Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
I couldn’t relate because I would never in a million years choose her to be my scapegoat, but she could be somewhere terrible enough to make that her only option. That made me realize something else. I couldn’t do anything for her. She was trapped, and I was here, sitting across from the man who had taken everything from her. The helplessness I felt was overwhelming, and the tears that had been building finally spilled over, trailing down my cheeks. Alexander moved swiftly, rising from his chair, and rounding the table to pull me into his arms. His grip was strong, and reassuring, as he cupped the back of my head, pressing me against his chest.
I could feel the steady beat of his heart as he held me close, anchoring me to the present. “It’s over, sweet girl,” he stated, his voice low and soothing. “She’s not a part of your life anymore. She’s nothing to you. You are mine, and I’m not letting anything, or anyone take that from us.”
I wanted to push him away, to scream at him for what he had done, but I couldn’t. I leaned into him, seeking comfort in his presence, in the warmth of his touch. He held me tighter, his lips brushing against my hair.
“I know this hurts, but she made her choices. But I’m here, with you.”
His words washed over me, and despite the tears, despite the betrayal, there was a part of me that clung to him, that needed him in this moment. I hated that I felt this way, hated that I needed his reassurance, but I couldn’t stop it.
“I won’t let you break,” he murmured, his hands stroking my hair gently. “You belong with me. Always.”
He drew back slightly, but I couldn’t let him go. My hands clung tighter around his waist, my voice trembling as the fear and confusion I felt spilled out in shaky words.
“What will happen to her now?” I pleaded, my voice cracking. “I know—I know she isn’t like the women here, but please don’t—don’t…”
He silenced me softly, his thumb brushing over my lips in a soothing, commanding gesture. “Hush, deliciae.” His tone was calm, but there was a firm edge underneath it. “Even now, you want to save a woman who didn’t hesitate to tear you down. That kind heart of yours... it’s beautiful, but don’t waste it on someone like her.”
The words stung with truth, and though a part of me wanted to fight him, the rest of me knew he was right. His lips grazed my cheek, and I felt his tongue sweep across my skin, licking away the tears that had fallen. The intimacy of the gesture, so possessive and raw, sent a wave of electricity through me, making my breath catch. He leaned closer, his lips just inches from mine, his voice wrapping around me like velvet.
“How about this, you let her go. Put all of this behind you. Stay by my side—willingly—and I’ll make sure the waste of space finds a place. She won’t be anywhere near us--you, but she’ll live.”
I froze, my chest tightening as the weight of his offer settled over me. His voice was soft, but the choice he presented felt impossibly heavy. My mind was spinning. I still felt the ache for Anya, for the person she had been before everything fell apart. I could never, ever forget the girl who was by my side through everything. It didn’t matter if she wanted to sacrifice me to save herself, I could do the same, but to save both of us. Deep down, I knew there was nothing else other than this that would accomplish that. Her fate had been sealed long before this conversation. Tears welled up in my eyes again.
“You promise?” I asked, my voice trembling. “Can you promise you won’t hurt her? That she’ll live?”
He held my gaze, his expression dark and unwavering.
His thumbs brushed lightly over my cheeks, wiping away another trail of tears. “I give you my word,” he said slowly, his voice steady and commanding. “As Diabolus, as your man. She’ll live. You have my word on that.”
I searched his eyes, my heart pounding in my chest. I believed him—needed to believe him. His word, especially given as Diabolus, felt like a bond, something unbreakable. I let out a shaky breath, nodding, even though my heart was still cracking apart. “Okay,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I’ll stay. But only if you promise—no harm comes to her.”
His lips curved into a small, dark smile, satisfied with my response. “I promise,” he said again, and then leaned in, pressing his lips to mine in a soft, lingering kiss. His hands slid to the back of my neck, pulling me closer, his warmth seeping into me.
As he held me, I knew I had made a choice I couldn’t undo, not without driving the final nail into Anya’s coffin.