Page 94 of Mystic's Sunrise

God, I hated her.

The woman who had wrapped her hands around my throat the second I stepped off that plane, fresh out of war, broken in ways I didn’t understand yet. She’d never loved me—she’d just claimed me like a paycheck.

And I’d let her.

Because she kept that tape around my neck like a noose.

Because she made me think no one else would ever want me.

Because I hadn’t wanted to deal with her and the bullshit, so I walked away finding it easier to be alone forever than fight her.

Until now.

“I want a divorce, and I don’t give a fuck about that tape,” I said, my voice even, final.

For the first time, her mask cracked. Her lips parted. Her brows drew together, just slightly. Not in pain—in surprise. Because she never thought I’d do it. Zeynep gave me the determination and reason to finally deal with this bitch.

She recovered quick, her smirk snapping back into place. “You say that now. But we both know you’re not going anywhere.”

I took another step forward, my chest nearly brushing hers, forcing her to crane her neck up. “Watch me.”

Something flickered in her eyes—jealousy. Frustration. Anger. But not fear. She wasn’t scared of me. She should’ve been. Because I wasn’t that fucking broken kid she married anymore.

She exhaled, rolling her shoulders back like this whole thing was boring her. “Fine. You want a divorce? Go get the paperwork. We’ll see if I feel like signing.”

I smiled.

And she finally flinched.

Because my smile meant I wasn’t playing her game anymore.

“I don’t need your permission, sweetheart. I just need a damn good lawyer, and I got one. I’m not playing games anymore and the best part—you won’t get shit.”

Her nostrils flared. That smirk—gone.

Now, she looked pissed.

“You really think you’re gonna run off with your little charity case and leave me with nothing? You think she’s gonna love you,Kain? You think she won’t get tired of that scarred up face, that fucked-up head of yours, and realize what a mistake you are?”

My vision went red.

I didn’t touch her.

Didn’t say a word.

But she must’ve felt the violence coiled under my skin, because for the first time tonight, she took a step back.

I leaned down, close enough that my next words were a breath against her skin. “Get the fuck gone.”

“Kain—”

“Get. The fuck. Gone.”

For once, she didn’t argue. She turned on her heel, stalking toward her car. The second her door slammed shut, she rolled down the window just enough for her final words to slip through.

“I’ll fucking ruin you, Kain. You wanna leave me? Fine. But I’ll make sure you go down as the violent piece of shit everyone already thinks you are. I can make you look like anything I want. And you know what? They’ll believe me.”

Then she peeled out, tires kicking up gravel.