Chapter 40
She’s stunned. My little doll is in shock, and it’s fucking adorable. As much as I plan on punishing her, I’m far too intoxicated on her to care. That can come later when I’m not as high on her mere presence.
I’ll force her to fucking pay, all right.
After sliding her into the passenger seat of my SUV, I buckle her seatbelt, much like months ago, when I collected her from school. I treat her like my precious possession, not the girl who defied me, stole my heart, and spat it out only to stamp on it. I don’t treat her like the woman trampled on my son’s feelings. No, I’m too delighted to care right now.
She tries the handle as I move around the vehicle and slide into the driver’s seat, pleased that I put the child lock on as I shut her in.
“Rafael.” She tries the handle again as I start the engine. “Rafael, what are you doing?”
I ignore her, practically preening over the control that I have her back in my hold. Everything will be perfect again. I grin to myself as happiness thrums through my veins like a drug. She won’t get away from me again. I’ve already put measures in place to ensure it.
“Rafael, listen to me. You have to let me out.” I ignore her as I pull out of the VIP parking lot and onto the road.
“Rafael, please.” She hiccups on a sob that grabs my attention, and for the first time tonight, I turn to face my little doll. Dirt from her fall coats her face, tear marks streak her cheeks, and her lip wobbles, so I tighten my grip on the steering wheel. I hate seeing her like this unless we’re fucking, and she fucking knows it.
I snap my gaze back to the road, determined to remain strong and not allow her any control over me. The last time I did, she betrayed me.
And my son.
Her small cold hands cup my cheeks, and I allow her to turn my face to hers. “Daddy, p-please.” Her eyes swimming with fear grab my attention and have me questioning what in the fuck I think I know about her leaving me. Leaving us.
All this time, I thought it was Nikita’s meddling, but is it more than that?
The tremor that leaves her burns my skin, and my resolve falls away like charred ashes.
“We need to go to my apartment.” My nostrils flare, but she continues. “Please, Daddy. I have something there to show you.” She breathes out in a resigned sigh. “Please.” She begs so beautifully it pains me to witness.
The sincerity in her tone leaves me with no choice. I nod, turn the wheel and head in the opposite direction toward her apartment block. One she wouldn’t be able to afford if it wasn’t for the O’Connell’s and, frankly, I’m torn about whether to kill them for interfering or thank them for keeping her safe.