The Alpha CEO’s Unloved Wife

Bruises and Excuses 

Jane slept restlessly and woke feeling groggy and dry eyed. She had a quick shower and dressed in her running gear, grimacing in the mirror when she saw that Alice had caused a bruise after all, just the faintest one where she had been wearing a ring. Jane would need to apply foundation, she decided, after her run. It was no use doing it before.

 She snuck through the house like a thief, although the only noise came from the kitchen where the staff prepared Baron and Angelique‘s breakfast and hoped that she could return from her run before Baron and Angelique left the breakfast room. Once she was free of the house, she ran across the lawn at full speed, wanting to place as much distance between herself and the occupants of the house as she could. She ran past the guarded gates, and down the street with tears streaming down her face.

She ran to the town, glad that it was so early in the morning that traffic was light, and there were few pedestrians on the streets. As she approached the café where she had, oh so briefly, had a job, she saw the manager, Patrick, putting out the A–Frame sign. She was tempted to turn and run away, but he saw her, and she thought that it would be rude.

She slowed to a walk, hoping that he would mistake her tears for sweat.

“Hello,” he said as she reached him.

“Hello,” she was panting heavily. “I am so sorry... about the other day.”

 a frown gathering between his brows. His eyes went to her arm, bare in her running top, to

 he said quietly. “Or more precisely, who you are married to. “It occurred to me, in the interim, that there is really only one reason a woman with such a wealthy husband would consider a job in a café for minimal wage plus tips,” his eyes went back to her arm.

 her arm. “He just forgets how tightly he grabs me, “Some one has hit you,” his eyes went back to her cheek. “I have no right to pry into your domestic situation, but no

 for minimal wage who cannot

 that always need to be done. Kitchen hours run differently to opening hours, as well, as they need to prepare food and clean up after closing. It might be better for that sort of person, anyway, to be tucked away in

 pull down, and clapped a hand over it, fighting back tears. He let her have a moment to compose herself. “Thank you,” she said when she could. “I don‘t think I can ever repay that kindness.” “I believe in karma,” he replied. “A good deed done to another will come back to me when I truly need it. If you go to the back door and knock, they will be expecting you, Jane.” She ran back to the house with new hope. She eased open the front door and ran her eyes around the hall, finding it empty. She had one foot on the stair, her hand on the rail, when Baron said her name. She jumped like kicked cat, throwing a fleeting glance over her shoulder. He had come from his office and was fixing his tie as he crossed the marble tiles. She kept her

 of the house,” he said to her. She looked up at him in surprise and then away. “Yes,” he sounded

she tried to

 ready,” Angelique announced from the

 He was furious, releasing Jane in order to round on

 agreement,” Angelique sneered. “I have not laid a finger on your pet.” His eyes narrowed as he considered her, but she met his eyes without flinching. “I am telling the truth,” she rolled her eyes. “But whatever. We are going to

 of his distraction to hurry up