The sun was shining, the breeze was perfect, and yet your husband’s words rang in your ears.

“Don’t come outside. It’s unsafe.”

You watched from the window as he strode across the yard, his men standing at attention. Unsafe? In your own home? No, this was control.

Defiance sparked in you. If he thought he could order you around like some fragile thing, he was mistaken.

Slipping into a black lace bikini, you stepped outside, the warmth kissing your skin as you stretched out on a lounge chair. The moment you did, silence fell over the yard. You could feel their stares. Muscles tensed. Conversations died.

Then—heavy footsteps. A shadow blocked the sun.

“Cover up”

he ordered, voice tight with warning.

A thrill coursed through you.

“I’m just tanning. Nothing bad will happen.”

His jaw clenched.

"Something bad will happen to my men if they keep looking at you.”