Huh. One hundred years and I’m still bitter. I might have issues with letting go.
He’s taken to unnerving silence during my ranting. I make out like it doesn’t bother me—though for the record it does bother me—and take in my surroundings as a good Orion should. Many of the angels have weapons. There are other people from other species here too. Everyone has runes. I even spy the odd human, but humans seem to be the minority.
We twist down hallways and through more very public displays of sex and punishment. It’s the kinkiest place in the galaxy, and I wish Zhang were here to see this. I bet it would have him blushing the color of his hair. I take notes of some stuff we gotta try—because I’m so going to get back to him—and pad behind Merrick until we reach a dark room with a large bed.
“That’s hysterical, Merrick. A bed? Clearly, it’s only for fucking. Fuck lots of things over the last century?”
A hand encircles my throat and slams me against the wall. “You’re going to be quiet about that. You don’t know what happened.”
“I don’t,” I force out even though he’s actively trying to deprive me of oxygen. “You never had the decency to tell me. I also haven’t heard any explaining.”
He releases me, and I rub my neck, wheezing. “I didn’t abandon you. Father never approved of our relationship. He indulged me while I had business in the Nebuli, but when you fell, he dragged me home and kept me here until he could be sure I wasn’t going to sneak off to Earth.”
“Of course, you obeyed Daddy.”
“I didn’t have a choice. Do you know what he would have done to me? He’s a seraph who is also Heaven’s most respected war general. I went insane, Treyu. I … begged him and it only proved to him how much I needed his intervention.”
“Okay, fine. Providing that’s all true, why is he giving me room and board all of a sudden?”
He smiles. “Dad. Dad’s a romantic and when he heard you were going to die if I didn’t bring you here, he stuck his neck out for me.”
I rub my temples. “This is giving me a headache. That is such bullshit, Merrick. Tell me the truth.”
“It’s true as I know it. You’ll meet them. We’re going to have a happy life here.”
“Wait a second. You brought a message from the Gods to remove my sunstar.”
“And I voted against that. Remember that part.”
“Aren’t these Gods hanging around this place? Won’t they frown upon me being here?”
“You worry too much. It will be fine. You don’t have your sunstar anymore. Their will is done. We can move on.”
I won’t move on. All of that means something, but I can’t figure it out right now. I throw myself backward on his bed, done with him and this conversation. Dammit. It smells like him and my heart clenches. I hate feelings. This is Dad’s fault.
“I’m not living happily ever after with you. I have a husband, Merrick. You can’t just take me from him.”
“I believe I did, and when he finally figures out why he’ll thank me.”
“You’re insane. Are you going to tell me why?”
He shakes his head. “Can’t.”
Nothing makes sense and the more I find out, the less I know.
“Come. You’ll be hungry in about twenty minutes after the magic of the dungeons wears off. Let’s get you changed, and I’ll bring you down to get food.”
“If you think I’ve forgiven you for that whole dungeon stunt, think again. I’m going to cut your balls off, Merrick.”
His eyes narrow, and I’m sure he’s scary to someone else, but not me. Not that he doesn’t have the ability to terrify the pants off me, but there are levels. He’s also being careful. I know him. We fucked for too long. “I’m going to understand that you’re already hungry and irritable if you’re talking to me like that. I’ve had clothes moved to my closets for you. Go find something to wear.Now.”
I should refuse and make him dress and carry me, but he will, and as much as I love humiliation, I’d rather avoid that kind of humiliation. I drag myself off the bed, head to the closet, and dig through everything. Even the stuff I’m sure isn’t meant for me. “You can’t tell me why I’m here. You can’t tell me much of anything. You’re bossing me around like you own me. I’m getting real sick of this, Merrick.”
When I whip around, he’s there and he’s not so tolerant. He’s the dark and menacing force I remember. The one who I’m not entirely sure won’t leave me to rot in a dungeon for all eternity.
“I do own you. As you’ll remember, I’m not a fan of tantrums. I’m not your sickeningly sweet husband. Get your ass fucking dressed before I take my paddle to it for a spanking you will not like.”
I tremble—just a little—and try not to let him see, but I sift through the clothes nicer than I had been. Gods he’s terrifying. I still like being able to handle him. “So, you admit he’s my husband, then.”
