Happy Monday!
ARC copies of #Ardor will be ready for distribution this week. If interested in a copy, in return for a review, please drop me a pm with your name, email address, blog if applicable and the version that you would prefer.
Edward's POV
Chapter 15
Seven days had passed since I lost my heart. Time passed and blurred while I barely managed to cope without her.
Isabella was right about a lot of the things she'd argued a few nights ago. She was completely within her rights to be bitter and feel abandoned by me – a husband who, a few years back, had vowed to love and cherish her for the rest of his life.
"I'm sorry, Bro," my brother drunkenly began, "but your wife," he spat, "has always been selfish in my opinion."
Ben had no idea how close he was to witnessing me unleashing the pent up anger I held within.
"She never worried about the business or its success. . . it wasn't her priority. Momma always said she was too clingy and manipulative, and this," he waived his hands around, "is her way of doing just that. Getting her way."
My fist connected with his jaw, making him fall of the barstool he was perched on.
"Don't you ever," I growled, "speak of my wife in a disrespectful way ever again, Bro." The last word left my mouth laced with venom. My body was coiled tightly as my blood ran hot over his audacity to speak of my girl in such an ill manner.
"Isabella, my wife, has done more for this family than your precious Angela. When the fuck has that stuck up bitch ever helped Mom at church or around the house? Come on," I urged, "name one fucking time she donated her time for something that wouldn't benefit her. When the fuck has she ever raked our parent's yard or helped me —because you are useless —paint the outside of their house?"
"Fuck you, Edward." Blood dripped from his lips.
"Is that all you can say? Can't come up with anything? Not one example so you pull that shitty retort out of your ass?"
He made to stand but before he could, I had him on the floor in a choke hold.
"I'll answer for you, Benny," I spat. "Not one motherfucking time!"
"Sorry that everyone can't be as perfect as your Isabella," Ben sneered when I let him go. Slowly, he regained his balance, but it didn't fail my notice that he kept his distance while he spoke.
"I'm warning you . . ." I trailed off, leaving the silent threat hanging in the air.
"Or what?"
"I quit!"
His face paled.
Leave me some sugar…