26. Chapter 26

Chapter 26

-Alison-

I had been given my own room, guarded, but at least provided with food. The following morning, the doors swung open, and guards barged in, wrenching me from my bed. Fortunately, I had fallen asleep fully dressed, a decision that proved to be the right one as they showed no hesitation in ripping away the covers and manhandling me. They dragged me downstairs, my feeble struggles met with the overwhelming pain coursing through my body, eliciting a sharp hiss as I twisted against their unyielding grip.

"Let me go!" I snarled, though my words held no sway over them.

They ushered me into a spacious living room, where Dominic and his family awaited. I was seated beside Dominic, my hands bound with cuffs that cut my skin, leaving it raw.

"Morning," he greeted with a twisted smile.

I averted my gaze, refusing to dignify his greeting with a response. He chuckled, indifferent to my defiance. His demeanor exuded an unsettling sense of satisfaction, fueled by the delusion that Jared would deliver Julia to him. I adamantly rejected the notion. I couldn't fathom for a moment that Jared would ever sacrifice that terrified young girl. He wasn't capable of such a thing. I knew my husband well. However, a flicker of doubt crept into my mind as someone entered the room to inform Dominic of Jared's arrival.

The entire family perked up as Dominic instructed the guards to allow Jared to enter and conduct a search. I sat on the edge of my seat, still holding onto my faith in the man I loved, believing he wouldn't exploit an innocent child to reclaim me. However, my hope was shattered when he entered, Julia by his side, a tear-streaked mess clinging to his arm, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

As Jared guided Julia in front of him, keeping a firm grip on her shoulders, I searched his eyes for any sign of hesitation or remorse but found none. A gentle shake of my head went unnoticed as he turned his attention to Dominic, who was eyeing Julia intently.

"So, here she is," Jared announced.

"And here is your wife," Dominic declared, extending his hand toward me.

Meeting Jared's gaze, I found myself at a loss for words. His fleeting glance in my direction was devoid of emotion as he focused on Dominic.

"I'm at a bit of a disadvantage here, aren't I?" Jared mocked.

"You always were, but I'm a man of my word," Dominic reassured.

"Really?"

Dominic gestured toward me with an outstretched hand. "Go on."

Confusion clouded my thoughts. "What?"

"Go to him. He can't cause much harm here, and he can't take Julia with him again. So go. Then you send Julia over here," Dominic explained, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

"When we're outside," Jared demanded.

"Sure, if that puts your mind at ease," Dominic taunted. "Now, go on."

I still couldn't fathom the reality of my newfound freedom, nor could I grasp the possibility that Jared might consider trading a little girl for my release. Nonetheless, I cautiously rose from the couch, scanning the room for any signs of hostility. Seeing no one making any sudden movements or reaching for a weapon, I approached Jared, who observed me with a newfound intensity. As I drew near, a guard moved, causing me to flinch, but he merely unlocked my handcuffs before stepping back.

Jared's gaze remained fixed on me, conveying a silent longing to touch me and ensure my safety, yet he maintained his composure.

"Shall we go outside?" Dominic suggested.

Jared nodded, positioning Julia in front of him and keeping her close. Was it to ensure he could protect her if her family attempted anything? With his free hand, he intertwined his fingers with mine, guiding me behind him as we made our way to the exit.

Stepping out into the sunlight, we approached the waiting cars, flanked by Jared's men and Dominic's guards. As we stood before the vehicles, Jared abruptly turned, positioning me behind him and Julia in the front.

"Jared, what are you doing?" I whispered urgently.

Dominic's family stood a short distance away, wearing smug smiles. It was clear that this wasn't the end of the ordeal. They had likely released me because they knew it wouldn't alter the outcome. Jared, however, remained silent, even going as far as to shush me, prompting a glare from me directed at the back of his head.

"So?" Dominic prompted, extending his arms. "Julia?"

Julia began trembling, but Jared gently guided her forward.

"No, Jared, you can't!" I protested, reaching around him in an attempt to grasp Julia. She began crying, her arms outstretched toward me.

"Alison, I don't want to go," she sobbed.

"Alison, stop," Jared commanded, pulling me back and attempting to push Julia forward.

"No, Jared, no!" I yelled defiantly.

"Alison, step back!" he ordered firmly.

"Fuck you! I'm not letting them take her," I snarled, clutching onto Julia's arm as I locked eyes with Jared.

I could see the anger flaring in his eyes at my disobedience, but I was resolved. They were not taking her!

"Let. Her. Go," he demanded tersely.

"No," I replied icily.

"Alison, don't make me rip her from you," he warned.

"You can't do this," I pleaded desperately. "Don't subject her to our life—lonely, cold, devoid of genuine connection. Don't condemn her to that, Jared. I beg of you."

"Alison, let her go," he replied emotionlessly, seemingly unaffected.

"If you do this, I will never forgive you," I warned him. "I will stop loving you."

He let out a mocking breath. "As if you could. But go ahead and try. Let's see how long it takes for you to bow to me."

I continued to glare at him, knowing deep down that our bond was unbreakable.

"Don't, Jared. Please."

"I'm going to count to three, Alison, and if you do not let her go, I will take her from you."

I held Julia close to me, feeling her trembling against my waist as she clung to me.

"One," Jared began, his eyes shifting slightly as if trying to convey something to me, but his intentions remained unclear.

"Two," he announced.

"Don't."

"Three. Very well," he conceded, signaling for his men to assist him.

I was quickly seized by two of his guards, my heart pounding with fear as Jared forcibly ripped Julia from my grasp. She screamed and cried, pleading for me not to let her go, but his men held onto my arms, preventing me from reaching her.

"No! Jared!" I screamed in anguish.

"Alison!" Julia cried out as her grip on me faltered, tearing my dress slightly.

"Jared, please don't do this. Please!" I begged as he carried her over to Dominic.

Julia sobbed uncontrollably, reaching out for Jared as he turned away from her.

"Please, don't leave me!" she pleaded desperately.

Jared tore his hand away from hers, and I stared at him in disbelief. I knew he struggled to form connections with others, but I couldn't fathom how he could be so heartless. I had believed there was a line he wouldn't cross.

"Let's go," Jared ordered as he returned to me.

"Alison!" Julia's voice echoed as she was led away by her family.

I continued to gaze at Jared, feeling a mix of anger and sorrow wash over me. As he approached, I leaned away from him.

"I will hate you for this," I declared firmly.

"Is that any different from usual?" he taunted, then grabbed me by the neck, forcing me into the car.

Once inside, Jared ordered the driver to take us home and arranged for his private doctor to wait at his home to conduct a thorough checkup on me. However, I remained silent and resolute, crossing my arms as the car pulled away from the house. I kept my eyes fixed on Julia until she disappeared from sight, a sense of failure weighing heavily on me.

My reverie was interrupted by the unexpected touch of a hand stroking my cheek. I turned to see Jared, surprised by his sudden tenderness. Despite pulling away, he persisted, attempting to slide his hand beneath my dress.

"Don't touch me," I growled, pushing his hand away.

Undeterred, he persisted, his actions becoming more aggressive. I fought against him, scratching his neck in defiance, but he only groaned in response, clearly aroused by my resistance.

"I told you not to touch me! I will never let you near me again!"

"We both know you won't last a week," he taunted. "You'll be shaking and begging me to fuck you before it's over."

"Don't hold your breath," I snarled.

He chuckled, then maneuvered us, lowering me onto the seat. I cursed and yelled, trying to push him away as he spread my legs to position himself between them.

"Did he hurt you?" he whispered in my ear, his tone softening.

"Of course he did. I'm bruised," I replied bitterly.

"I wasn't talking about that," he clarified, leaning back to meet my gaze with unexpected tenderness. It was a stark contrast to his previous demeanor.

"Almost."

"We'll have you checked out."

"Why should it matter? We're never sleeping together again," I growled, turning my head away. "I knew you could be cold, but I thought there was a line."

Jared shook his head, then reached out to touch my bruised face. I hissed, pushing him away, but he seized my wrists, pinning them above my head.

"And here I thought you understood me best. Perhaps I was mistaken," he retorted coldly.

"What the hell are you talking about? You just handed Julia over to them. I'll never forgive you for that."

"Do you care for the girl?" he asked.

"Obviously!" I snapped.

"Yeah, so do I."

I fell silent, gazing up at him with a confused expression, but Jared wasn't smiling or doing much else besides letting his eyes roam over my body as if he couldn't wait to devour it. I had missed him too, but I wouldn't surrender after what he had just done.

"They will kill her the moment they don't need her anymore," I whispered.

"Then it's a good thing she only needs to stay there for a few days," he responded calmly.

"What?"

"You really think I was going to let those bastards get their way?"

"I… I don't know," I stammered.

"I will get her back," he stated firmly.

"What?" I breathed, struggling to comprehend what he was telling me.

"I will get her back, Alison. Don't worry," he reassured me.

"It's… a ruse," I concluded.

"Of course."

I let out a shaky exhale, the relief overwhelming.

"I can't believe you doubted me," he accused.

"Kiss me," I panted, suddenly desperate for his touch, hoping to show him how sorry I was. I leaned up to him, shocking him with the sudden change. I tightened my legs around him, drawing us closer together, and he groaned in response.

"Right now. Kiss me. Let me show you how much I missed you," I urged.

He didn't need further encouragement and crashed his lips against mine. It was painful because of the bruising, but I didn't tell him to stop. He kissed me with a raw intensity I hadn't experienced before. It was evident that our time apart had only fueled his desire for me, and I relished the affection he showed.

He leaned down and kissed my neck, sucking and biting it until he left his mark.

"When the doctor clears you, I'm not going to hold back, Alison. I have been going crazy for you," he murmured against my skin.

"Ah yes," I panted, pressing up against him and grinding. I couldn't wait for the checkup to be over.