Sinful Temptation - 2

She flinched as his shadow fell across her battered face. Blood traced the corner of her lips—a silent testament to what she'd endured. My hands clenched into fists, fury consuming every rational thought. "You touched her," I snarled, advancing like a caged predator finally released. Robert stumbled backward, desperation flickering in his eyes as he searched for any escape. "You have nothing," I growled, my voice dropping to something lethal. "I'm your reckoning."

The first punch landed before he could brace himself. Ari screamed, her body trembling as I drove my fist into his face again and again—his ribs, his stomach, his pathetic frame crumpling under the weight of my rage. "Please," he gasped, blood coating his teeth. "I'll turn myself in."

I didn't care. Another blow sent him sprawling. My boot found its mark, and he curled inward, whimpering. I raised my fist for another strike when Ari's voice cut through the haze of violence.

"Please stop." Tears streamed down her face as she grabbed my shoulder. "I need you alive and free. Not in prison because of me."

I froze. Her pink lips were swollen, her delicate neck marked with scratches and bruises—evidence of the brutality he'd inflicted. But it was her hand that made my blood run cold. Her ring finger was bandaged, scarred.

"Why?" The question came out barely audible, raw with anguish.

"He wanted me to remove our wedding ring," she whispered, her voice steady despite everything. "I refused. He beat me for still carrying your name."