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AH, WHAT AN EXQUISITEpiece of art she is, gaping at the sight that greets her. I could watch her forever. The sound of the doors closing still echoes around the hall, matching the lights flashing on to illuminate the show I prepared.
“What in the world–” she whispers, but the sound echoes through the hall. The two presents I got her have gags in their mouths, so all they’re able to produce are muffled sounds that aren’t doing them any good. They’re tangled in the climbing ropes, their wrists and ankles bound, the rope coiled around their necks.
I don’t even try to hide my amusement as they struggle against their restraints like worms on a hook.
“Now, now,” I purr. “I suggest you save your strength. All that writhing is only going to make the loops tighten around your throats.” Then, turning to Justine.
“I hope you like my present, mistress.” I gesture to the two wretches dangling on either side of me.
Her lips are parted in awe as she slowly walks closer, as if not sure about what she’s seeing. Fuck, I should have vetted her outfit for tonight. Those leather garters denting her milky flesh with every step she takes, they’re giving my dick a hard time. I don’t know another bastard in the world as controlled as I am when I have to be, except maybe Micah, but this woman is gonna be the death of me.
When she’s close enough to understand what the scene unfolding in front of her is all about, she comes to a brusque halt. Her hands fly up to her mouth to cover a gasp.
“Oh, don’t be like that, Justine,” I tease, “the cameras are rolling. Be a good girl and smile for them.”
She slowly lowers her hands and turns around, shielding her eyes from the spotlights. I set them up strategically to frame the doors that she came in through. The cameras and the entire transmission equipment are closer, though, at just the right angle for what’s about to happen.
“I had a feeling you would approve of these two gentlemen as offerings,” I begin, my voice distorted behind the mask I’m wearing. A white one this time, contrasting with my blood-smeared fists. The blood covers the tattoos on the backs of my hands, while a leather vest and studded leather gauntlets do the same for my body and forearms.
I walk close enough that only she can hear me, but keep enough distance for her scent not to mess with my focus. Soon, I’ll give into the animalistic need I have for her, but not just yet.
“I had a field day with them because, you know,” I lean in closer, looking her straight in the eye, “they deserved it. But, as you can see, I stopped in time. I saved the best for last. Prepared a show for your enjoyment.”
She takes a step back. My eyes, bloody red in the spotlights, must be scary as fuck.
“I don’t–” she clears her throat. “I didn’t ask for this. I don’t want this. Please, stop, it’s not too late.”
So she knows better than to say my name. It’s clear that I’m keeping my identity secret–not that I wouldn’t be able to deal with the mess if it did transpire. It would be troublesome, but I’ve dealt with harder things preparing this grand event.
“Oh, but this is necessary, Justine. You need to know exactly who the man is that you’re going to spend the rest of your life with.”
“The rest of my life?” Her voice is faint, but her breathing hitches.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re not entirely horrified by the idea.”
She doesn't reply. She doesn’t need to. The bright look in her eyes speaks volumes, the way her mouth falls open along with her defenses. Oh, she’s gonna love what I have in store for these two. I’m about to turn around and get to work when she speaks again.
“I don’t think this is a good idea.” I turn to look at her again. Her throat works, and it’s obviously hurting her to say this, but she forces herself to. “You and me, we’re not a good idea.” She looks down at herself, flapping the sides of her dress in some kind of demonstration, then motions to me. “Just look at us. Look what we make of each other.”
My arms cord up as I step close to her again. We’re now chest to chest, with me towering over her. She breathes faster but doesn’t back away a single inch. She knows better than that.
“What we do to each other is pure healing,” I growl. I close my eyes for a moment, working down the tension that mounts in my veins. I need to show her a glimpse of my true nature so she understands that we are made for each other. I raise my hand to stroke her cheek but stop when I see my blood-smeared knuckles next to her fragile skin. A visceral need to protect her overwhelms me–and to torture all those who ever hurt her.
“You are a gift from above in my life, pretty poet,” I muse. Her eyelids flutter, betraying her true feelings and sending the butterflies in my stomach on a flapping trip. “Maybe you got used to the idea that our love is impossible, and that’s my fault. I let you believe that I gave in to the outside pressures, that I would sacrifice you so the world would remain a safe place for everyone, but no.” I wind my arm around her waist, pulling her flush against me. Golden corset against leather vest. “The only reason I’m giving the world any consideration at all is because I know you wouldn’t forgive me otherwise. My little poet would never condone it if I set the world on fire for her.” My palm splays over her back. I can’t have her close enough. But if I hold her as tightly as I want to, I’ll probably break her.
My jaw tightens as I fight to get a grip. “I had to make it look like I played along with Gertrude’s plans, and even Romano’s, but that time is over, Justine. When I’m done with these two pieces of shit–” I point to the roped-up men behind me, “–there will be nothing left to stand in our way.”
Her eyebrows quiver, a sign that she doesn’t quite understand. I can’t blame her. I trace the contour of the Maleficent cap around her face.
“I’m a dangerous motherfucker to have on the loose in this world, and the only thing keeping this motherfucker tame is you.” I sound deranged even to myself as I say the words, but they’re true. “You want this place to be safe? No more people disappearing in the woods and their phones found at the bottom of a lake? Then this is the price. Be my girlfriend.”
She gasps, and I chuckle. “Not forever. Just until the day you become my wife.”
She hesitates, and my heart sinks. Is this too much? Is the truth of me making her uncertain about her feelings?
“Unless, of course, I misread your cues, and you’re not actually in love with me.” It’s the only case in which I’d let her go, even if it ripped my heart out. Still, I wouldn’t be able to stay away from her. I’d always be there, lurking in the shadows, ready to shred to pieces any man who tried to hurt her. I’d be her guardian devil for the rest of her life. And I’d probably chop the dick off of any guy who tries to fuck her, and stuff it into his mouth. I’m a more generous lover than even I expected, but notthatgenerous.
“I–” She licks her lips, shaking in my arms.
