Page 26 of Hated By the Gargoyle

He stepped close, still gripping his cock.

“Noooo!!!” I stumbled backwards, putting distance between us.

Qanek stopped and stared. “Why do you flee from me?”

“Because I don’t want to have sex with you!”

He flinched as if I’d slapped him. Then straightened, ever the proud creature. “What objections could you possibly have against me?” he demanded.

“Well, that tone, for one.”

“I do not understand.”

I threw my hands up in the air. “Dude, you just admitted that we’re unfortunately married now. You make me feel like I’m in the middle of that Pride and Prejudice scene where Darcy tells Elizabeth that he likes her against his better judgment.”

Qanek regarded me coolly. “If Elizabeth is as feral as you, I understand Darcy’s sentiments far too well.”

“Shut up! Just shut up! I’m not sleeping with you, and I’m not your wife!” I crossed my arms against my chest, using them like a lame barrier. As if that could protect me against this monster if he decided he wanted what I refused to give.

“You are. You will be.”

“Qanek.”

“Lucero.”

I paused. He said my name with an infinite amount of impatience but something else underlacing his tone.

“Qanek,” I started, trying to get him to see reason. “You have to know that this doesn’t make us married. We haven’t done anything. It doesn’t even count.”

“It does. In the tradition of my brothers and I, it is valid. Our marriage is binding.”

“Not if we don’t sleep together.”

“We will not sleep, feral creature. We will fuck.”

“Jesus Christ.”

“Do not utter another man’s name in my presence.” He stepped closer, the menace in his every move obvious enough that I stepped away. “We may not want one another for now, but do not doubt that I will kill any man, demon, or beast that lays eyes upon you. You are mine. My wife. And no other male’s name will ever cross your lips again.” He stopped close enough that I could breathe him in again. His eyes were locked on my lips, and his claw teased the bottom one. “For you will be far too busy crying out mine instead.”

“You don’t want me, Qanek. You said so yourself.” I hated how my voice trembled. How weak I felt. How it took just a few words for me to be completely hypnotized and pulled into his thrall.

But…

I couldn’t.

He had made his stance clear from the beginning.

It wasn’t me he wanted, but Carlota. And I knew if I allowed myself to fall for a few pretty words, if I allowed myself to be sucked in, it would create nothing but heartbreak when he inevitably left me for her.

They always did.

I hardened my resolve and glared at him, shoving his arm away with the back of my hand.

“Stop. Don’t touch me and put your loincloth back on. I don’t care what you say, we aren’t married. I have enough self-respect to not marry somebody who is so desperate for somebody else.”

Qanek jerked backwards, his gaze narrowing. “You speak of self-respect, but you have none.”

“Oh, I’m so flattered.” I touched my chest, feigning excitement. “Not!”