“It’s been a long time, Johannes.”Eddie looked over the man she had once loved and inwardly shuddered. Even if he had looked like the dapper Johannes she remembered, she still would have realized how little she cared for the man.He didn’t look anything like she remembered.Johannes was a mess, his clothes in tatters. His face was smeared with dirt, and he smelt. The stench was revolting, a deadly combination of alcohol, mud, and excrement. Johannes was sweating profusely as if he was on or coming down from some sort of drug. His hands shook as he dabbed his forehead with a handkerchief.The hostess had been expecting her, and Eddie had noticed her nervousness immediately. She originally thought it had to do with Johannes’ status as a prince, or ex-prince according to Lily. But now she realized the waiter was scared of Johannes’ appearance.Languine’s, where he asked to meet, seemed to be a respectable est

Alex returned home that day with a pep in his step. Tonight was Eddie’s and his anniversary. Well, not a true one year anniversary. Tonight, they had officially been married for three months, an achievement worth celebrating.Three months with the only person he ever cared about. All day throughout work his men shivered in his presence. He wondered why they all seemed so off-put until he realized he was smiling. The Duke of Ice smiling!This feeling of happiness was so strange. Alex never truly felt happiness before. Even his stolen moments with his mother weren’t true happiness. Fear of his father and sadness over his mother’s health always plagued those interactions.But with his little scholar, he’d finally found true happiness.Eddie was a blooming flower, becoming prettier and prettier every day. It’s a wonder how proper care can truly change a woman. Her skin now carried the healthiest glow, her hair shined, and she con

“Tell me about it,” Claiborne took another swig of his drink, “I mean how could I lose to that piece of garbage. I gave her everything she could ever want.” Lily felt no sympathy for Claiborne’s pity party. The sight was absolutely revolting. It did confirm Claiborne’s feelings, however. He must really love Eddie. If Claiborne found this letter, it could only mean one thing. Eddie did meet with Johannes and that bastard must have done something to her. Why would Eddie meet with him? The why wasn't it important right now. Lily knew in her gut that Johannes had done something to her friend. They needed to find out what happened to her. Maybe she needed to go to Thackery for help? Thackeray wasn’t the most subtle person. He never even knew about Eddie’s relationship with Johannes. Eddie was always afraid he would blab. This incident couldn’t reach society’s ears. A married woman disappearing from her husband’s estate and a suspicious letter. Even

He kept her there for days. She had no true idea how long she was there, no indicator of time other than his visits, each one more cruel and violent than the last. Johannes had gotten a taste of brutality and he reveled in it, finding new ways to taunt her and punish her.She never saw him leave, always fainted before he made his way out the door. Her legs and arms were bruised and battered, she was sure her face was a rainbow of color.She was grateful his hands never turned sexual. The thought of that brute’s hands made her want to retch.He left her on her side on the floor, during this time, but the last beating she received he’d propped her up, her chair finally back in an upright position. She smiled before her consciousness faded.The room was dark and she was alone when she woke up again. When she struggled the chair jostled a little. It was less stable than before. The left chair’s leg felt loose. She pulled against the chair le

Eddie slept for two days. On the third day, she was able to stay up long enough to drink some broth and water. She promptly fell asleep afterward. Several doctors visited the estate to treat her wounds. There wasn’t much they could do besides disinfecting and bandaging her wounds. They prescribed some painkillers too, which Eddie took with breakfast and dinner.Alex barely left her room the entire time. He would pace frantically with worry. When the doctors came he would threaten and bully them, just to make sure they gave Eddie the best care they could. Eddie didn’t have the energy to scold him for his behavior, she merely watched loopy from her pain medicine, giggling at his antics before falling back to sleep.She woke up early in the morning on the fourth day, feeling well-rested and sore. She tried to sit up, but she felt a sharp pain in her arms and legs. Eddie slumped back into her pillows.Alex rushed to her side immediately. He gently lifted