The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 279

At the top of the mountain, darkness swallowed the car, making it impossible to see anything. The back seat was laid flat, just big enough for two people to stretch out side by side.

Lucie’s ankle throbbed, sharp pain snapping her from the haze. His hand gripped her so tightly it felt like he might break her bones, his touch rough and bruising. Her skin was covered in bite marks and kisses, angry reminders of his madness. When Steven lost control, he always bit her.

“Do you love me?” His voice was low, almost a growl, vibrating against her ear. “Hmm?”

“…I love you…” She choked out, her voice barely a whisper.

“Love who? Who am I?”

“I love you… love you…”

“Who am I?”

Lucie tried to answer through the fog in her mind, but she really didn’t want to say his name. He was a demon in human form—cruel, wild, impossible to tame. If you didn’t listen, he’d make you pay. He’d push you to the edge, break you down until you couldn’t take it anymore. If you didn’t give in, your only choice was to suffer through it. And she was never strong enough to resist.

“Answer me!”

“I love Steven… ugh…”

When she finally surrendered, he eased up—just a little. Most of the time, he didn’t force her outright. He’d rather play with her, stirring up all the dark things she tried to hide, tempting her until she broke. It was like starving a cat for three days, then dangling a fish just out of reach. “Want it? Just say you want it and it’s yours.” Of course, no cat could resist for long.

Every time she lost control and said yes, he’d turn into a ruthless conqueror, taking everything, leaving nothing behind. Later, he’d pretend he was innocent—blame her, say it was all her idea.

“Steven, please, I can’t take any more…” Lucie sobbed, tears running down her face. She didn’t even have the energy to hit him.

Tonight, something in him had snapped. He was completely out of his mind, possessive and desperate. The thought of her with someone else, of another man touching her, was more than he could bear. He’d rather destroy her than let anyone else have her.

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