Chapter 136

Evelyn's entire body trembled with fury as hot tears streaked down her flushed cheeks. She bit down on her lower lip until she tasted blood, trying to suppress the searing pain that lacerated her heart like shards of broken glass. At this moment, she wished Liam would disappear from her life forever.

"Liam Blackwood, you monster! Release me this instant!" Evelyn's voice cracked with raw emotion as she thrashed against his iron grip.

In her blind rage, she'd completely forgotten about the still-healing wound on his shoulder. The more she struggled, the tighter his hold became, his face betraying no sign of discomfort despite the fresh blood soaking through his dress shirt.

With terrifying strength, Liam slammed her against the wall, knocking the breath from her lungs. A sharp jolt of pain shot up her spine, forcing a gasp from her parted lips. Wide-eyed with shock, Evelyn stared up at him through her tears, suddenly rendered speechless by the primal fury radiating from his towering frame.

He loomed over her like a predator cornering its prey, making her feel impossibly small and fragile beneath his smoldering gaze. Fear, anger, and confusion warred within her as fresh tears threatened to spill.

Liam's voice came out in a dangerous growl, each word dripping with venom. "You belong to me, Evelyn. Until those divorce papers are signed, you're still my wife. Betray me again, and I'll make sure you live to regret it."

Her blood ran cold at his threat, the tears freezing on her lashes.

"Is this your idea of revenge?" he continued, his breath hot against her face. "Running to another man because you're not satisfied? Don't play the innocent with me."

His cruel words struck deeper than any physical blow could. With a choked sob, Evelyn shoved against his chest with all her strength.

"You're disgusting!" she spat, her voice shaking with barely contained rage. "If I wanted satisfaction, the last place I'd look is—"

Her words were abruptly cut off as Liam crushed his mouth against hers in a punishing kiss. He pinned her wrists above her head with one hand while the other gripped her waist painfully tight.

Evelyn whimpered against his brutal assault, her lips and tongue aching from his relentless onslaught. His scorching breath burned her skin as he devoured her, showing no trace of the tenderness she'd once known.

She twisted her head desperately, but his iron grip held her immobile. Trapped between the cold wall and his burning body, she felt like a butterfly pinned to a board, helpless against his wrath.

Tears streamed down her face as she endured his violent affection, the saltiness mingling on their joined lips. Gradually, the taste of her suffering seemed to penetrate Liam's rage. His kiss softened, then stilled altogether as he pulled back slightly.

Evelyn slumped the moment he released her, her legs giving out beneath her. Liam caught her effortlessly, drawing her limp form against his chest where she sobbed like a wounded animal.

"I hate you," she whispered brokenly between shuddering breaths. "I've done nothing to deserve this cruelty. Why are you torturing me like this?"

Liam held her closer, one large hand cradling the back of her head as he rested his chin atop her hair. His own eyes shone with unshed emotion as he realized how completely this woman had shattered his legendary self-control. The normally unflappable general had been reduced to a possessive, emotional wreck by the mere thought of losing her.