Chapter 41
Chapter 41
AXEL’S POV:
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“You missed a spot,” Avery muttered, her audacity stretching as she reached up with her small, trembling hand. Before I could react, she brushed at the edge of my eyepatch, her fingers skimming the streak of egg that clung there.
The slap came before I even registered my own movement, a crack that reverberated in the room. She staggered, clutching the edge of the bed for balance, her lip now split and bleeding. Crimson beads welled at the corner of her mouth, and she swiped at them with the back of her hand, glaring up at me with those fiery, rebellious eyes.
Damn her. She knew exactly how to push me to the brink, poking at corners of my patience I didn’t even know existed. I wasn’t one to raise my hand to women–if punishment was needed, my men handled it. But Avery was different. Something about her grated against every carefully maintained wall I had, stripping away my control until all that remained was untethered rage.
I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling. I hadn’t come here to let her get under my skin. I’d come up with a plan, one meticulously constructed with Logan after Detective Harrington’s latest stunt. The bastard had commissioned a private agency to investigate me, and their nosing around was becoming a liability. Every step I took was under scrutiny now, and it was only a matter of time before they stumbled across something they shouldn’t.
So, we adjusted. Pivoted. And that pivot brought me here, to this room, with this infuriating woman.
Before I could regain my composure, there was a knock at the door.
“Is this a good time, Axel?” Cedric’s familiar voice called out, infiltrating the antagonising silence.
I stepped aside, waving him in. “Yeah, come in.”
Cedric entered, his medical bag in hand, his expression as impassive as ever. I’d summoned him earlier, intending to have Avery examined. It was an impulsive decision, one I couldn’t quite explain even to myself. Maybe it was the way she looked in that cell–bruised, battered, her once–perfect skin marred by scars and cuts. Or maybe it was the inexplicable desire to fix her up, just so I could be the one to ruin her all over again.
Cedric gave me a brief nod before turning to Avery, who had retreated to the far corner of the room, clutching the clothes tightly around her body.
“Doctor Cedric,” I introduced curtly. “He’s here to check you over. Make sure you’re… functional.”
Avery’s eyes narrowed, suspicion flaring in their depths. “Functional?” she repeated, defiance in every state of her moment.
Cedric ignored her tone, setting his bag down and pulling out his tools. “We’ll start with a basic exam,” he said matter–of- factly.
“You’ll strip,” I added. “And, don’t even get on my last nerve by defiling me, Avery,” I warned.
Her eyes darted to mine, disbelief and fear painted across her face. “You can’t be serious.”
I took a step forward, my presence silencing her protest. “I don’t repeat myself, Avery. Don’t try me.”
Her defiance withered under my glare. Slowly, reluctantly, she slipped out of her dress, her movements hesitant as she stood exposed. I could see the unease in her shoulders, the way she tightened her jaw to keep from saying something that would push me over the edge.
Cedric worked efficiently, his hands clinical as he examined her injuries. He applied ointment to the shallow cuts, stitched the deeper ones, and wrapped bandages around her bruised ribs. Avery flinched at the cold touch of antiseptic, her discomfort evident, but she bore it all in silence.
When he finished, Cedric straightened and packed away his tools. “She’s healthy,” he announced, his tone neutral. “No
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Chapter 41
underlying conditions. Strong heart, good vitals. She’ll recover fully with time.”
I nodded, dismissing him with a wave. “Leave us.”
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Cedric didn’t need to be told twice. He gathered his things and left without another word, the door clicking shut behind him.
Avery wasted no time grabbing the discarded dress and putting it on again. “What was that about?” she demanded. “Are you preparing your… animal for slaughter? Making sure I’m healthy before you kill me?”
I smirked, leaning against the edge of the table. “You have quite the imagination, Avery.”
She scoffed, her eyes blazing with anger. “What else am I supposed to think? You’re insane. You drag me here, humiliate me, and then call in a doctor like I’m some livestock you’re about to put down.”
Ignoring her outburst, I pushed off the table and crossed the room until I was standing mere inches away from her. “Tomorrow,” I began, “we’re going to make an appearance on TV. As husband and wife.”
Her confusion was visible, her brows knitting together as she tried to process my words. “What?”
“You’re going to confess,” I continued, “that everything that happened between us was your fault. That you were going through depression, which left you temporarily unstable. You’re going to admit that you stole from me and ran. But like the doting husband I am, I’ve forgiven you. I’ve gotten you the help you need, and now you’re better. Together, we’re going to debunk every rumor about me. Show the world that I’m not just a businessman but a philanthropist. A loving husband.”
Her eyes widened with each word, disbelief giving way to panic.
“After the interview,” I added, “we’ll make a few public appearances. A couple of events, some PDA. It’ll be enough to get the investigators off my back for a while.”
She went silent, her expression unreadable. Then, she broke into laughter–wild, unrestrained laughter that echoed off the walls.
“You’re delusional,” she gasped between fits of mirth. “You really think I’ll do that? You think I’ll humiliate myself for you? I’d rather die.”
I studied her, my smirk widening. “I figured as much,” I said calmly. “Which is why you should prepare to meet your maker, Avery. Because I’m done playing games with you.”
I was about to call Ryan to come take care of this mess when the door burst open, slamming against the wall.
Speak of the devil, Ryan stood in the doorway, his face uncharacteristically unpleased. He was always composed, unshakable even in the worst situations. But now, there was something different–something almost frantic in his eyes.
“What is it?” I demanded, my patience wearing thin.
Ryan sneered at Avery before stepping closer, leaning in to whisper in my ear. “One of the trucks was apprehended.”
My heart skipped a bit as my nerves sprang to life. “DEA?”
He nodded grimly. “And that’s not all.”
“Spit it out, Ryan,” I growled.
He hesitated, his voice dropping even lower. “They found something, Axel. Something that could burn us all.”
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Chapter 42
