Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 224

**Title: His Mercy Tastes Like Hunger**

**Chapter 224: I Love Her**

Fiona’s voice trembled as she pieced together the puzzle of Reginald’s past. “So, that’s why you took on that impossible kidnapping mission against her?” The memory of Reginald accepting a job to abduct Phoebe haunted her thoughts, a task that had left him scarred, both physically and emotionally, and had cost him a finger in the process.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about. This is all just a figment of your imagination,” he retorted, his earlier aggression dissipating, replaced by a more cautious demeanor. It was as if he was trying to shield himself from the truth she was unearthing.

“Really?” Fiona wiped away her tears, determination surging through her as she slid off the bed, closing the distance between them. “I barely know her—we’ve only crossed paths a handful of times. But every time I mention her name, I see a flicker in your eyes. An emotion I’ve never been able to ignite within you.”

“You’ve completely lost your mind with these outrageous accusations, Fiona.” His voice was authoritative, anger flaring across his features, yet she could see beyond the mask he wore.

He wasn’t denying it; he couldn’t bring himself to utter the words that would confirm her suspicions. The truth was too painful to confront. How could he claim his heart was free when it belonged to someone else? He remained silent, and in that silence, she understood—someone else had claimed his heart long before she ever could.

The thought of it—a small flicker of hope that perhaps he might have considered her feelings—had never even crossed his mind. It could have offered her a sliver of comfort, but instead, it deepened her sorrow.

“Even as your mate, marked by you, your heart still beats for her,” she said, pressing her palm against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm beneath her fingertips. “I was never truly yours because she has always been the one occupying your thoughts.”

“You’re just stirring up trouble,” he snapped, narrowing his eyes as he seized her hand, pulling her into a forceful kiss, a desperate attempt to silence her. “Is this what you’re after?”

“No!” She pushed him away, resisting as he dragged her toward the bed, forcing her down with an unsettling roughness.

He pinned both of her arms above her head with a single, powerful grip, his body a solid barrier against her escape.

“Are you upset about carrying Allen’s child? Is that what’s driving these accusations?” He positioned himself between her legs, spreading them apart with an unsettling dominance. “Are you angry because I won’t let you terminate the pregnancy? Is that what this is really about?”

“No!” She struggled beneath him, her heart racing as he lifted her right leg, feeling his hardness pressing against her. The intensity of the moment was overwhelming, igniting a confusing mix of fear and desire within her.

This confrontation was awakening something primal in him.

“What are you doing?! I don’t want this!” Tears streamed down her cheeks as he kissed her, his lips demanding and relentless. She kept her lips sealed, but he pressed harder, forcing them apart with an insistent pressure. “No! Let me go! Reginald!”

“This is exactly what you’re demanding, isn’t it? You question my loyalty when I’m right here with you, when I’m this close to you!”

Reginald froze, his glare piercing through her defenses.

“See? Even now, for just a fleeting moment, you can’t bring yourself to lie and say you love me instead of her.” A bitter laugh threatened to escape her lips, but she held it back. “You can claim my body, but you’ll never possess my heart. Just like Allen—he can have my body, and I’m even carrying his child, but he will never own my heart because it belongs to you. I love you… but sadly, that feeling isn’t mutual.”

The words spilled out of her, mingling with tears and bitter laughter as she locked eyes with him, no longer resisting. At that moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of surrender. She didn’t care what happened next; Reginald could take whatever he wanted from her.

She despised herself for still loving him, for still craving his presence despite the pain he caused her.

When he leaned down to kiss her, she didn’t resist. Tears continued to fall, but his lips were gentle, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her. Unlike before, he kissed her slowly, tenderly, as if savoring every moment, every taste.

It almost felt like love.

If only she didn’t know better, she might have believed it was.

He traced kisses along her cheeks, grazing her eyelids, tasting her tears before moving down to her neck and collarbone.

This time, he released her hands, sensing her submission. His fingers caressed her slender throat, trailing down to her breasts.

She gasped, desperately trying to suppress her response, but it was futile. His touch ignited a fire within her veins.

“Stop this, Reginald…” Her breathing became ragged, and she hated how her body betrayed her. She wanted his touch, wanted him to destroy her even though he already had. She loathed herself for still yearning for him. “Stop…”

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