The deep, masculine groan in response had me shuddering. Bile rose in my throat, not only because they were discussing the murder of my entire family, but because they were quite literally getting off on the idea.
Vile. Depraved.Evil. That’s what the Donoghues were. Absolute evil.
I couldn’t stay here another second. I had to get out. Not just for myself, but to save my family.
I was already running through the hallway back toward the stairs when a terrible thought occurred to me.
I couldn’t just run. So long as I was alive with ties to their son, they would come for my family and me. I’d never be free.
There was only one solution to this problem. Roslyn Blackthorne had to die.
ChapterEleven
GAVIN
“You bloody fool, what are you doing to yourself? Pacing like a tiger in a fucking cage over a woman you could have made yours time and time again last night.”
I wasn’t sure why I hadn’t gone after her. Between her exit and dealing with Daniel, it just seemed best to let her ride out her tantrum and return to her once her emotions had cooled. But with every passing second, it became more difficult to make myself take those steps. I didn’t want to face her. To face myself. To see the emotional wounds I’d inflicted. Somehow those weren’t the same as physical marks. Her heart was off-limits. Her body, though? There was a completely different set of rules.
I hadn’t even needed to look at her to know what a blow it had been hearing Daniel lob my words like a grenade. It haunted me, that moment. We’d been on the cusp of something, she and I, but any foundation we’d built had been destroyed by his jealousy.
I felt guilty, which made me angry. I hadn’t done anything wrong. I had said those things, and in the moment, I’d meant them. She wasn’t supposed to be mine in more than name. Our compatibility was a boon. An unexpected perk of the job.
For both of us.
She should feel lucky. Blessed by the realization. At my feet begging for attention.
Not off in her room sulking like a petulant brat.
This was not a love match. I’d given her my name, not my heart.
Love was never on the table. She needed to be reminded of that.
So I’d remind her right bloody now.
She’d had enough time to stew. I was finished with this behavior. It was time for me to make my wife understand exactly what being married to me would be.
The promise of sated lust and her cries sang through my blood, humming inside me and thickening my cock as I thought of all the ways I’d make her see reason. I stormed out of my room and straight to hers, where I threw open the door without warning. I expected to find her curled on her bed, tear tracks marring her perfect skin. But she wasn’t there. The room was empty.
No trace remained save the lingering scent of her. Panic and disappointment warred for top billing in my head. Why wasn’t she here, ready to get on her knees and beg me to be the master of her body?
A growl of frustration rumbled in my chest, my knuckles going white and the wood groaning beneath my tight grasp.
Where are you, petal?
Instinct, like a tiny annoying buzz in my ear, had me turning to look at her armoire. The door was barely cracked, but it was a damning bit of evidence. Peering inside, anger burned in my gut. No clothes. No luggage. Nothing. I turned on my heel, my gaze sweeping the room and stopping on the piece of paper in the center of her perfectly made bed.
My Lord,
I’m sorry I had to leave so quickly and without saying goodbye. As you know, my brother’s mate has gone missing, and my family needs me. I hadn’t intended on this visit being anything more than wedding planning. I certainly hadn’t expected we’d be married within hours of my arrival. I didn’t prepare for an extended stay or, frankly, anything that happened since I set foot in this house.
I was not prepared for you, my lord.
I find myself quite conflicted over everything that has transpired between us. I crave you in a way I don’t understand, and that frightens me. But even more so, it has taught me a great deal about myself and my desires.
My family needs my help to show we are a united front as the attacks on my brother and his mate continue, and I cannot in good conscience hide away here with you.
Once Sunday is found, I will return to you. I’m asking for you to give me this time. Time to make peace with my feelings. Time to say goodbye to my family. Time to ready myself for all that it means to be yours.