Page 38 of Dormeo
And yet somehow, now, it’s all gone horribly wrong.
“I don’t understand. Surely, staying here with me, something we both enjoy, is better than going back to be auctioned off to some despicable man by your father?”
Why would she prefer some disgusting old lord who would only take pleasure from her and never give? Who’d spend her money and use her purely for breeding and titles?
“Because at least I would never mistake their affection for something else or crave it. I’ll hate them with every fibre of mybeing, but at least they won’t ever pretend to be anyone but who they are.”
Is she really saying that she cares for me?
“And you really prefer that life? Am I so unappealing?”
Rose laughs and reaches out a pale hand to press her soft palm to my cheek. “No. But you’re using me. Just like everyone else. Except unlike them, you have the power to break me.”
She turns and walks away, and for once, I’m stunned.
I go to follow her as she disappears into my chamber, her delicate scent leaving a tempting trail my body wishes to follow, but an urgent knock on the door stops me in my tracks. With a weary groan, I halt and listen, hoping that person will take the hint and leave, but when the door shoves open and my sister stands in the doorway, side by side with Gaap, I groan.
This can’t be good.
“There’s another. But this one, well, he’s different.” Lily’s eyes dance, and I wonder what about this walking corpse has intrigued her so much.
“How so?” I’m not in the mood.
I want to speak with Rose, but my sister rarely gets excited about anything, and now, she’s shifting on her feet, anxious for me to go and see what she’s found.
Glancing back at my chamber door, now shut, I hesitate. Even if I go in there, I have no idea what I’d say. I’m not exactly in a position to promise eternal love and devotion.
Maybe I am using her. Maybe she’s so intoxicating that I can’t see beyond it, and I’m mistaking my craving for that energy as longing for her.
To tell her I can give her any more than this would be a lie. And I have no idea what a human woman wants.
“Fine. Let’s go.” It will wait. Perhaps a bit of fresh air and bloodshed will clear my mind.
Without bothering to tell her where I’m going or when I’ll be back, I slip out and shut the door behind me. Bronx will keep her safe, but this shouldn’t take long.
“Just one?” I ask, not understanding what could be so interesting about a rich fool who has no idea what he’s let himself in for. “These humans are stupider than I thought.”
Lily chews on her bottom lip. “He’s not stupid. Far from it. I was going to take care of him for you, but… I needed a second opinion. Gaap is useless. He’s definitely a kill first, ask questions later type of demon.”
I shrug. Normally, that’s a mindset I have no issue with. Chances are, anyone we encounter down there deserves it, and few will mourn their loss.
“What’s so special about this one?” As we leave the dark walls of the castle behind, the silhouette of a large, bearded man, his hair pulled back in braids and dressed in armour like a brave Viking warrior, stands tall, barely reacting at the sight of the three demons approaching him.
His hand remains casually resting on the hilt of his sword as we come to a stop before him.
“You appear to be lost, friend. You have one opportunity to retreat before we decide your presence here is no accident, but instead, an act of aggression.”
Bored with fending off these weak attempts to rescue Rose, I’m sick of offering chances and pretending not to be insulted that these humans think so little of us.
“I am not lost. I’m here for Rose.”
Something about his turn of phrase makes me pause. For her. Not to claim her. Not to bring her home. Not demanding her hand. There is no stench of greed or lust.
“Rose cannot leave. Her father is in the process of securing her return one week from now. In the meantime, she is safe.”
This man nods, seeming to accept my words at face value.
“I’m not interested in ensuring she’s unharmed for a week. I’m interested in ensuring she’s safe forever.”
