Chapter 121: Almost Didn't Finish

Arthur looked like he was one second away from exploding. For a terrifying moment, I wondered if his fist might actually come down on me. I'd always thought, despite his temper, that he was at least a gentleman. Cold, arrogant, impossible to deal with, sure. But violent toward women? Never. Until today. At the police station, I watched him hit a woman like it was nothing. And then he said it himself, "I don't have a rule against hitting women." That sentence alone had my stomach in knots. Right now, I was so scared I couldn't speak. My throat felt dry, my head shaking on its own before I could think of words. Yes, Zachary and I had made things official, but I wasn't ready for anything beyond that. I'd never planned on taking that next step with him, not so soon. Arthur's eyes stayed on me, sharp enough to slice me open. When he finally spoke, his tone was dark and absolute. "Serena Cole, you belong to me. Don't forget that." Before I could even react, I heard the ripping sound. My clot