Page 67 of King of Kings

Opening the door without looking through the peephole is a rookie mistake.

“Hello, wife,” Bradley says with a grin from the other side of the door.

“You need to leave,” I say.

He doesn’t, of course. He pushes his way inside and shuts the door behind him.

“Is that any way to talk to your husband?” he asks, making himself at home in my apartment.

“You’re not my husband,” I say, feeling uncomfortable with him in my space.

“Of course I am. I told you before I’d make your life a living hell before I’d let you leave me,” he says, sitting down on the couch, his arm over the top.

I try to remember where I put my phone and how I can get to it so I can call the police.

“Now, be a good wife and come sit down and talk to me. We have a lot to discuss,” he says, patting the couch next to him.

I feel like I’m paralyzed. My heart is in my stomach, and I feel like I might be sick. I can’t believe this is happening right now. I thought he was gone from my life forever.

“Why are you hesitating? I’m your husband.”

“Stop saying that,” I say, my voice wavering.

I watch him get up from the couch. I start to back up, but he’s too fast. He has me backed up against the wall in the hallway.

“Do you know how long it has taken me to find you?” His arms are gripping mine, making me flinch. “This isn’t over until I say it’s over,” he says, his face inching closer to mine.

“Please stop,” I beg.

His fingers grip my chin, his grip so hard it’s making my eyes water.

“You’re a weak bitch, Sophia. You always have been.”

I try to turn my head, but he won’t let me.

“Look at me when I’m talking to you,” he growls.

His breath on my face makes me want to throw up, and I can feel the tears stinging my eyes. He’s not wrong. I am weak.

I hear knocking on the door, and my heart rate picks up.

“Are you expecting someone?” he asks, anger in his eyes.

“No… No,” I stammer.

“Tell whoever it is to go away,” he snarls.

“Sophia, I know you’re in there.”

Knox.

I never thought I was the type that needed saving, but my king is here.

“Get rid of him,” Bradley says, squeezing harder on my face.

“He won’t leave,” I say, because I’m confident he won’t.

“If you don’t answer, I’m coming in,” Knox warns.