?Chapter 512:


    Hisugh was dark and menacing.


    “True, I’m unworthy! Denver may be better in every way, but what does that matter now? You belong to me!”


    With that deration, he bent down and pressed his lips against hers.


    Hadley flinched in pain as Eric’s mouth closed over her neck, his teeth grazing her skin in a brutal, possessive bite. Trapped in the tight confines of the car, she fought desperately, but her strength was no match for his.


    “Stop, please stop…” she pleaded, voice breaking.


    Yet Eric, lost in a feral rage, ignored her cries. The agony was unbearable—Hadley had never felt such intense pain, as if he were trying to consume her.


    Exhausted, Hadley eventually shut her eyes, unable to fend him off any longer.


    “Hadley, Hadley,” Eric growled, fingers tangling in her hair. His voice was thick with bitter possession. “You’re all mine, only mine!”


    The car was steeped in silence.


    Eric’s gaze dropped to the woman in his arms. Hadley’s eyes were tightly shut, her face turned away as if refusing to acknowledge him. But the redness at the corners of her eyes—still damp with unshed tears—betrayed her.


    Was it just a physical reaction? Or… was she crying for someone else?


    The thought sent a chill through him, and his expression darkened.


    “Let’s get out of here,” he said, his voice devoid of warmth.


    Releasing her, he stepped out first, walking around to the passenger side before gathering her into his arms.


    Uncover new worlds at g   alnov els


    The moment he lifted her, he felt the faintest tremor run through her body.


    Eric’s frown deepened. “What’s wrong?”


    Hadley shook her head, silent.


    She didn’t have to say it—he already knew. He had lost control earlier, had let his emotions override his restraint. He had been too rough. Did he hurt her?


    His arms tightened around her as his pace quickened, carrying her from the garage straight into the house. Entering the master bedroom, he gentlyid her down on the bed.


    Reaching out, he brushed aside her disheveled hair, but Hadley turned her face away, avoiding his touch.


    Eric froze. His hand hovered for a moment before he withdrew it. Finally, his voice broke through, quieter this time. “Rest. I’ll run you a bath.”


    Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode toward the bathroom.


    The moment she heard the water start running, Hadley’s eyes snapped open. A mist of unshed tears blurred her vision, leaving her gaze red and puffy.


    Afraid he mighte back at any second, she threw off the covers, slipped out of bed, and rushed straight for the door.


    By the time Eric returned, a fresh set of pajamas in hand, he waspletely unaware of what had just happened.


    “Hadley, the bath is—”


    He sat down at the edge of the bed, reaching to pull back the nket.


    But the moment his hand brushed against it, an odd sensation gripped him.


    Something felt off. Frowning, he yanked the nket back—Empty.


    His chest tightened.


    “Hadley?”


    .


    .


    .