If Only

C H A P T E R 13

KISSES

RAVEN

I knew what I did was wrong to take advantage of her but my pride would not let me apologize. Whenever the words bubbled to the surface, my unconscious brother's face came to mind.

Heck, this isn't how I thought things would be between us when I left the inn last year.

I took my tablet out and opened a folder containing pictures and a video of her a year ago. Before, these are the first things to greet me when I wake up; a happy memory.

Shattered by the reality of what she has done.

If only it wasn't so.

Miranda has erected an imaginary wall between us. I could sense it the moment I entered the house. She has also removed her things upstairs and made the laundry room her permanent closet and the living room her bedroom.

If things keep up like this, I was afraid she would not keep her side of the bargain and would pack up and leave me.

I could not allow it.

Tired of waiting for her to come home, I called the guard that was assigned for her.

"Where is she?"

Miranda did not know that she was being tailed from the house to her work twenty-four seven; a precaution to keep her from taking off when the punishments became unbearable.

The security detail told me that she was in a bar drinking with her workmate and the woman's friends. Taking my coat from the couch, I headed for the elevator.

"Keep an eye on her. I'm going there, text me the location."

I must have broken a number of traffic regulations just to get to the club. One of my men met me at the parking lot and escorted me inside. I saw Miranda sitting with a woman as she finished her drink.

Making my way through the sea of tables and inebriated people, I was flanked by my men as I try to get to her. I was only a few tables away when a waiter came, placed a bucket of drinks on their table and pointed at some men.

If Miranda encouraged them in any way, I was determined to punish her again. I had perfectly made it clear when I told her that she already belonged to me.

Her companion waved back at the guys but she pretended that the bottom end of her bottle was more interesting than those men.

That's it, babe.

The gladness I felt was short-lived as the men stepped away from their table and approached Miranda and her friend.

Oh no, you don't.

I was already standing behind her when one of the men was so eager to introduce himself and get Miranda's attention.

"Nice to meet you, bro."

I intercepted the hand he offered and shook it. Everyone present at the table looked at me in wonder; I released the man's hand and placed a possessive hand on my wife's shoulder. She turned to face me that was when I saw the ring that should have been on her hand hanging loosely on her neck.

A wedding ring is meant to be worn on a finger.

"Raven. My name's Raven."

I wanted to tell them who I was–slap the man sitting beside her with the truth that I don't like him flirting with my wife.

But I didn't.

"Saw Miranda here so I decided to check in? Allison, right? You work at the café."