Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 109716 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 549(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 366(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109716 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 549(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 366(@300wpm)
Phoenix swallowed hard. His first instinct was to refuse, but his grip eventually loosened. He stepped away, his chest heaving with fury.
Artur went to his knees, his swollen eyes staring at Maddie. I saw his gaze moving to her stomach. He crawled closer until he was only inches away from Maddie.
I saw her flinch, but she stood her ground, her chin lifted in defiance. With the strength of a baby lamb, he buried his face in Maddie’s stomach.
He was shaking, a strangled cry coming from his chest.
I saw Maddie’s chin wobble, but she didn’t cry. Everyone stayed frozen, watching the scene in front of them. I almost felt bad for the bastard. The loss of his child…knowing he was the cause of his baby’s death…it could break anyone.
Right then, Artur was a broken man.
He continued to cry, and Maddie just remained still. Slowly, she lifted her hand and placed it on top his head, caressing his hair. It was a brief touch before she pulled her hand away. His face was still buried in her flat stomach, and I nodded at Phoenix. He came forward and pulled Artur away.
I knew in that moment, if Artur was able to speak…his words would have been I am sorry.
But I took that chance away. I hoped that Maddie saw the words in his eyes. She needed it.
When a single tear streamed down her cheek, I knew she saw it. Maddie nodded and walked away without a second glance.
I felt my skin prickle under an intense stare. Immediately, I knew who it was. It was almost as if I was drawn to her.
My head snapped up to the top of the stairs to see Ayla standing there. She stood still, and my heart hammered in my chest.
The monster side of me wanted her to see this. The bloody mess. I wanted her to see what I did for her.
But the other side, the gentle side I never knew I had…that side wanted to shield her from all of this.
“Let’s go,” I growled. Breaking our gaze, I turned around.
“Wait.”
The soft voice was firm yet gentle. I paused. My men paused. Everyone fucking froze at the soft command.
I almost smiled. She really was the queen.
Turning around, I saw her walking down the stairs. All eyes were on her as she made her descent, but her eyes were only on me.
Ayla continued walking until she was only a few feet away from us. I saw her swallow hard, and then she took a deep breath. Her shoulders straightened back firmly, and her chin was held high.
Her eyes moved to Alberto. I felt mine widen, and I took a protective step forward, a small growl escaping past my lips.
I could see Phoenix raising an eyebrow at me, mocking me.
I moved forward until I was standing at her side. Ayla smiled up at me sweetly, and she stood on her toes. “Let me do this,” she whispered before kissing my lips quickly.
I went to refuse, but she was already bending down to Alberto’s level. I moved behind her, my stance protective. A possessive surge went through me at the sight of her being this close to the bastard.
She grabbed Alberto’s face and lifted it up so they were staring at each other. He grimaced in pain but didn’t make any move.
Ayla leaned forward until her lips were next to his ear.
“I forgive you,” she murmured loud enough for me to hear too.
Alberto stiffened, and when she pulled away, his eyes were wide. I saw him swallow hard, almost like Ayla’s action was unbelievable.
I wasn’t shocked, though. Instead, all I felt was pride. I was in awe of her strength.
“I don’t know why you hurt me, but if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have found Alessio. I forgive you…I don’t know if that will give you peace, but I thought those words needed to be said. For both our sakes. Especially mine.”
Her voice was soft, almost angelic. Alberto looked at her in shock, and he shook his head. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out.
I wrapped my arm around Ayla’s waist and pulled her up. She turned in my arms and smiled. “I needed this to move on. Do what you have to do, Alessio. I will be right here waiting for you.”
Ayla stepped out of my embrace and took a step back. Lena and a few of the maids came to stand behind her. Some of my men followed suit, flanking her sides protectively.
Giving her a nod, I walked away. Time to end this fucking war and get back to my woman.
I moved to the car and leveled Nina a look. She nodded. “I’ll stay here.”
She sneered at Alberto as Viktor pushed him into the car. I got into the front seat and waited for everyone else.