Page 177 of I’m The Worst

His mouth twitches, but he doesn’t call me out on the lie. “I’ve been trying to reach you.”

Jackal barks from the kitchen, and David’s attention finally shifts. Jackal stands in the doorway, tail wagging lazily as he watches us. David wasn’t thrilled when the puppy first appeared. He never said anything outright, but I noticed the look. I also never told him where Jackal came from.

Or who.

“I’ve been very patient with you, Autumn,” he says calmly, turning to face me. “While you adjust to being back home.” His voice is almost gentle, but there’s something colder underneath. “I understand it’s been difficult. But there are expectations now. Responsibilities.” He takes a slow step closer. “You are going to be my wife. The wife of a Sovereign Commander. That comes with certain standards.”

My stomach tightens. I wrap my arms tighter around myself and lean against the stair railing, trying to put space between us.

David’s gaze lingers on my bare legs, then flicks to the empty bottles again. His jaw tightens.

He closes the distance between us. I step back instinctively. He’s tall enough to block the entire hallway.

“This isn’t working.” His hand lifts, brushing the edge of my robe where it’s slipped off one shoulder. My shoulders tense at his touch. “I think it’s time we made some adjustments.”

“What kind of adjustments?” I ask, eyes narrowed.

He reaches out and smooths a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers grazing my cheek. “You need to be prepared. In every way.” Stepping closer, he forces me back again until my back hits the wall completely. “I won’t have you embarrassing me—or yourself—like this.”

I push his hand away with a huff. “I’m not embarrassing anyone⁠—”

“What do you call this?” He pulls out his phone and shows me security footage—me and Wolff slipping into the bathroom at the party a few nights ago. My pulse hammers in my ears as I watch the footage.

“I’ve overlooked a lot. The drinking. The drugs. The pictures of you circulating looking like a cheap, cum-covered Slut. But this?” His eyes harden. “Fucking that Scab in my house, while I was twenty feet away?”

Heat floods my cheeks. “You’re out of⁠—”

“Watch your tone.”

I swallow hard and look away.

“This ends now, Autumn.”

“That’s not⁠—”

“It’s time you stop acting like a whore and start behaving like my wife.” His fingers dig into my jaw as he leans closer. “I gave you space. Now I’m taking it back. No more parties. No more spreading your legs, especially for a Scab who doesn’t even deserve the rank he was given.”

“Let go of me.”

“Your IUD will be removed next week. You’re going to start preparing to give me children. Heirs.”

“I don’t want kids.” My heart pounds so hard I feel sick. “This world is too fucking evil. I’m not bringing anyone into it. I can’t⁠—”

“You don’t have a say in it.” He laughs softly, like that’s the most ridiculous thing he’s ever heard. Tears sting my eyes as he presses his body against mine, pinning me to the wall with his weight. “And you will start wearing your vow-bound collar.”

My breath catches. “You can’t be serious.”

Vow-bound collars—a locked collar around a Servant’s throat, marking them as owned and off-limits to everyone else. Only the Sovereign who places it has the key.

“I’m dead serious. You’re going to be my perfect little wife. On your knees when I come home. Fertile. Obedient.”

Memories flash—cold metal biting into my throat.

“No.” Shaking my head, my voice cracks. “I can’t wear a collar. I can’t—David.”

“The faster you accept this, the easier it will be. You don’t get to say no anymore, Autumn. It’s time we establish some boundaries. You’ll learn to keep your legs closed unless I tell you to spread them.”

A sick, familiar dread settles in my stomach.