Chapter Nine: Duty and Desire
477 Words
Chase Campbell woke with a pounding head.
He hadn’t meant to drink so much.
But after the ball, after that fight with Tasia—after Alexia—there hadn’t seemed to be another option.
He sat up slowly, pressing a hand to his temple.
The city outside was gray, rain streaking the windows.
Fitting.
A knock.
He groaned. “Go away.”
The door opened anyway.
His father entered, tall and imposing even in the gloom.
“Chase.”
He didn’t look up.
“I heard about last night,” his father said evenly.
Chase snorted. “I’m sure you did. Half the city was there to see us fake a happy engagement.”
His father’s eyes hardened. “Watch your tone.”
Chase laughed humorlessly.
“Father, you wanted this match. You forced it. Don’t act surprised she hates me.”
“She doesn’t hate you,” his father said coldly. “She’s upset. She’ll get over it.”
Chase slammed his glass onto the table.
“She shouldn’t have to get over it!”
His father didn’t flinch.
“Duty, Chase. That’s what matters. Logan money saves this family. And you—”
“Secure the alliance. Breed the next generation. Be a good little husband.”
Chase spat the words like poison.
His father’s face twisted with disdain.
“Grow up. You think you’re the first man to marry for family? Do your part. Then take your mistress in private like a civilized man.”
Chase went cold.
Alexia.
He loved her.
But last night, for the first time, he’d been afraid of her.
The way she’d smiled at Tasia.
The promise in her eyes.
Watch me.
He closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“I can’t do this,” he whispered.
His father slammed a fist on the table, making the glass jump.
“You will do this. Or I will ruin her family. Do you hear me?”
Chase’s eyes snapped open.
Tasia’s face swam in his mind.
Fragile. Proud. Already wounded.
He felt sick.
“Don’t threaten them,” he rasped.
“Then marry her. Make peace. Do your duty.”
Silence.
Finally, Chase swallowed the bile in his throat.
“Fine,” he said hoarsely.
But his father didn’t miss the tremor in his voice.
“Be the man I raised you to be,” the older man said, voice softer now. Almost pitying.
Chase turned away.
He heard the door close behind his father.
When he was alone, he let out a shuddering breath.
He didn’t want to hurt Tasia.
He didn’t want to leave Alexia.
He wanted to run.
Instead, he walked to the window, watching the rain pound the city streets.
He pressed his forehead to the cold glass.
I’m sorry, he thought.
But he wasn’t sure which of them he was apologizing to.
- Writer
