Chapter 4

The moment the words left my mouth, I saw the veins on his forehead bulge, and his open hands clenched into tight fists. He stared at me coldly, as if I weren't his wife but a complete stranger.

"Do you want a divorce?" he asked sharply. "You had better keep my secret safe, or else… you and your family will have hell to pay!"

With that, he stormed back to the guest bedroom and slammed the door shut.

…

Caspian and I remained at odds for the next few weeks. He was hardly ever home, and on the rare occasion he returned, it was usually well past midnight, and he'd be gone again before I even woke up.

I reveled in the peace and quiet, spending my days getting spa treatments or doing yoga with Sophia every other day.

One night, just after I had gone to bed, I heard someone pounding on the front door over and over again. "Mrs. Birch, Mr. Birch has had too much to drink…"

The moment I opened the door and saw who it was, I couldn't help but ask, "What are you doing here?"

Jason smirked before scanning the interior of our house. "I'm Caspian's driver now, Lorelei. It looks like we'll be seeing each other more often from now on."

His words sent a chill down my spine, reminding me of what he had said that night at the club. With no time to dwell on anything, I heaved my intoxicated husband toward the bedroom, using a damp towel to wipe him down.

After settling him into bed, it suddenly hit me that Jason was still in our house. I hurried into the living room, only to find it empty.

Had he already left? Oddly enough, that realization set my mind at ease.

The very next second, I pricked up my ears and was surprised to hear a shuffling sound from the direction of the study. Barefoot, I crept toward it and cautiously pushed the door open.

Without warning, a large hand snared me, yanking me into the room. I was pinned against him in the dark, caught in a crushing embrace.

We were flush against each other, skin to skin. My back was wedged against his groin, and I could feel his hardness forcing its way toward my most sensitive spot.

A single door was all that separated us. If Caspian regained even a shred of consciousness and opened it, he'd find us locked in each other's arms. Perhaps he'd even see our bodies glued together, leaving zero room for air between us.

I lowered my voice, terrified of waking Caspian and even more afraid that Jason would use my past against me.

"What the hell are you doing?" I hissed. "I told you to let go of me! Do you not hear me?"

My protests fell on deaf ears. His hands roamed over my body as he took whatever he wanted with reckless abandon. I was forced to be a silent witness to my own violation, allowing his hands to knead and explore my body.

His hands cupped the swell of my breasts, filling his palms as he kneaded and squeezed with varying intensity. The slight pain and pleasure from his caress coiled together, sending a furious blush to my cheeks.

My traitorous body bloomed under his hands, and in a matter of seconds, I was sopping wet between my legs.

I shook my head frantically, but I was utterly at his mercy. He snagged the edge of my lace, baring me to his feverish touch as his palm pressed firmly against my heat. Only after I let out a shameful moan did he press his lips against my earlobe.

"I know you've been lonely, Lorelei. Let me take care of you."