LOGINCHRISTIAN POV I sat in the front row, knuckles digging into my thighs, every muscle locked. Matthew Davenport stood at the table, recorder in hand, the one Elizabeth slipped him last night after she’d played Harper like a cheap violin. She wasn’t in the building. I’d made her stay home, locked the gates myself, told her if Harper’s eyes even landed on her today I’d lose it. She’d rolled her eyes, kissed me hard, said, “Finish it, Christian.” Then she walked out. That was her being smart. That was her being safe. The judge, a thick-necked man with a buzz cut and zero patience, slammed his gavel. “Play the tape.” Matthew pressed the button. Harper’s voice filled the room, thin, panicked, recorded in his own study. “I did it. We all had a piece of Christian’s mother—Paul, Robert, Rick. Two, three times a week when Paul got bored.” Gasps punched the air. Jurors jerked back. Harper bolted upright, chair screeching across the floor. “That bitch set me up!” I was over the
ELIZABETH POV I got home, my blood pumping from outsmarting Father, his desperate pleas still ringing in my ears. I headed straight to Christian’s study, I pushed the door open, and there he was—lounging in his chair, shirt sleeves rolled up, dark hair messy over his eyes, all sharp edges and quiet heat. He looked up, his gaze locking onto mine, a slow, dangerous grin spreading across his face. “Baby,” he said, his voice low, rough, like it could unravel me right there. I moved toward him, my steps slow, my eyes never leaving his. He stood, closing the gap fast, his hands grabbing my waist, pulling me against him with a firm, hungry tug. Before I could speak, he spun me, pinning me gently against the desk, his body close, his hips pressing into mine. His fingers slid under my shirt, grazing the bare skin of my lower back, warm and deliberate, sending a shiver straight through me. “You good?” he murmured, his voice thick, his lips brushing the edge of my jaw, teasing, making
ELIZABETH POV My blood ran cold, my hands clenching so hard my nails dug into my palms. Statutory rape? He’s going to lie about my age to lock Christian up? Fury surged through me, my heart pounding, but I kept my face steady, a mask of calm. “You’re out of your damn mind,” I said, my voice low, sharp, each word like a blade. “I was twenty, not seventeen, and I’m not letting you twist that to hurt him.” His smirk vanished, his eyes darkening with rage. He slammed his fist on the table, the thud shaking the glass of juice, his face twisting red. “You’re protecting that bastard?” he roared, his voice thick with anger, veins bulging in his neck. “After everything he’s done? You’re choosing him over your family?” I leaned forward, my eyes blazing, my voice sharp as a blade. “You didn’t care about choosing money over me when you tried to sell me to that 65-year-old creep,” I shot back, my words dripping with venom, my heart pounding with old pain and fresh fury. Hypocrite
ELIZABETH POV I walked into my dad’s house, my head high, ready to play this game. He’d called me to talk about the trial, and I’d agreed to come, keeping my secrets tight—Dad had no clue I’d moved back in with. And that’s why I didn’t pick Hope up from my grandmother’s place, he might notice. He’s not finding out shit. The place was a wreck, worse every time I saw it. Peeling paint hung like dead skin, the floor groaned under my boots, and the air smelled like mold and bad choices. Christian really fucked him up. I bit back a smirk, knowing Dad couldn’t afford to fix this dump, let alone get a new one. “Elizabeth, good to see you,” my father said, stepping into view, his voice dripping with fake warmth. He plopped onto the sagging couch, his eyes scanning me like he was looking for a crack to pry open. Good to see me? My ass. I flashed a tight, fake smile, my stomach steady, my guard ironclad. “Hey, Dad,” I said, dropping into a creaky chair, my hands loose on my lap,
ELIZABETH POV “You’re pregnant,” he said, his voice flat, like he couldn’t believe it. “You’re pregnant,” he repeated, slower, his eyes locked on mine. “Yeah, that’s what I said,” I mumbled, my fingers twisting in my lap. God, he’s making me so nervous. My heart raced, his stare burning through me. Suddenly, his hands reached out, strong and quick. One second I was in the passenger seat, the next I was on his lap, straddling him, my legs pressed against his thighs. The car felt too small, his body too close, his heat making my skin tingle. “You’re pregnant, and you fucking left!” he said, his brows furrowed, his voice rough with anger and something softer—worry. “What were you thinking, Red?” “I found out today,” I said, playing with my hands, avoiding his intense eyes. “And I wouldn’t have left if you’d just opened up to me.” My voice shook, my chest tight with all the hurt and love tangled up inside. He pressed his forehead against mine, his breath heavy, inhaling h
ELIZABETH POV Christian’s words hit like a bomb. I sat in his car, my hands shaking, my chest so tight I could barely breathe. His eyes were dark, heavy, watching me as I tried to process what he’d just said about his mom, my dad, the abuse. Then he kept going, his voice low, rough. “My father. Your father, Harper. Peter. Adrian’s father. And Morgan, who’s dead now.” My head spun, my breath stuck in my throat. All those men? The names piled up, each one heavier than the last. my father being part of this sick mess. Peter. Adrian’s dad. Morgan. It was too much, like trying to swallow broken glass. I gripped my knees, my nails digging in, my mind racing to keep up. What is this? “Did you kill Morgan?” I blurted, my voice shaky. “Like… Adrian’s father?” The question slipped out before I could stop it, my heart pounding. Christian scoffed, his lips twisting, his hands tight on the steering wheel. “I didn’t kill Morgan,” he said, his voice sharp, bitter. “My dad did. Morgan t
Elizabeth POV The hallway was quiet, way too quiet. My footsteps barely made a sound on the thick carpet, but inside, my heart was pounding like I was walking into forbidden territory. Because I was. Christian’s room was off-limits. Everyone in this house knew that. Nana had been too ill to
Christian pov I didn't know how many drinks I had. All I could remember was Daniel walking into my bar and assisting me to my room like he managed to do. He didn't say anything to me, or if he did, I didn't remember. Everything after that moment was lost in a haze. Sitting up in my bed, I gl
Christian POV I glanced at my watch. She was already five minutes late. Exactly as I expected, she couldn’t even manage to be on time. Just as I was about to head upstairs to drag her down myself, she appeared, wearing the dress I’d chosen for her. I paused. It fit her exactly how I knew
Christian POV The second I stepped into the penthouse, something was different. Not wrong, just... off. The silence wasn’t as sharp. There was a faint hum. Something warm. I already knew Nana was sick. She’d sent a message earlier, apologizing for not being able to prepare dinner. Said the gir







