He might be healthy, but his reputation and everything else is in shambles, so he has nothing to lose. I wouldn’t be surprised if the fucker plans to off himself once he executes his plan.

I won’t allow it to happen.

He took my birthright, my mother, my childhood from me.

He won’t take my wife.

Heavy footsteps reverberate through the space as familiar energy buzzes all over me, promising me reprieve in chaos. I look at my friends entering the office, determination written on their faces as they wait for my reaction, which lets me know they heard the last part.

“Whatever you need, brother,” Santiago says. Without uttering a single word, I march to the exit, passing a gaping Kelly, while my friends trail behind me.

I remove my suit jacket and toss it down, rolling up the sleeves of my shirt, ready to unleash the barbarian always living inside me.

I’ve never been a fucking prince anyway.

This war started because he hurt me.

But I will end this war because he dared to hurt Penelope.

For in this dark world of mine, she is the only light I’ve ever known.

Chapter Eighteen

“A cub cannot survive in the wild without his mother, because predators would kill him.

But if for some miraculous reason he does?

Be afraid.

Be very afraid.

Because a strength like that is unbreakable and craves nothing but to destroy those who hurt him.

Especially if those people dared to touch what he loves the most.”

Remi

Penelope

I land on the ground with a thud, and pain shoots through me. My open hands grip dirt as I try to keep my balance.

My neck strains as the man fists my hair hard, tilting my head until I can face him. He smirks at me. “Do you know why I brought you here, Penelope?” He motions toward the vast property covered in emerald-green grass, glistening under the coming sunset. Magnificent flowering bushes and large trees are visible, and the birds are chirping happily. A rather annoying sound in the current circumstances.

Sitting right in the middle, I see a three-level Victorian-style house; the massive brick structure has many windows. Several fountains are spread through the gardens, the water cascading down the statues and inviting you to close your eyes and let the sensations wash over you.

If I hadn’t been dragged here against my will by a man who hit me hard in the car and then has kept pointing a gun at me, I might even find it beautiful.

Right now, though, I hope to see someone sane around who can stop this madness or find my escape, yet all my hopes are fruitless.

There is nothing but emptiness in sight, only interrupted by the few guards he brought with him.

Duke must read my mind, because he warns, “Don’t even think about doing anything stupid. The people I hired won’t hesitate to shoot you.” I almost laugh in his face. How rich of him to threaten me with death when he wants to kill me anyway. “Now. I repeat. Do you know why I brought you here?” Since I stay silent, refusing to indulge him in his game, he kicks me hard in the stomach. I scream as pain flashes through me in waves, taking my breath away. “Answer me!” he shouts before slapping me hard across the face, then letting me go, which results in me falling to my side, breathing heavily.

My skin burns from the slap. I can’t move my jaw to form a word, so I just shake my head, praying to win some time so Remi can show up and save me.

And he will, I know this for sure.

My dark prince.