Chapter 61 Too Many Shackles

• “You think you can keep what happened at Wallingford club a secret, hmm?” a voice, which I assumed was Nathaniel's, whispered close to my ear. Panic surged through me as his breath fanned my face. “I love you, Veronica,” he murmured, his finger trailing across my temple as he placed a soft kiss there. “I can take care of you better than Ivan ever will.”
• A shiver ran through my body, not from pleasure but from dread. His words seeped into my mind, twisting everything. “Vera, Veronica…” he whispered playfully, his hand creeping down to touch my torso. “Veronica!”
• My eyes snapped open, and without thinking, my fist flew toward him, landing hard. He groaned in pain, stumbling back as he cupped his face where I had struck him.