moved lower, sucking at her breast through her top. Rough. Dominant.
She went rigid.
This is wrong.
The sensation—the rough touch, the forceful grip—dragged her back to something buried.
Vincent's face flashed in her mind. His alcohol-scented breath. The weight of his body pressing down. The paralyzing fear.
As Elliot pushed further, the memories grew clearer.
She stiffened, trying to pull away. "Elliot... please..."
He still didn't hear. Still consumed by his own rage, his own possessive fire. His hand grew more demanding, more insistent.
Then—a sob.
Her body trembled. Tears slid down her cheeks.
Elliot froze.
The world stopped as he finally saw her.
Audrey looked terrified.
His eyes widened. He looked down at his hand—still under her skirt—and pulled it back instantly. He straightened, moving off her, staring at her pale face.
"Audrey... baby?" His voice was hoarse now, the sharpness gone.
She bit her lip, trying to breathe, trying to control herself. But the tears wouldn't stop.
He wanted to speak. His throat was dry.
What have I done?
He swallowed hard. His hand still trembled as he reached for her cheek.
She flinched away.
That small movement hit him like a physical blow.
He closed his eyes. The realization crushed him. He'd crossed a line.
"Audrey, I..."
She didn't answer. Just took a deep, shaky breath, then stood from the sofa.
"I'm going to shower." Her voice was flat. She was still trembling.
He didn't stop her. Didn't move. Just watched her walk away, disappearing behind the bedroom door.
Damn it.
He grabbed his hair in frustration. Then he stood and followed.
The sound of running water came from the bathroom.
He approached slowly, knocked gently.
"Baby..." His voice cracked. "Can I come in?"
Silence.
He waited. Nothing.
"I'm coming in, okay?"
Still no answer.
Elliot tried the handle. Unlocked.
The moment the door opened, his heart shattered.
Under the shower, Audrey sat curled in on herself, knees pulled to her chest. Her body shook with silent sobs, shoulders rising and falling as she tried to hold it together. Water streamed over her—still fully dressed.
He didn't think. He stepped in and knelt behind her, arms wrapping around her from behind.
Audrey stiffened. Elliot held on.
"Baby..." His voice broke.
She didn't respond immediately. Her sobs continued, each one cutting deeper into him.
"Forgive me." He pressed his forehead to her shoulder. "I'm such a bastard."
She should have told him to leave. Should have pushed him away. But his warmth from behind—it felt different from before. Not demanding. Just... there.
She stayed silent. But she didn't pull away. That alone was enough to ease something in his chest.
"I won't touch you again if you don't want me to. But please... don't shut me out, Audrey." His arms tightened around her, like he was afraid she'd disappear.
She didn't answer. But slowly, the tension in her body began to ease. The sobs quieted.
He exhaled, lifting his head. His chest ached seeing her like this.
"Sweetheart," he called softly, hand reaching for her cold cheek.
She didn't turn, but she didn't flinch away either.
Carefully, he moved to face her, looking at her for a long moment before gently taking her hands to help her stand. "You're freezing."
She let him guide her up. He glanced at the still-running shower, then reached over to adjust the temperature—warmer now.
With careful movements, he brushed wet hair from her face. His fingers touched her skin, but this time without desire. Only guilt. Only care.
"I'll wash you," he said softly. Not a command, but a plea.