No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

I was completely caught off guard and instinctively ducked to avoid what was coming next. But Dustin was relentless, like a force of nature. "Felicia, why can others have you and not I? I love you just as much as they do," he growled, his voice thick with possessive anger. I was too panicked to even attempt an explanation; all I wanted was to break free and push him away, but I was powerless against his strength. Dustin's lips brushed against the crown of my head, then my cheek, as he nuzzled into my neck. Just when I felt utterly trapped, a sudden weight lifted off me as his grip was forcefully pried away.

"Mr. Wagner, matters of the heart require mutual consent, don't they? Anything else is just tasteless," came Phipps's voice, a beacon of reassurance in my ear. His voice wasn't like Ernest's, and though I couldn't understand how he'd changed, in that moment, his presence was the most comforting thing I'd ever known. I clung to his shirt, trembling as I listened to him taunt Dustin.

Though Dustin had been drinking, it wasn't an excuse for his behavior; he was just provoked by my resistance. He thought by driving Conrad away, he'd have his chance. Then Ernest came along, and even after he thought he'd dealt with Ernest, Phipps appeared out of nowhere. The frustration of being so close to getting what he wanted, only to be thwarted at the last moment, made him lose all control.

"Phipps, by what right do you speak to me in such a manner?" Dustin glared at him, his eyes a clear threat. He had always masked his true intentions around me, but today, the facade was finally torn away.

"Mr. Wagner, even men of high standing should know better than to force their will on others," Phipps replied, briefly glancing my way before locking eyes with Dustin again. "Right?"

Dustin's fury was palpable, as if he could barely contain himself. I knew how dangerous he could be, and even though I trusted the men by my side to handle him, I didn't want any conflict right now. Tightening my grip on Phipps's hand, I whispered, "Take me away..."

with emotion, even surprising myself. I was truly frightened, scared of Dustin's earlier assault, and now regretting my own boldness for walking into the lion's den. Phipps gently stroked my hair, offering a semblance of

side of Phipps was both

different from when he was Ernest. Dustin's menacing glance swept over Phipps and then me before he yanked off his tie and stormed off. Watching him leave, my tension eased, but the grip around my waist tightened. Looking up at the man holding me,

could say more, he cut me off

shook my head, and

if to confirm I hadn't been mistreated. His scrutiny made me feel awkward, especially considering he was Ernest, and was still upset with him

to squirm, reaching up to tug at my

expression changed instantly, his hand stopping

best act of being feverishly hot and itchy, tilting my head back towards him, "I'm... itchy...