Page 83 of Depravity

She narrows her eyes, glancing over at the crowd. I don’t care what they think, but I know my brother will.

He takes a long deep breath, straightening his suit. “You will bring her to me. You will both be at my house this evening.”

“Or what?” I ask.

He glares at me, giving me a look only the way Magnus can. “Be there, or that girl will no longer be an issue for any of us.”

I know that’s not an empty threat. It’s partly why we’ve been hiding at my house, why I had her face concealed so well atOblivion. Until it’s official, this marriage is precarious and this man here, my brother, he holds the keys to my future. As much as I fucking hate it.

“We’ll be there.” I mutter. “It’s about time my wife met all the in-laws.”

“Wife?” He repeats and I let out a chuckle, taunting him more before I walk off. He can think whatever he likes about that.

If I thought being taken to Oblivion was bad then this place, this is so much worse.

I can’t stop shaking as the car makes its way up the long drive.

Conrad had me dressed in a long, silver satin dress that scoops low enough to show most of my cleavage. No bra, though thankfully I’m allowed to wear a thong, so I guess I should feel grateful for that. My hair hangs down, my makeup is perfect, and I’m all beautifully made up by the maids.

I feel dressed up. Dolled up. Too pretty by far.

The house is just as imposing as Conrad’s own. But to know this place is his brother’s, that that is where we are headed? It puts the fear of God into me.

“You will behave today.” Conrad says under his breath, though I catch every word.

I nod. Quickly.

I don’t want to anger him, I don’t want to push him. Something already tells me that he’ll be so much worse around his brother, that he’ll play up to him, that he’ll make a point of showing off his ownership over me.

“Whatever I say, whatever I command, you will do it. Understood?”

Those words don’t help at all. But then what would help?

It sounds like he’s got something planned, something already agreed upon with Magnus.

Will they hurt me? Torture me the way they did Magnus’ now wife? I gulp, nodding again, praying that this evening goes quickly. Praying that I’m just overthinking this, that we’ll have a nice meal. Conrad will do all the talking, and then we’ll go home.

I dig my nails into my palms, reminding myself that Conrad’s house is not my home. I’ve never had a home, at least not since my mother died. No, that place is a prison. A gilded one, granted, but a prison nonetheless.

When we pull up there’s a servant there, opening the door, offering his hand for me to take. I do it quickly, mainly to appease my husband. Only, he looks absolutely furious as he gets out and stalks around.

“Do not touch my wife.” He snarls, grabbing my hand back, shoving the servant out of the way. “Nobody touches my wife but me.”

If I had the balls, I’d roll my eyes. He acts so protective, so damn possessive, and yet he is the greatest threat to my life.

At the grand entrance, I can see him, Magnus, standing watching us both. What does he think of his brother’s display? Does he act the same around Liliana?

His arms are crossed, and he looks just as pissed as my dear husband is.

Conrad tightens his grip, practically pulling me up the steps to where he is waiting.

“Conrad,” Magnus says in a tone that sends a chill through me. He’s clearly not impressed at all, but is it me or his brother that’s got him so annoyed?

I don’t know what to do, what to say. Should I curtsy? This Lord is so far above me in the pecking order that I’m afraid one stupid mistake could cost me.

“My wife.” Conrad says, shoving me forward so that his brother can properly look at me.

I bite my tongue, trying to keep my face neutral.

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