Page 124 of Bonded Chaos

My lips hovered over hers as I whispered, “I told you that you could trust me to protect you. That I would take care of you. But I warned you I would do things my way. I never lied to you, Temptress.”

“A lie by omission is still a lie.”

I wanted her to scream and lash out at me until all her anger dissipated. Then I’d pick up all her shattered pieces and put her back together again.

We’d move past this, and we’d be stronger for it.

But Cadence did none of that. I had destroyed the strong, confident woman who was my mate, and I had no idea how to fix what I’d broken.

“Temptress,” I started, but she cut me off.

“Leave, Ryker.”

It wasn’t ideal, but if she needed space, I’d give her space.

I pressed my lips to her forehead, soaking in her warmth as I squeezed her hip.

“All right, Cadence, I can give you space.”

She didn’t meet my eyes as I stepped away, giving her the room she needed to move.

“I have some things to tend to. I’ll be back soon. If you need anything, call for Scarlette.”

Cadence nodded, but still didn’t look in my direction. With a heavy sigh, I headed for the door.

When the lock clicked shut behind me, I rested my forehead on the wood as I took a deep breath.

A broken sob met my ears, and then Cadence started screaming. The sound was filled with so much pain, so much agony, it hurt my fucking soul.

Unable to bear it any longer, I turned away from my chambers and marched toward my father’s study.

I was angry, and I needed an outlet for the raging emotions I was harboring.

If nothing else, this conversation was long overdue.

Chapter Fifty

Ryker

The hallways of the palace were silent as I walked through the towering columns, my footsteps echoing off the marble floors as I went. It was as if the entire palace could feel the energyradiating from me in waves and steered clear of my destructive wrath.

That wouldn’t spare my father, though.

I pushed through the heavy wooden doors that led to his private study and took in the scene before me. My father sat perched in his armchair by the fireplace, and occupying the seat next to him was Lord Barrington.

Two for one, perfect.

I headed over to the wine cabinet and retrieved my father’s favorite vintage before pouring myself a generous serving.

“By all means, Ryker, help yourself,” my father drawled.

Ignoring him, I raised the goblet to my lips and drank greedily. The earthy taste slid over my tongue, and I savored the mix of flavors as I organized my thoughts.

After I had drained the contents, I lowered my cup and met my father’s icy stare. His demeanor was cold, as though he could freeze the very air around him. He leaned forward in his chair, his piercing gaze fixed on me.

“Well, boy, don’t keep us in suspense,” my father taunted, and Lord Barrington snickered.

A malicious smile lifted my lips, and Lord Barrington cleared his throat. I ignored him, instead meeting my father’s gaze.

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