Page 25 of Darkest Game
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss –,” he stops short, his eyes in Jack’s direction. When I glance over my shoulder, I see that Jack is shaking his head.
He doesn’t want me to kiss Liam.
Because he wants to be the first one to kiss me.
“Let’s celebrate,” Jack says, standing up, clapping his hands. “Everyone to the reception hall.” He comes over to me and takes my arm. “I’ve got it from here, Liam.”
Liam’s jaw is tense as he lets my hands go but once again, he doesn’t stop Jack. My husband is a coward and that’s the worst thing of all.
The reception hall next door is actually very beautiful. Dark wood floors. Soft white drapes. Elegant tablecloths. Pretty chandeliers overhead, making the space feel warm and inviting.
The main table at the head of the room is for the bride and groom. Except… I’m seated next to Jack and not Liam. No, Liam is regulated to the end of the table, as far away from me as Jack can make us.
Elaine sits on Jack’s other side and continues to glare at me. If looks could kill, I’d be buried under ground already.
Jack eats the steak before him like a man dying of hunger. It’s messy and gross and rude. Knowing that I’ll have to smell his breath on me tonight almost makes me vomit. In fact, I can’t hold it back.
“I have to use the restroom,” I say and try to stand up but Jack grabs my hand.
“Don’t even think about running. There are guards all around this place.”
“I’m really just going to the restroom.”
He nods and lets me go. Apparently, my answer is good enough for him. A part of me wants to vomit right on him just to see his reaction. If I have to smell his breath tonight, I want him to smell my vomit breath as well.
My eyes catch Liam’s as I leave the table. I can feel his gaze on me when I head to the restroom but once again, he doesn’t do anything to help me. I’m becoming more and more dejected as the day goes on.
The bathroom is surprisingly elegant. White marble counters. Flowers in a vase between the sinks. Soft lighting that makes everyone look better.
I splash water on my face and try to take breaths to calm myself. Panicking is not going to do me any good tonight. Maybe it won’t be so bad… being with Jack. Maybe he’ll show me pleasure. He’s not exactly ugly by any means. It will just be one and done and then I can move on with my life.
Except… Jack made it clear he’ll take me more often throughout my marriage to Liam. It’s clear he’s trying to punish Liam, but he’s also punishing me and I haven’t done anything to deserve it.
The injustice of everything makes me cry.
But I don’t for long because the restroom door opens and in walks Elaine.
“Why are you crying?” she asks in a hard tone. “You should be grateful to be one of us now. Instead of being a filthy Russian.”
“I know you’re anger. But please don’t take it out on me. I’m a prisoner here. A victim. I never asked for any of this.”
“Oh, I know. And trust me, I’m angry with Jack. Angry that he wants a prettier, younger model than me. Angry that I’m not good enough for him. But I can’t take it out on Jack. So I’m goingto have to take it out on you. And the only reason Jack wants you is because you’re so pretty. So I’m going to rectify that.”
I frown. “What are you saying?”
In one fast motion, she pulls a small knife out of her purse and slashes it at me. I just barely dodge back before it can hit me.
“What are you doing?” I scream.
“I’m going to ruin that pretty face. He won’t want you if you’re ugly.” Elaine comes at me again but I fling myself backwards and my spine hits the wall. She runs right towards me, the knife sticking outward.
I jerk to the side and the blade cuts my arm, instantly drawing blood. It begins to stain my white wedding dress. Another scream escapes my throat as I try to get away from her.
“Please, stop this,” I beg. “Please. I didn’t ask for this. I don’t want this. I don’t want to be raped tonight!”
“So, I’m doing you a favor.”
“You’re going to kill me with that knife.”
