“I don’t want this. Stop!”

Ernest paused, surprise flickering across his face. “Why not? Haven’t things been great between us until now?” For original chapters go to f?ndnovel.net

Ever since their first night together, intimacy had become a routine between them. In Ernest’s eyes, every bit of his passion was reserved for her.

“Is this because of Robin?” His voice turned icy. “Does what he says really mean that much? Sure, you were married to him once. So what? Tell me, who do you want more— him or me?”

Leaning in, Ernest captured her lips in a rough, possessive kiss. There was no tenderness, only harshness that bordered on a bite. Elissa let out a muffled cry, pain twisting her features as she tried to turn away. “Stop…”

She struggled, but his strength overpowered her. Ernest pressed his lips to hers, loosening his tie with one hand.

Elissa spotted her chance and acted fast, snapping her knee up and landing a solid kick. The pain doubled Ernest over, forcing him to let her go.

“Elissa…” His voice was strained, his face drained of color.

Had she injured him worse than she intended?

Worry swept over her for a split second. Had she put too much force behind that kick? She quickly pushed the concern aside. She had no time to dwell on it now.

“I said no! I meant it!”

Determined, she sprang off the mattress and bolted for the door.

“Elissa, wait!”

Pain shot through him, the kick landing in the worst possible place. The pain was overwhelming!

He paused to catch his breath, the ache refusing to fade right away. As soon as his strength returned, he hurried after her without hesitation.

Since there was no car for her to use, she couldn’t have traveled far. He took the wheel himself, but when he stepped outside, there was no sign of her anywhere.

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She had no place of her own in Srixby, which left him wondering where she might hide at this hour.

Only one possibility crossed his mind—Elissa might run to Hadley.

He steered the car toward Olisvale Bay.

While driving, he tried calling Elissa, but she ignored every ring. With no answer, he was left with nothing but the road ahead. The speedometer climbed as he pressed harder on the gas.

When he reached Olisvale Bay, he spotted Hadley inside, keeping an eye on Eric as the man swallowed his medicine.

“Ernest?”

“Ernest!”

Both Hadley and Eric turned their way. “What brings you here?”

“Hadley.” With a weary gesture, Ernest pressed his fingers to his forehead. “Did Elissa come by? Did she stop by your place?”

“She didn’t.” Confusion crossed Hadley’s face. “Why are you asking? Did something happen between you two?”

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