The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 214

“No, you can’t,” Ella blurted out, pushing him away as hard as she could.

Her hand accidentally knocked into his left one. He winced, a quiet hiss slipping out.

Ella stopped, concern flickering across her face. “What’s going on?”

“My hand hurts, Ella,” David said, holding his left hand out for her to see.

She knew his left hand had been badly hurt, but she had no idea he’d needed twenty-three stitches. The stitches were gone now, but a deep scar ran across his palm, thick and jagged, like a caterpillar.

The two of them stood alone at the end of the hallway under soft, yellow light. The space between them was so small, Ella could hear both their hearts beating. David looked right at her and repeated himself, his voice quiet. “Ella, do you see? My hand really hurts.”

She didn’t get why he kept bringing it up. He would rather bleed than ever shed a tear, was suddenly talking about pain again and again.

Ella tilted her face up to him, her features delicate and calm. “It’s ugly.”

She spoke without hesitation, staring at the scar. Just ugly.

David let out an incredulous laugh, then suddenly leaned down and pressed his mouth hard against hers.

Ella tried to break free, but he was stronger. His long fingers slid into her hair, holding her still, deepening the kiss. He didn’t give her a chance to breathe, stealing every bit of air from her lips.

It felt like he was going to swallow her whole.

She balled her hands into fists and hit his chest, but he didn’t let go until he finally, slowly, released her.

He buried his face in her hair, breathing her in. When he spoke, his voice was low and rough. “Ella, I’ve been drugged.”

Their bodies were pressed together. She could feel just how much he wanted her, his heat and hardness impossible to ignore. Ella tried to back away, but the wall was right behind her. There was nowhere to go. “So?”

He traced her ear with his lips, his voice just for her. “So, you’ve been with Atlas all these days. Tonight, you should be with me.”

His lips brushed her ear again, his whisper barely louder than a breath. “Ella, I want you.”

His hand slipped from her wrist.

He gave a strange, crooked smile, then nodded. “Alright.”

He pulled out his phone, dialed quickly. “Aiden, find me someone clean, a virgin. Send her to Bellemont Manor.”

He hung up, then walked away, long strides carrying him out of sight.

He was gone.

Ella stood in the hallway for a while, alone, before she went back to the VIP room.

Atlas was still asleep.

Ella lay down on the little cot, closed her eyes, and tried not to feel anything at all.