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A strange feeling races through me. It’s got nothing to do with fear. Even when Camden holds up his gun clumsily.

Something’s up. Ophelia.

Our connection is strong. Unbreakable.

She’s defying my order. I just know it.

Nothing can be done about it now.

Fuck.

“Is that so?” I tilt my head. The gun stays right where it is. “Put your guns down. Back the fuck up. You do that, and I might let you leave here with your lives intact.”

“Liar.” Camden’s hand shakes.

His gun shakes.

“You’re right, I am.” I suck in a deep breath. Expand my lungs. Let out a slow exhale. I’ve got all the time in the worldas far as they’re concerned. “I’ll kill you too. For threatening Ophelia. For the audacity to come after either of us. However, I could be merciful. Give you a swift death. Or I could choose not to.”

“What happened to you?” Topher’s expression is a mixture of hurt and disgust. “You’re the one who taught me to never get attached to a woman. Now you’re willing to die for one?”

Ophelia isn’t just any woman.

She’s my everything. My purpose in life. A true, valid reason to wake up in the morning.

The things I do to her when we’re alone, she loves it. The humiliation. Being degraded.

She’s mine.

And she’s definitely not his to ruin.

In another life, I would’ve explained it to him. In this one, it’s too late. He’s had his chance. Maybe I shouldn’t have let him spend hours with Oliver.

Maybe.

What’s done is done.

I narrow my eyes at him. “Don’t you dare come to my house and question me.”

“The fuck I will.” He takes a step closer, aiming for my chest. Reminding me of my father. Only difference is, I’m not wearing bulletproof clothes tonight. That’s how confident I am. “You’re outnumbered. Outmatched. I’m betting your fuck toy has no idea how to use a gun. Just like she knows jack shit about practicing law. My God, Dad. This is one hell of a midlife crisis.”

Silence is all he gets.

“I told her what you do to women who give you babies.”

More silence.

No point in telling him his mother wasn’t raped. Wasn’t forced. That she didn’t die by my hands. No one has the right to my secrets. My weaknesses.

No one but Ophelia.

Camden burps. Repulsive. “Where’s my dad?”

I stare at Topher as I answer him. “Where he usually goes when he disappears.” Taunting a drunk, armed man is dangerous. I fear fucking nothing. “Shoving his dick into one or ten women.”

“Motherfucker.” His steps thud on the wood floor. I count four heavy ones. “You’re holding him here, aren’t you?”

“No.”