Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 71

Hazel instinctively struggled. "Let me go. Are you out of your mind, Julian? Aren't you afraid Evelyn will be heartbroken if she sees this?"

Julian only answered the last question, his words laced with a gritted-teeth intensity. "Evelyn isn't here today."

Hazel's heart sank completely. No wonder he had suddenly dragged her back here today.

Julian carried her upstairs, strode into the master bedroom, and threw her onto the bed.

He locked the door behind him, the sharp click echoing harshly in the quiet room.

Hazel's breath hitched as she watched Julian rip off his tie and unbutton his shirt, revealing his lean chest. He walked toward her step by step, his gaze heavy and predatory.

Hazel stared at him coldly, her guard instantly up. "What are you doing?"

"We're married. Do I need your permission?" Julian sneered.

"I'm exhausted," Hazel sighed wearily.

Julian glared at her, his eyes flashing with anger. "How long has it been since we slept together? Are you really tired, or just unwilling? Or perhaps you've already had your fill elsewhere?"

Hazel couldn't be bothered to argue with him and rolled over to get out of bed. "I'm not doing this with you."

Before her feet could touch the floor, Julian pinned her back onto the mattress. His kiss crashed against her lips, fueled by suppressed rage.

Hazel forcefully jerked her head away and pushed against his chest, her entire body resisting him. "Don't touch me!"

Julian's voice was like ice. "You don't want me touching you because someone else already has? You better pray I find you untouched, Hazel, or I don't know what I'll do."

He took off his glasses, tossing them carelessly onto the nightstand, and stripped off his shirt. He leaned over her, his tone dominating and uncompromising. "Didn't you want a baby? Let's have a baby."

Driven to the edge, Hazel slapped him hard across the face.

A crisp smack echoed through the room.

Hazel's breathing was erratic, her chest heaving as her voice trembled uncontrollably. "I don't want this! This is marital rape!"

A red mark surfaced on Julian's cheek. His expression darkened even further, now absolutely convinced that Hazel and Marcus were having an illicit affair.

He felt a raging fire tearing through his chest, burning him from the inside out.

Hazel belonged to him. How could she be coveted by another man?

He wanted to get her pregnant, to tether her to this marriage forever so she could never escape.

He leaned over her again, but just as his lips were about to brush hers, his phone suddenly rang.

Julian froze. Seeing the caller ID, his tense muscles relaxed, and a softer look crossed his face.

Hazel's heart went completely numb. She knew it had to be Evelyn; only Evelyn could make him look like that.

The cab pulled up to the building. She paid the fare, stepped out, and looked up to see a warm yellow light glowing from the second-floor window.

Queenie was still awake. Hazel quickened her pace up the stairs and pushed the door open. Queenie was sitting on the living room sofa and stood up when she saw her. "You're back. Why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?"

Hazel shook her head, her voice a bit hoarse. "I'm fine, Professor Finch. Just a little tired."

Queenie looked at her, letting her gaze linger on Hazel's face for a moment before deciding not to pry. "I left some soup for you. It's warming on the stove. Have a bowl before you go to bed."

Hazel nodded and went into the kitchen. The pot on the stove was still steaming.

She ladled a bowl of soup and brought it out. As she ate, a lump formed in her throat. She blinked back the sudden moisture in her eyes, forcing it down. When she finished, she stood up and washed the bowl.

"I'm going to bed, Professor Finch."

Queenie looked up with a kind smile. "Go on. Get some good rest."

Hazel nodded and turned toward her bedroom. After a few steps, she suddenly stopped and looked back. "Professor Finch."

Queenie looked at her. "What is it, Hazel?"

Hazel forced a smile, still choosing not to mention what happened today to spare her the worry. "Nothing. I just wanted to say goodnight."

She suddenly recalled the anxious look on Julian's face when he answered that call. That was an expression he reserved solely for Evelyn.