Chapter 40

Diego

I swing open the door to the private room wide and bring Vanessa inside, carefully placing her on her feet so I can examine her body. I was pleasantly surprised when she didn't throw up after putting a bullet in that piece of shit's head, but it's evident that she has mentally withdrawn.

I anticipated her attempt to escape, but once I saw that one of Viktor's men got their hands on her, I lost my shit. Originally, I hadn't intended for her to take a life, but observing the fight drain out of her, I recognized it as a necessary act. I refuse to let her surrender like that. The responsibility to break and rebuild her is mine alone. Those Russian fuckers would only dismantle her, both mentally and physically, until she becomes nothing more than a hollow shell.

Today's events proved that we have a lot more work to do. We'll be getting married in just a short while. After that, we'll be spending two weeks on my private island. The idea of leaving my territory fills me with anx