Claimed By The Ruthless CEO.

Chapter 10: She stood up for me.

“Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.”-Sydney J. Harris

THEODORE

“Extra” the word belonged to her tonight. Emily looked extra beautiful, extra sweet, extra funny, her laughter and giggles painting perfect, beautiful colors before me. Her actions amazed me, bringing out different emotions from a cold, icy figure like me.

She frustrated me, made me happy, made me angry, too many emotions in a single night. My veins, my blood, they seemed to be screaming her name as she danced, swaying her hips to the beat of the music.

Her movements were sweet and addictive, but she was dancing for them, different men in the pub. She is my wife; my property; mine alone; not a public stripper. I dragged her away, but she stiffened, staring at a couple who just strolled in, their giggles rising over the music.

Emily trembled as color drained from her face, her happiness dieing in less than seconds. I pulled her closer, wrapping my hands around her fragile waist, “Focus on me.”

“Sister, is that you?” A loud, shrill settled in my ears, upsetting my nerves. Emily tensed in my hands, taking sidelong glances while keeping her head still. Unshed tears glistened in her eyes and my heart clenched, anger surging through my veins. “Let's go, Theodore. Let's go home.” she said weakly, puffing out a shaky breath. “I don't want to talk to her. Let's leave.”

A blonde stood before us, her blue eyes glowing mischievously, “Sister, don't you want to have a talk?” she asked, tilting her head with a smile, “I see you're out with your husband. Is he really a psychopath? Did he force you here?”

My grip on Emily tightened, “Watch your tongue.” I could take a guess. She must be Emily's stepsister, Amelia Wayne. Her sight disgusted me, and the smile on her lips made my stomach churn. She flipped her attention to the man next to her, leaning towards him, “Are you threatening me with your empty pocket?” she taunted, a smug smile on her lips, “Before you can talk to me, I think you should worry about your financial situation.”

This was the first time the rumors got to me, sending a fiery flame down my spine. I pulled Emily closer, “Not all rumors are true, Miss Wayne. I might be your downfall.” I pointed out, giving her some of my best advice. Once enraged, I could crush her career, make her a nobody, tarnish her reputation, and make her dumb boyfriend penniless. Crossing my lane would be her worst mistake.

She should be scared, falling to her knees and pleading for a chance, but her lips stretched into a smile, “Mr Wills, this particular rumor is true. Everyone in the city knows who you are. The wretched, bankrupt, psychopathic bastard.” She spat, turning to her boyfriend “ Emily left this perfect man for you. Pathetic you see?”

I clenched my fists, an acid feeling in my stomach. “Miss Wayne here doesn't know who she's dealing with, but I'm definitely not going to let it slide.” my voice was chilly, threatening, and she gulped nervously before shaking it off, “My fiancee here is the heir to the Jones cooperation. There's nothing, absolutely nothing you can do to me. You're beneath me, and that's a fact you should learn to accept.”

“Amelia stop!” Emily yelled, her body trembling, “I've had enough of your sick attitude, your disgusting words, and your irritating personality.” she took a few steps forward, a cold glint in her hazel eyes, “If you speak to my husband like that one more time.” she breathed slowly, “I promise you'll regret it.”

Amelia looked stunned, her mouth falling open, and I was quite amazed by her words. Emily stood up for me. My wife, Mrs Wills, stood up for me and defended me against her own family. My eyes softened and I dragged her outside, not bothering to engage in any further conversation. It was the very first time, the first time someone had defended me. My mother rained abusive words on me daily, she hated me to the bones and denied me as her son, but Emily?

She really stood up for me.

Emily dragged her hands, coming to a halt a few meters away from my car, “The rumors are not true, I know it.” she breathed, staring at me clearly, “You're not hiding it. It's visible that you're not bankrupt.”

“I never hid it.” I pointed out, “They are rumors publicized by my own family.” I explained, moving closer. There was only one thing I was hiding, and it was better it remained hidden for now. I held her hands in mine, “Emily, I..”

“Let's go home.” she replied coldly, wrapping her arms around herself, “I feel cold.”

“Okay.” I nodded and we walked towards the car. After a drink at the pub, I always liked speeding home, but today, I wanted to savor the moment, to inhale Emily's intoxicating scent and stare at her all day long. I couldn't explain my sudden attraction, but my brain might be messed up from all the drinking. The drive was slow, It took about an hour to get home and Emily was already asleep, her soft breaths filling my ears.

Rather than waking her up, I lifted her in my hands and walked inside, ignoring the alarming gaze my butler threw at me. He looked shocked, like a cat got his tongue, and I couldn't care less. Emily was asleep. I couldn't just leave her in the cold car.

I placed her on her bed, moving a few strands of her hair from her face and taking in her soft features. Her soft, pink lips looked “extra” attractive, drawing me in, seducing and arousing me at the same time.

I swallowed hard, averting my gaze, but her grip on my hands made me halt, “Stay.”

Her brows were deeply furrowed, she seemed to be having a nightmare, and that mere scene tugged my heart. I should stay, comfort her, tell her she was okay, but it was all too strange for me. Her soft palms were still pressed on mine when her eyes shot open, darting around the room before landing on me, “Theodore?”