Raymond's POV
"I… I remember. The last time I saw you this morning, the only marks on your body were the ones I left behind." She glanced away, wishing she could erase the memory and escape this awkward encounter.
"Don't worry about it," Raymond said smoothly, but his eyes gleamed with something unreadable. Lena realized he wasn't ready to let her evade him. Thinking quickly, she tried another tactic. "I'll tell you everything… if you agree to follow me outside."
Before he could reply, she grabbed his arms and started tugging him toward the door, desperate to prevent him from teasing her further.
Raymond allowed her to lead him, his gaze lingering on her form, noting the slight limp she tried to hide. He already had an inkling of the cause but kept it to himself, he could check later, in private.
"Lena, show some respect! Do you know who you're dragging around like a child? Do you even know who Mr. Black is?" Ashley taunted, her jealousy erupting.
Thinking on her feet, she added, "How shameless can you be? Acting like a… like a slut in front of your fiancé! After everything Evans did for you, this is how you repay him?"
Evans stepped forward, concern etched across his face. "Lena, don't play with Mr. Black like that. He's not forgiving. I've already forgiven you for cheating on me, just don't make him angry. I won't be able to save you."
Raymond stopped mid-step, silently amused by their betrayals. He could see through their words and actions, both of them had been using Lena, and she had no clue. His lips curved into a faint smile; his kitten had much to learn.
Mr. Smith, ever cunning, observed quietly. He had been testing the waters, gauging Mr. Black's character and his relationship with Lena. Seeing Raymond pause and listen to Evans and Ashley's accusations, he knew his moment had come.
"Mr. Raymond, please forgive my spoiled daughter. I failed to train her well. I was actually disciplining her before you arrived. Please… allow me to punish her for causing you trouble. Lena, kneel and apologize to Mr. Black now," Mr. Smith commanded.
Lena's heart sank. No one had ever defended her before. She lowered her head, ready to kneel, but Raymond stopped her, pulling her close.
Surprised, she looked up. He's… different from what I expected.
"My kitten did nothing wrong," he said softly, holding her protectively. "When I say I'll take responsibility for you, I mean every word. How can my woman apologize for doing nothing wrong? I was going to let it go when you refused to speak about who bullied you, but thank you… for telling me everything I needed to know."
A loud noise from outside made everyone uneasy, curious about what had happened, but no one dared move. Raymond's presence was a silent warning.
"Liam," Raymond called. His personal assistant entered immediately. "Are they here?"
"Yes, they are," Liam replied.
"Bring them in."
Moments later, three men with bodies carved from muscle appeared. Mr. Smith shuddered, stepping back instinctively. Evans fared no better, attempting to flee, only to be lifted and thrown
back into the room.
"Once we leave, break all their hands. I don't want my kitten to see the mess you're about to make," Raymond commanded. "And make sure her, father and Evans are slapped a hundred times each . No one bullies my kitten."
The men screamed in shock. Ashley couldn't breathe. Why Lena? Why her?
Lena's mind reeled. No one had ever stood up for her like this before. This stranger, this Mr. Black… he was protecting her, punishing those who had wronged her.
Raymond looked down at her, his gaze softening.
"Shall we?"
She nodded, barely able to meet his eyes. That was all the go-ahead he needed. He scooped her into his arms. She tried to protest, but he hushed her gently.
"I know I wasn't gentle last night," he murmured,
"That's why you're limping. Let me take care of you."
Blushing, Lena rested her head on his broad shoulder. Wrapped in his strength, she allowed herself to be carried out of the room, feeling an unfamiliar warmth of safety and belonging in his arm
_
When we got out of the house, Liam had already turned the car around. I opened the door and helped her inside. After making sure she was okay, I went to the other side, opened the door, and got in.
She sat stiffly, like someone in pain. I wondered how badly I had hurt her last night for her to barely walk or even sit properly. I scanned her body—parts of her face were swollen, and I was sure other parts of her body were swollen too.
I made a mental note to check her myself when we got home.
"Where are we going?" Lena asked.
"To my house," I replied.
"I don't want to go to your house. I don't even know you. Can you drop me at a hotel, please?"
"Did you not hear a word I said?" I snapped. "You're mine now. Why would I let you stay in a hotel when I have a beautiful house? You're not allowed to stay anywhere unless I'm there with you."
"Stop talking nonsense. How can I be yours? This is kidnapping, and if you don't stop this immediately, I'll call the police."
I burst out laughing. She really didn't know who I was. I found her reaction amusing.
"You look adorable when you're angry."
She glared at me. "I'll call the police."
"You won't," I said calmly. "I own this city. You can call them if you like—it'll be futile. I meant it when I said you're mine."
I leaned closer, staring deeply into her eyes. They were the most beautiful shade of green I had ever seen.
"You gave me your first time, and I promised to take responsibility for you. I don't go back on my word."
She looked away, anger bubbling inside her, ready to explode. I couldn't help the laughter that tore out of my throat.
"Why are you laughing?" she asked sharply.
"Because you're such a cute kitten."
"I'm not a kitten," she muttered. "Stop calling me that."
"I'll stop calling you a kitten when you stop behaving like one, baby."
She fell silent, clearly at a loss for words.
Liam had been staring at me the entire time. I knew why, but I pretended not to notice.
"Sir, we're here," Liam finally said.
I stepped out of the car and walked around to her side, but before I could reach her, Lena was already out. She folded her arms over her chest, sulking. I smiled.
"Is this your house?" she asked.
"Yes," I replied. "This is where we'll stay for now until we find a better place."
"Sir," Liam interrupted before I could continue.
"The Pride team has completed their assignment. They're asking if they should leave the Smiths' house or if you need anything else done."
"They're free to leave," I said. "And one more thing—I want to see the man who was paid to sleep with my kitten tomorrow."
"Yes, sir," Liam replied before walking away.
I turned back to Lena and saw her limping toward the house.
Why is she so stubborn?
I walked up to her, lifted her into my arms, and ignored her protests as I carried her inside. At the door, I punched in the code and stepped in. I placed her gently on the bed, then went to prepare a bath.
When it was ready, I returned and carried her into the bathroom. Her eyes widened in shock.
"If you can't bathe yourself, I can help," I said.
"I can help myself," she snapped. "I didn't ask you to do any of this."
"It's my pleasure," I replied. "Anytime."
She rolled her eyes dramatically.
"Bathe, kitten. You're filthy."
"When you're done, come downstairs. We have a lot to talk about."
I ruffled her hair and left to give her privacy.
I went to the guest room to bathe myself. Between going to her house and bringing her back, I ended up in the bathroom for nearly an hour.
Afterward, I went to the dining room. I had already told Bertha, the housekeeper, to prepare lunch. She looked surprised—she knew I barely ate at home—but I smiled and told her I had a guest who would be staying with us.
She smiled and went back to the kitchen without asking questions.
I checked my personal phone and saw multiple missed calls and messages from my grandfather. I sighed and called him back.
"Hello, Grandpa."
"Oh, so you remember this old man now?" he said. "Ray, when are you coming home? You've been in York City for years. You promised to come back by the end of the month."
"I'll be back soon," I replied, already feeling a headache forming.
"It's time you got married. I want to see my great-grandchildren before I die."
I was about to respond when I heard footsteps on the stairs. I knew immediately who it was.
"Grandpa, I have to go. I'll call you later."
I ended the call quickly.
When I looked up, my heart skipped.
Lena stood there, breathtaking. She was wearing one of my shirts, the fabric barely covering her thighs. Her long legs, pale skin, and perfect curves caught my attention instantly. Her hair was tied into a messy ponytail, giving her a youthful, innocent look.
I smiled. "Come sit."
She joined me at the table.
"I called a doctor friend," I said. "He'll be here later today to check on you."
She nodded.
The nickname suited her perfectly—obedient one moment, stubborn the next.
When the silence grew, I focused on my phone.
"Why did you bring me here?" she suddenly asked.
"After taking money from my fiancé to sleep with me—was it guilt? Or do you want to finish what you started?"
I looked up, shocked.
"Use your brain, kitten," I said coldly. "Do I look like someone who lacks money? Even after I had everyone who hurt you punished, you still don't understand?"
Her eyes widened.
"No, I'm not remorseful," I continued. "I enjoyed it—and I'd do it again."
Her face flushed red.
"And no, I wasn't paid by your ex-fiancé. The people hired to take you to his room made a mistake and brought you to mine."
I leaned closer. "And don't ever call that man your fiancé again. Do you understand?"
She nodded.
"Good girl."
Before I could continue, Bertha came in with the food. The table was filled with dishes—far more than I expected.
A loud growl followed by a gulp pulled my attention away. Lena stared at the food like a child seeing candy.
"You can eat," I said. "It's all for you."
She didn't hesitate.
Watching her, I realized something new.
She really loved food.