Page 34 of Kneel Before Me

“Why the hell not? Wasn’t he hot? Basilisks are supposed to be drop-dead gorgeous.”

Daphne blushed. Kronos was certainly hot and then some. He was the hottest man she’d ever seen, if he could even be considered a man. “Yes,” she admitted. “He was gorgeous.”

“You say that like it’s the worst thing he could be.”

“It is the worst thing he could be. I don’t want a cock in my pussy again until I’m in love, and that’s who I have to resist?”

Ella let out an unrestrained snort. “You what?”

Daphne crossed her arms defensively. She hadn’t yet told her best friend what happened with Benjamin, nor had she mentioned the resolution that came out of it. Daphne didn’t know whether she’d kept it a secret out of shame or fear of judgment, or both. She knew Ella supported her, but this felt different somehow. Given her lifestyle up until now, it might seem like a rash decision. And perhaps it was. But just because it was rash didn’t mean it wasn’t necessary.

“I want to be in love the next time I fuck someone,” she insisted. “Is that so wrong?”

“No, it’s not wrong,” Ella said slowly. “It’s just not…you.”

Daphne held herself tighter. For some reason, Ella’s words hurt.

“Hey,” Ella said quickly, leaning in. “I didn’t mean that as an insult, I promise. I just mean… You’re not exactly picky when it comes to men.”

Daphne couldn’t argue with the truth. But Benjamin’s words had changed her. She would be picky from now on. Even if that meant resisting Kronos. Or Maximus. Or both.

“Can I ask what prompted this change?” Ella asked quietly.

Daphne knew that tone. Ella was being careful, skirting around the edges of what she really wanted to say. Ella knew Daphne well enough to know that something seismic must have occurred.

“Benjamin happened,” Daphne whispered.

Ella raised her eyebrows. She leaned even closer. “The asshole with the mullet? Isn’t he a server at the castle?”

Daphne nodded.

“What did he do, Daph?” Ella continued, her voice rising an octave. “Did he hurt you? I swear to Kora if he forced himself on you, I’ll fucking kill him.”

“No.” Daphne shook her head quickly. “It wasn’t like that. He just…said some…things.”

Worthless slut. Useless whore. Nothing but a hole to fuck and a mouth to come in.

Ella fell silent, clearly waiting for elaboration. But Daphne wasn’t ready to give it. It felt too painful to repeat the words.

“It doesn’t matter.” Daphne shrugged, reaching for her glass.

“Of course it matters if it hurt you this badly,” Ella insisted.

Daphne took a long sip of beer. She wished this conversation would be over. “He’s an idiot anyway.”

“Well, that’s a given. All men are idiots.”

She smiled a little at that. “The point is, I’m not having sex with Kronos.”

“Kronos?”

“The basilisk.”

“Wow. Even his name is hot.”

Daphne sighed. It truly was.

“Let me know if you change your mind about me killing Benjamin.” Ella winked at her. “I can think of a million ways to do it. Starting with yanking off his cock and making him eat it.”