HEALING THE SCARS

CHAPTER 23

PENELOPE

My heartbeat races as I hear a knock on the door. It's Dylan—I just know it. My mind spirals as I imagine him with divorce papers in hand. Has being married to me become so unbearable that he has to end it this early? The thought bites deep, and I bite my lip to keep the tears at bay.

Dylan pushes into the room, slamming the door behind him. Before I can even register what's happening, he shoves me against the wall and kisses me fiercely. Shock and confusion flood through me. This isn't the cold, distant Dylan I know. I push him away, gasping for breath but he doesn't let me go. His fingers find their way into my pajama pants and he caresses my core. I can't help the reaction my body gives.

"You're already so wet for me. Greedy for me to take you. Aren't you?" He says sneakily.

"What is your problem?" I demand, my voice trembling with a mix of desire and anger.

"Let's go. The plane is on standby, waiting for us to get back home," he says, his voice cold and commanding.

"What?!" I stare at him in disbelief.

"Like I said, get your stuff. We're going home," he repeats, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"No, I don't get it. I was here all night, waiting for you to bring me the divorce papers, and now you want me to go home? Which home, exactly? Your house?"

"You've already answered that question yourself. Now, let's get going," he says dismissively.

"No! You think this is just a game?" I snap, anger rising within me. I can't believe he's acting like this.

"Penelope, I swear if you don't get your things, I'll do it for you, and you won't like it," he warns, striding towards the bedroom where my bags are.

Mabel, awakened by the noise, appears at the doorway, looking confused. Dylan glances at her briefly. "Oh, hi, Mabel. Joey will brief you on what's happening. Meanwhile, enjoy your stay. Everything is paid for.," he says, grabbing my bags with ease. I try to take them back, but he's too strong. He carries them to the door, makes a quick phone call, and before I know it, he's flinging me over his shoulder like I'm nothing more than a sack of flour.

"Put me down! Dylan, stop it!" I scream, my voice echoing down the hallway, but he doesn't even flinch. He carries me out of the hotel, ignoring the curious stares and the flashing cameras of onlookers. I roll my eyes at the thought of tomorrow's headlines. Just great.

A car pulls up, and Dylan doesn't wait for the driver to open the door. He throws it open himself, shoving me into the back seat before climbing in after me.

"Be quiet. Look at how you've drawn attention to us," he snaps, glaring at me.

"That's because you're kidnapping me!" I shoot back, my voice full of defiance.

"How on earth can I kidnap my wife when people are watching, huh?" he counters, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

The rear door opens, and someone places my bags in the trunk. The car speeds off. I manage to grab my phone and find a message from Mabel.

Mabel: "What the hell just happened, P?"

Me: "Dylan just kidnapped me, that's what."

Mabel: "What? That asshole."

Me: "We're heading to his plane. We're leaving for home right now."

Mabel: "I'll be taking up Joey's job offer, by the way. So I'll be there the day after tomorrow."

Me: "Wait, you're accepting his job proposal?"

Mabel: "Yeah, why not? It comes with a scholarship to study at Penn State and a well-paying job."