The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 245

Steven came back to the bedroom, took a quick shower, and slipped under the covers. Like old times, he pulled Lucie close, tucking her against his chest and breathing in her scent.

He was out in seconds.

It was the best sleep he’d had since the divorce—deep, warm, and strangely comforting. Holding her again felt like stepping right back into their old life.

…

At eight, Lucie’s internal clock dragged her awake. She felt unbearably hot, pinned down by a heavy weight. For a few dazed moments, she tried to figure out what was going on.

She turned her head. Steven was still asleep, his sharp features soft against her neck. His arm was slung over her waist, one leg thrown over hers, anchoring her in place. Her leg was numb.

Last night’s memories hit her all at once. She’d begged him to stop, and he’d ignored her. She felt hatred burn through her chest.

“Steven, you heartless bastard. I hope you rot in hell!”

She wanted to shove him away, maybe even hurt him while he slept, but she couldn’t. She didn’t even dare wake him.

Blinking back tears, she carefully slid his arm off her body. Holding her breath, she pried her leg free. He didn’t move.

She rolled out of bed, but her legs gave way the moment her feet touched the floor. She collapsed, breathless and shaking.

She shot him a hateful glare before forcing herself upright, stumbling toward the living room. She needed to get out. This time, she wasn’t going to forgive him. She’d go to the police, report him for what he did. He was going to pay, or he’d just keep doing this to her.

She found her robe draped over a chair and threw it on, her hands shaking. No sign of her shoes. Whatever. She’d go barefoot.

“Steven, just wait. I’m never letting you get away with this.”

Her ankle buckled, sending her crashing to the floor again. Her legs were useless, her whole body aching from what he’d done. Even standing was a struggle.

But she was getting out, even if she had to crawl.

She was almost at the door when a mocking voice echoed behind her. “Where do you think you’re going, crawling like that?”

Panic jolted through her. She scrambled for the door, fumbling with the handle.

“Steven, stay away from me!”

She gave a bitter laugh. “And Bria? What about her?”

He frowned. “Lucie, no one can replace her. Just like no one can replace you. I promised her I’d never let her down, so I have to marry her.”

“Then what do you want from me?”

“I don’t want to lose you either. Now that you’re in Westbrook, just stay here. I’ll visit every month. I’ll take care of everything you need.”

She couldn’t listen to any more. “So you really do want me as your mistress.”

“My lover. Don’t use that word.”

She snorted. “Steven, you’re disgusting. Let me go. I don’t ever want to see you again. Just looking at you makes me sick.”

He looked suddenly miserable, but she could see the stubbornness in his eyes. He always got his way. One way or another, she knew he wouldn’t give up.

“Lucie, I really do care about you. I don’t want to force you, but please don’t make me do something you’ll regret. Just trust me, let me take care of you, and I’ll love you like I always have…”