Chapter 35

Vlad had hoped that their time on his yacht would be the beginning of a peaceful marriage. Knowing Jane as he did, he should have known better. The woman was built for battle and made a point of letting him know she thought of their marriage as a mockery, despite weeks of passionate nights where he proved to her that they were very much married. He was rapidly reaching the end of his patience with his conflicted younger wife, who would show caring one moment and then bare her murderous claws at him the next.

Vlad entered the dining room at the usual time. Jane, who was beginning to learn his preferred schedule, stood waiting for him. As usual she didn't look up or acknowledge him. But she was present, which was progress. Unfortunately, she made the mistake of ducking his affectionate greeting and turning her back on him. Vlad's normally cool temper soared into a rage. No one turned their back on him while he commanded their attention, least of all his wife.

Vlad gripped her arm tight