Chapter 6

Victoria was speechless. She honestly wanted to take a peek inside Romeo's head and see what's actually in there.

But now wasn't the time to dwell on that. Victoria grabbed Romeo's arm. "Wolves! We need to get out of here!"

When Victoria grabbed his hand, Romeo's heart raced.

Ever since he'd confessed his feelings to her, Victoria had been keeping her distance, whether she meant to or not. Physical contact like this was basically unheard of.

Not wanting Victoria to catch on to how flustered he was, Romeo kept up his usual cocky front. "Wolves? Victoria, you've gotten a real sense of humor these past few years. I've been to all kinds of islands, no matter how wild or deserted, and I've never seen wolves on any of them."

As soon as he finished speaking, a wolf's howl rang out.

Then, there was a commotion in the woods behind Victoria.

Romeo jumped. "Holy shit! There really are wolves? Where the hell did they come from?"

Victoria said quietly, "Cut the crap, let's go!"

Romeo nodded and grabbed Victoria, ready to run. But after just a couple of steps, Victoria let out a low groan and her legs buckled beneath her, sending her crashing to the ground.

Romeo spun around and crouched down. Under the yacht's bright lights, he saw wet stains spreading across Victoria's clothes.

It was blood.

Romeo lifted Victoria's skirt a little and saw several fresh stitches on her leg.

Romeo's eyes went wide. "Victoria, what the hell happened to you?"

Romeo knew this wasn't the time for questions. The scent of blood was spreading through the air, drawing the wolves closer. The commotion in the woods was getting wilder by the second.

He scooped Victoria up in his arms, dashed to the yacht, fired up the engine, and sped away.

By the time Romeo docked the yacht at Oakburg's shore, Victoria was already sprawled out on the ground, pale and weak from losing so much blood.

Romeo picked her up once more and hurried straight to the nearest hospital.

Thankfully, they made it just in time. She didn't lose consciousness.

Once she was treated, Victoria lay quietly on the hospital bed.

Romeo looked at her pale face, his eyes filled with worry and heartbreak. "Who did this to you? Who made you suffer like this?"

Victoria didn't say a word.

Sometimes, not answering is an answer in itself. Romeo got it.

Romeo's eyes burned with fury, his jaw clenched. "Scott, how dare he do this to you? That son of a bitch! I swear I'll kill him!"

With that, he jumped to his feet, making to head for the door.

Victoria quickly reached out and grabbed his hand. "No."

Romeo frowned at her. "Why? After what he did to you, you're still taking his side?"

Victoria shook her head. "No, it's not that. It's just... if you kill someone, you'll have to pay with your own life."

Romeo snapped back, "I don't care if I die! I'll make him pay for what he did to you!"

Victoria locked eyes with Romeo, and she could read a whole mess of emotions in his gaze.

Anger, hurt, regret, all tangled up together.

And every single one of those feelings was just for her.

Victoria really hated herself for being so blind back then, so hung up on Scott.

She'd let go of the one guy who only ever cared about her, Romeo.

Victoria looked at Romeo and said softly, "But... he's not worth you risking your life for."

Her words hit Romeo hard, stirring up all kinds of feelings inside.

Romeo looked at Victoria. She was still as stunning as ever, just like in his memories.

Nothing had really changed, but Romeo couldn't shake the feeling that Victoria was different now.

Romeo turned around and sat down, leaning forward, his voice full of anguish. "Julia, please, what happened? What did Scott do to you to leave you so hurt?"

Those memories hurt too much. Victoria couldn't bear to think about them anymore.

Her eyes filled with tears as she gripped Romeo's hand even tighter, her voice trembling. "Romeo, take me away. I can't stay here any longer. This time, I'm leaving with you."

Scott arrived at the villa he'd gotten for Katie at three in the morning.

But Katie had stayed up, waiting for him, with a whole feast laid out on the table.

Katie smiled as she took his coat and said softly, "Scott, you're back! Bet you're hungry, huh? I made you some food. Come on, have a bite."

Scott forced a smile. "Why are you still awake at this hour?"

Katie wrapped her arms around Scott's, saying softly, "I just can't sleep when you're not here."

Scott nodded. "Then I'll stay with you until you fall asleep."

"Aren't you going to eat anything?" Katie asked.

"I'm not hungry, just a bit tired," Scott replied.

Scott held Katie's hand and walked her back to the bedroom.

Katie lay down on the bed, and Scott gently tucked the blanket around her. "Go to sleep. I'll stay right here with you."