Page 24

The stranger in front of me smirked, and then it hit me. My eyes narrowed. “Traitor.”

His short chuckle settled between us before he shrugged. “Your husband is a better business partner I’m afraid.” Then, he placed his hand to his chest. “I am a business man after all.”

“Thank you for joining us, Mr. Fujimura.” Antonio spoke up and my brows slightly pinched together. Mister? He’s either older than he looks, or Antonio really respects him… nah. Definitely the former.

“We’re business partners.” Mr. Fujimura grinned. “Please, call me Isamu.”

“I appreciate you coming all this way on such short notice.” Antonio cast me a glance and I shot him a fake smile which pulled laughter from Mr. Fujimura.

“Hey, I wouldn’t miss it.” He gave Antonio’s shoulder a slight squeeze and my eyes bounced between the two of them. I didn’t like this one bit. Antonio didn’t have friends, he had business associates. That’s it. But this… “I’ve dealt with your father in the past but something tells me you and I will get along so much better.” His eyes danced with mischief and Antonio grinned.

Antonio replied in Japanese, taking me aback and Mr. Fujimura laughed before excusing himself.

I smiled, stepping closer to Antonio’s side then returned a wave to a couple in the distance.

“Don’t forget to suck him off while you’re down there kissing his ass, okay?” I whispered to Antonio and could feel the heat of his death stare on the side of my face.

“Let’s go.” He gripped my upper arm, holding me firmly to his side whilst leading me away from everyone.

“Where are you taking me?” I irritably groaned as his tight hold on my upper arm stung.

Without answering my question, he continued pulling me with him and when we reached the door, I didn’t miss the subtle nod he shared with Cesar.

We exited the venue and when I glanced back, Cesar and Kiril both reached for either door, closing it at the same time. What’s going on…?

Antonio yanked the passenger door open and shoved me inside before slamming it shut. I groaned, fixing my dress. Unbelievable.

“Caveman,” I murmured as he slid into the driver’s seat. We fastened our seat belts before driving off, and an unfamiliar swirl of emotions formed in my stomach. “Where are we going, Antonio?” I asked again, but his eyes and face gave nothing away.

“You don’t want your wedding gift?” He glanced at me.

“Killing me on our wedding day one year after I drugged you on our other wedding day? How poetic.” I sank into my seat.

With a faint huff I stared out the window, arms folded across my chest.

Heavy silence grew between us and I swallowed hard, looking back at him. “This is the part where you deny it.” I leaned over to whisper, and the ghost of a grin passed over his lips.

The car came to a stop and when I looked out the window I was met with a tall building that looked like a… nursing facility?

He soon appeared beside me and my door was opened, taking me aback. As if my arm hadn’t suffered enough, it once again fell victim to his freakishly strong grip as he dragged me to the front gate and inside the building.

As soon as my heels clicked on the tiles, memories of being at the mental hospital came flooding back and suddenly, the walls were caving in on me again.

I lifted a steady hand to my throat, swallowing uncomfortably when he led me into the elevator.

The doors slid shut and I took the biggest step to the right—away from him—and crossed my arms over my chest. I could feel the coldness of the elevator wall pull goosebumps from my bare skin, but I ignored it, fighting the anxiety wrapped around my throat.

“I don’t bite, Nirah,” he murmured, still staring ahead and I too didn’t spare him a glance when I scoffed.

“Yes you do.”

With a faint ding the doors slid open and he motioned me forward. After a quick, silent prayer, I entered the hallway, and he followed behind me like a haunting shadow.

We reached the end of the hallway and he gripped the doorknob, swinging it open.

I froze.

It was identical to a hospital room, and someone occupied the only bed inside. He was passed out with needles and tubes attached to him. I turned to speak in confusion, but Antonio put a hand on my back and forced me inside.