Page 111 of House of Malice
“She is not Demitria,” Blaze repeated, louder this time. He looked up at his father. “Just because Demitria left you doesn’t mean Alecto is the same.”
Galliermo threw his head back and barked a laugh. “You think she’s better?” He sneered. “You think she’s special? You are weaker than I thought. And fucking stupid if you think that. She will lead you on and then dump you when someone better comes along.”
Blaze scrambled to his feet, leaning against the shelves behind him. “You are the one who’s weak,” Blaze spat. “A girl broke your heart, and you fucking lost it. You lost it so bad that you sold your soul!”
Galliermo’s eyes widened, his nostrils flaring. He grabbed Blaze by the throat, squeezing it so hard, Blaze choked. He couldn’t get a breath in.
His father was strong. Blaze tried to peel his hand away, but Galliermo didn’t budge.
“You know nothing,” Galliermo screamed in his face. “Do not dare talk back to me! Do you hear me? If you disrespect me one more time, Blaze, I swear, I will ship you off to Grimswater so fast, you won’t realize what’s happening.”
“And who will be your heir then?” Blaze screamed back at Galliermo. “Who will be the one to take over the legacy you are so proud of?”
Blaze wheezed then, black dots appearing at the corners of his vision.
Galliermo let go, and Blaze gasped for air, sinking to his knees.
“I will make new heirs if I must,” Galliermo said in a calm voice. He adjusted his cuff links. “It is the last warning, Blaze. Obey me, or you will regret it.”
And then Galliermo left.
Blaze panted, his lungs burning. He leaned against the shelves, and his eyes started burning.
This was no way to live. He couldn’t do it. He wouldn’t do it.
Alecto was all he wanted. And he could only have her when he was free of his father’s grip.
There was only one thing Blaze could do.
The consequences be damned.
44
Alecto was so worried about Blaze going to dinner at his parents’ that she spent the whole time waiting for him in his room.
When she entered, it was already dark. She lit a few candles around and then settled comfortably in his bed. Being surrounded by his smell was comforting.
She hoped that he would return in one piece and unharmed. She also hoped he’d keep his promises and wouldn’t change his mind about being with her, despite the difficulties they faced.
Finally, the door opened, light from the hallway streaming inside the dimly lit room. Blaze’s head appeared, and he entered the room.
“Hey,” Alecto said softly, sitting up.
Blaze paused in the doorway. She couldn’t see his face very well.
“Are you alright?” Alecto asked, getting on her knees.
Blaze sighed and then grunted. He closed the door behind him. Alecto didn’t miss the fact his movements were slow and stiff.
Her heart sunk. “Did he hurt you?” She asked.
Blaze walked over to the bed where she kneeled. He reached a hand to caress her cheek, and she got ahold of his wrist.
“Talk to me. Please.”
Blaze cleared his throat and then leaned forward. Alecto noticed the dark marks on his neck and the bruise under his left eye. It was getting worse by the minute.
“Oh Gods,” Alecto said. “Sit down.”
