Page 87 of Depravity

“The Magnus you knew understands the boundaries.” He retorts. “Understood what games to play and when to keep his mouth shut.”

My lips curl. I know I’ve hit a nerve, I know I’ve pissed him off. Good. He thinks he has the right to judge me? He thinks hecan decide my future and expect me just to go along with it, as if I don’t have Blake blood running through my veins.

He shoves me back before releasing his grip and I shrug, straightening my suit jacket, smoothing out the creases.

He walks back, sitting down once more.

“I would have broken her weeks ago.” He says pointedly. “She’s easy pickings. Are you sure you even know what to do?”

Those words piss me off, and I know he can see it. I draw myself up, using the only defence I have. “I’m not going to ruin her the way you did Liliana. And I certainly don't intend to share her either, so you better forget that idea.”

Magnus's laughter is like a sharp crack in the air. “You accused me of going soft, but look at you. One taste of that girl, and you’re under her thumb. You’re so entangled, brother, you can’t even think straight.”

I clench my teeth, resisting the impulse to lash out. “I’m not weak. I’m in charge of her, not the other way around,” I reply, each word laced with defiance.

“And if that's the case, then why is she not obedient, huh? Why is she not pregnant already?” he asks, tilting his head, challenging me with amusement flickering in his eyes.

“Because I’m doing this my way. Not yours.”

He leans forward with a calculated look in his eyes. “You have one month, Conrad. One month to get Brynn pregnant, or I’ll sort the entire mess out myself. And you’ll be back down that altar, marrying Giselle whether you like it or not.”

“Did he hurt you?” She asks as soon as we’re far enough out of earshot.

I stare back at her, my voice struggling to work. “What, what do you think?” I reply.

She must know. Shehasto know. From all the rumours of what they put her through, how they broke her. She must know exactly what he’s done to me.

But can I trust her? She’s Magnus’s wife now. Where does her loyalty lie?

My eyes drop to her chest, to where that brand is literally glistening in the light. Though it could also be the tears.

“He shouldn’t have done that.” She says, pulling me further from the door. “He shouldn’t have taken you. Shouldn’t have touched you.”

I snort. Like Conrad gives a shit what should and shouldn’t be happening.

But the fact she’s saying it, voicing it? Maybe this is my chance. Maybe this is my moment, my way to escape. My heart seems to leap in my chest as I stare back at her pleadingly.

“Can you help me?” I ask before I can stop myself.

Her face turns to one of pain, of anguish. “I, I can’t.” She says.

“But you know.” I hiss. “You know what he is. What he’s capable of. Please, please you have to help me…”

“You’re married.” She states. “That alone seals your fate. And even if you weren’t, do you really think I have any power?”

“But, you, you have Magnus.” I reply. “He would listen to you, he would…”

She lets out a bitter laugh. “You think Magnus Blake listens to anyone?”

My heart sinks, and all that beautiful hope that was brewing is suddenly crushed. God, she must think me a fool. An absolute idiot. “I can’t, I can’t do this.” I whisper back. “I can’t be with him, I can’t…”

Her hands grab my shoulders, practically holding me up as my legs seem to crumble. “You can. You won’t like it, but you have to accept it. You have no choice.”

“He rapes me.” I gasp. “Daily. And he hurts me. He…”

“So does Magnus.” She says, so matter of fact. “None of the Blake’s have a kind bone in their body from what I can tell.”

“I can’t live like this…”

---