The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 114: Hurt

Chapter 114: Hurt

The car glided smoothly down the winding road, the engine purring as Remo expertly navigated the twists and turns. In the back seat, Beatrix and Damien sat silently, lost in their own thoughts.

Beatrix stared out the window, her eyes fixed on the passing scenery. She was deep in thought, her mind racing with worries and doubts. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, that something was missing.

Damien was suddenly cold to her as if he had built a high wall around him and she couldn’t get to him.

She had tried to make light conversation when the car had started but his one syllable answers had thrown her off.

Clearly he didn’t want to talk to her and he seemed to be annoyed with her.

Beatrix fiddled with her fingers, she was afraid that she had done something to anger him or she had done something bad without even realizing it.

She wished she knew what she had done so that she could make it right. She hated the heavy feeling in her chest and the worst part was maybe—just maybe she was overthinking.

He was probably drained out from spending so much time in the hospital not to mention that half of his face was ruined.

Maybe he was worried about how bad it was? Or maybe he was worried about his brother as much as she was.

Beatrix sighed, only if he would communicate with her and not give her the silent treatment.

She hated that more than everything. It made her feel like she was suddenly a kid again crying herself to sleep wondering why nobody loves her because they all stopped responding when she asked about her mom and they stare at her as if they were blaming her for her death.

"Are you okay Bea?" Remo asked her as he met her gaze in the rear view mirror. He was driving them to their new place since he was the only one who knew where it was.

Beatrix nodded, "I’m fine. Just tired."

Remo raised his eyebrows. Clearly he didn’t believe her but he said nothing and gave her a curt nod.

She didn’t want to burden Remo with her problems, he had enough on his plate with trying to navigate the unfamiliar roads and keeping the car running smoothly. Plus, she didn’t want to risk Damien overhearing her and getting even more annoyed with her.

Instead, she turned her gaze back to the passing scenery and tried to push her worries to the back of her mind. She would talk to Damien later, when they were alone and he was in a better mood.

The car continued down the winding road, the engine purring as they drove deeper into the countryside.

Remo pulled the car off the main road and onto a dirt path, the tires kicking up dust as they drove deeper into the woods.

Beatrix looked out the window, her curiosity piqued as the landscape changed from lush forests to a clearing with a small, secluded house nestled amongst the trees.

Remo brought the car to a stop in front of the house and shut off the engine. "Here we are," he said, a hint of pride in his voice.

"I found this place while I was out looking for a place for Damien to recover. It was remote and private, the perfect place for him to rest and heal."

Beatrix stepped out of the car and looked up at the house.

The rich and beautiful cottage was nestled in a lush garden, surrounded by tall trees and colorful flowers. The exterior of the cottage was made of warm, golden-brown wood and had a thatched roof.

The front porch was adorned with rocking chairs, perfect for enjoying a morning cup of coffee while taking in the beauty of the garden.

Stepping inside, Beatrix saw that the cottage was filled with natural light and warmth. The floors were made of polished hardwood and the walls were painted in a soft, buttery yellow.

The living room was cozy and inviting, with a fireplace made of natural stone and a plush sofa covered in a floral print. The furniture was made of dark wood and had a rustic feel, adding to the charm of the cottage.

The kitchen was a dream, with granite countertops, a farmhouse sink, and stainless steel appliances. The cabinets were made of dark wood and had glass doors that showcased the beautiful dishes and cookware.

The dining area was located in a bay window, surrounded by greenery, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

The bedrooms were spacious and comfortable, with king-sized beds dressed in luxurious linens. The walls were painted in soft pastel colors, and the windows were adorned with white sheer curtains.

The master bathroom was a spa-like oasis, with a clawfoot bathtub, a separate shower, and a double vanity made of marble.

Overall, the rich and beautiful cottage was a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, making it the ideal place to relax and unwind.

"It’s perfect," she said, turning to Remo with a smile. "Thank you for finding this place."

Remo nodded, "I’m glad you like it. I know it’s not much, but it’s a good place for Damien to rest and recover in peace."

Beatrix thanked him and they went inside to help Damien settle in. The secluded house, the fresh air and the quietness of the place made Beatrix relaxed and felt better.

"Are you sure you’re okay Bea?" Remo asked Beatrix once they were alone in the sitting room. Damien had said he was tired from the trip and he wanted to rest.

"I’m fine. Why are you asking?"

Remo leaned against his chair and shrugged, "You look sad little sister and I hate seeing you like this. I saw how cold Damien was acting towards you in the car. Did something happen when I wasn’t around?"

Beatrix took a sip of a bottle of water.

"N-"

A loud crash interrupted her. Beatrix immediately got up to investigate, her heart racing with worry. When she got to the bedroom, she saw him standing in the bathroom, in front of the mirror.

"Damien, what happened? Are you alright?" she exclaimed, reaching out to touch his shoulder.

He flinched away from her touch, his eyes wild and filled with anger and pain. "I can’t stand to look at myself anymore," he growled, his voice raw with emotion.

Beatrix could see that his hands were bleeding profusely from where he had punched the mirror. He had removed the gauze that hid his face and it was pooled on floor.

She quickly grabbed a towel from the bathroom and wrapped it around his hands, trying to stem the flow of blood.

"Damien, please, you need to calm down. You’re hurt and I need to stop the bleeding," she pleaded, her voice trembling with worry.

But Damien was beyond reason, his emotions raw and out of control. He pushed her away, his eyes filled with fury. She stepped on a broken glass and she winced as it pierced her.

She had forgotten to put on her slippers since she had removed them when she sat on the couch.

"I don’t need your pity, Beatrix. I can’t stand to look at myself anymore. I can’t stand to see what I’ve become," he spat out, his voice filled with anger and pain.

Beatrix’s heart broke as she watched him storm out of the room, leaving her alone with the shattered remains of the mirror.

She knew this would happen if he saw his face. His face was badly disfigured.

His face was now marred by raised, pinkish scars along one side of the face, showing the path the shrapnel took through his skin. His once symmetrical features were now lopsided, and the skin on his right face was a different texture and purple color from the other side of his face. His nose appeared slightly off-center,he looked nothing like the handsome god he once was.

"Hey are you okay?" Remo asked worriedly when he saw the tears streaming down her face and the broken pieces of the mirror on the floor.

"Did that bastard fucking hurt you?!" Remo asked, anger etched in his voice.

Beatrix sniffled and shook her head.

"No."

"Then why the fuck is your feet bleeding?" Remo pointed out and Beatrix looked at her feet.

It was only then that she realized that she had stepped on the broken pieces of the mirror.

"I’m going to fucking kill him. The Russians might have failed to complete their job but not me."

Remo stormed out of the bathroom and went after Damien.

Beatrix’s eyes bulged out of fear. She knew that Remo wasn’t kidding.

She limped back to the bedroom and her blood ran cold when she saw the scene in front of her.

Remo had a gun pointed on Damien’s forehead and Damien had a smirk on his face.

"Go on, kill me. Kill the man your sister loves. I’m sure you can live with the guilt that you’re the one who had destroyed her happiness."

Damien taunted. A bored look on his face.

Remo turned to look at Beatrix and Beatrix shook her head, her eyes pleading with him.

"Remo please don’t—I stepped on the glass. It’s not his fault." Beatrix pleaded.

Remo stared at her for a moment, contemplating his decision before he removed the gun from Damien’s forehead.

"Well can you also live with the guilt that you have hurt the woman you love? The one you promised to protect and keep safe?"

Remo took a step back and pointed at Beatrix’s feet which were now bleeding profusely. The blood pooling underneath her feet.

Damien stiffened and he glanced at her feet.

His gaze met hers and he winced when he saw the tears on her face. It was like he was now noticing her ever since they left the hospital.

"Beatrix-"

Remo blocked his view and strode towards Beatrix. He didn’t even give her the chance to reply to him as he carried his sister in bridal style and walked her out of the room. Leaving Damien alone in the bedroom.