You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 69

The backyard was cloaked in shadows, the only light coming from the distant sweep of car headlights. Everything felt tense, quiet—until Theo’s cold, dangerous glare cut through the darkness.

Outside, a car’s headlights flashed across the yard. Patricia instinctively turned away, squinting at the glare. She barely had time to react before a large hand closed around her throat. Another arm snaked around her waist and yanked her out of her chair. Then came the kiss—hard, angry, suffocating.

Patricia fought back, shoving Theo with everything she had, screaming Marian’s name.

Jackson was out running errands, sent away on purpose. If he’d been here, Theo never would’ve tried this.

Marian heard the shouting and rushed outside, shoving Theo aside. “What the hell’s your problem? Let her go!”

“Stay out of it,” Theo snarled. “This is between me and my wife. Since when does any of this concern you?”

Marian planted herself in front of Patricia, unafraid. “Seriously? You’re divorced. Or did you think the paperwork was a joke?”

Theo’s temper snapped. He shoved Marian out of the way, grabbed Patricia’s arm, and dragged her into the house.

He threw her onto the couch so hard her vision blurred.

“The whole town’s talking, Patricia,” Theo spat, eyes wild. “If you’d never gotten hurt, a guy like me wouldn’t have even stood a chance. But you’re not that Ms. Martin anymore. You’re not worth it.”

“What, so now I’m just supposed to accept this? We were married for two years, and you barely touched me. Now you want to divorce me and still let me walk away with millions? Am I just some idiot to you?”

“Let go of me, Theo! This is assault. I’ll call the cops!”

“Oh, go ahead! Why not tell everyone how you iced me out for two years, how you practically pushed me to cheat?”

“Why, Patricia? Why did I spend two years with you and never touch you?”

Theo yanked her shawl away. He started to force himself on her. Patricia’s hand closed around the heavy glass ashtray on the coffee table. She brought it down on his head with all her strength.

Blood streamed down Theo’s face as he stumbled back, eyes wide. “Patricia!”

He wiped at the blood, rage burning in his eyes. “Fine. You got guts, Patricia. If I don’t get you tonight, I’m not a Newton.”

He lunged at her again, clawing at her clothes. Patricia twisted, ready to aim a knee right where it hurt, when the front door banged open.

A tall figure strode inside. With a swift, practiced movement, he struck Theo on the back of the head, dropping him to the floor. Then he grabbed Theo by the collar and tossed him aside like trash.