Page 137 of The Savage King

“I’m not sorry. I’ll never be sorry for making love to you, Izzy. Don’t ask that of me,” I say. “Buthedoesn’t deserve you.”

Isabelle pants, tugging on the jacket and shakes her head. “Why did you have to do this? You have destroyed my life.”

“You are joking, right? Did you not see him in there with that man? Every. Friday. Isabelle. Not just once with someone he’s in love with likewedid. He’s picking up men and fucking them.”

I let that sink in as her eyes turn sad, but suddenly, I realize I don’t have the entire picture.

Fuck, what have I missed?

“I need to marry him. I have to,” she says quietly, shaking her head. “You don’t understand.”

Has to?No, she fucking doesn’t. I’ve just exposed this guy for disgusting and chronic cheating, and she still wants him?

Over what we have?

I stare at her like she’s someone I don’t know. Perhaps I don’t. Perhaps the woman I’ve fallen in love with isn’t who I think she is. Or maybe she’s just scared of something, and I need to push her to the edge.

“You’re right. I don’t,” I rumble, taking a step back. “But there’s more you need to know.”

“Don’t,” she whispers and I know I’m right. She is scared.

“Isabelle,” Todd calls out and we keep ignoring him.

“Have you asked him about his trust fund? Because you need to know you’re named in it.” I tell her and her eyes widen. “Hehasto marryyouby your twenty-fifth birthday.

In six months.

“Me personally?” she asks, surprised. “Why?”

“I don’t know. But the term states he only needs to remain married to you for two years.”

I let that sink in.

But not for long, because I cannot stand here and let Isabelle be manipulated by this man and their families for a fucking second longer.

“Izzy, he’s been manipulating you into this bullshit abstinence to control you because he is gay. He has no interest in sleeping with you. And after you’re married, he plans to divorce you.”

“You don’t know that,” she says, grasping at invisible straws. I want to shake her, but instead I just nod.

Because I do know. Tony found a bunch of emails to prove it, which I’d rather not show her, but I will if that’s what she needs.

Tears begin to pour down her face and my fists clench. I want to go to her and pull her into my arms, but I need her to choose me.

I’ve done all I can do.

More than I should have, but I fight for what is mine.

And this woman is mine.

“My father. Oh God. He’s going to be so upset.” She drops her face into her hands.

“Jesus, Iz. Your father loves you. Todd has been using you while fucking men. If you love and respect your father, you will tell him the truth. This will shame him more when it inevitably gets out. During your marriage? Or after Todd leaves you.”

She wipes her tears away with the sleeve of my jacket and her eyes dart over my shoulder to the man she is supposed to marry.

But not if I can help it.

“The question is, who doyoulove, Isabelle? Have you thought about me since we’ve been apart?” I stand firm as her wet eyes return to mine. “Have you craved my touch as I’ve craved yours?”