Chapter 3 - The Wolf’s Den
Christian stepped between Richard and Elena, his massive frame blocking the groom completely. ""Her father’s firm belongs to whoever controls the majority debt,"" Christian said calmly, reaching into his inner lapel to produce a folded document. ""Which happens to be me, as of dawn today.""
A collective gasp rippled through the pews. Richard’s father stood up in fury, but Christian ignored him entirely. He turned back to Elena, offering his arm with an elegance that defied his lethal reputation.
""Walk with me,"" Christian said softly. ""Or stay and let them devour what little they left of you.""
Elena did not hesitate. Gathering the heavy folds of Christian’s overcoat around her body, she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. She walked out of the cathedral with her head held high, leaving behind the shattered pieces of a planned life and the gaping stares of high society.
Outside, the rain had begun to slick the black pavement. Christian’s obsidian Maybach was idling at the curb, the driver holding the door open. Christian handed her inside and followed, the heavy door shutting out the roar of reporters who had gathered like vultures.
As the car accelerated into the grey mist, Christian handed her a crystal glass of amber liquid. ""Drink. You’re in shock.""
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""Why did you do that?"" Elena’s voice was barely audible over the purr of the engine. ""You hated my father.""
Christian looked out the tinted window, his profile harsh and unreadable. ""I respected your father. It is your fiancé and his little mistress I intend to destroy.""
