Then again, the worn cottages of the Onyxias Kingdom are better still than the dungeons in which most of the bloodbags are kept for King Marr. I got lucky.My familygot lucky.
Even after our mother was slaughtered on our doorstep.
And now Seline.I feel like I could wound Darius with how much my glare hardens. I dig my nails into my palms while trying to steady my breathing. One wrong move will get another punishment from him. I can’t imagine he’ll let me off that easy.I can’t believe I have to obey this murderous fucking pig.
My eyes water at the thought that my sister had been killed in this place. By the very man leading me through it. What was Tessa thinking pairing me up with him? Was it her husband’s idea? Jesus, what kind of kingdom have we been forced to join?
The manor sprawls wide in every direction, marble floors and striped wallpaper guarding some wings while others are ornamented with French columns and cherubic statues. Like most aristocrats, the Rodins cling to their roots.
I stare at the back of Darius’s head. They hold no remorse. That’s one rumor that’s most certainly true.
A lavish staircase carries us to the next floor. I’m amazed by the portraits leading the way when the bruiser next to me seizes my shoulder. “Just a moment, Amber. We should discuss what happened downstairs.”
“According to you, nothing happened.”
“I believe it’s best to know precisely what we’re sweeping under the rug.”
I shake off his hand. I don’t believe for a split second that I’ve done it successfully. He took his hand back. That’s what happened. He’s too strong for me to shake.
Which means he’s toying with me. He’s prodding me. He wants to see if I can handle the pressure.
Well, fine. I can handle whatever he throws at me. He could spew pure fucking vile at this point and I wouldn’t give a damn. He took my sister from this world. He might do the same to me.
If he wants me to lie, I’ll lie all goddamn day. I glower at him while wiping my shoulder where he grabbed me. “You fed from me. I lost control. I’ll never do it again. Deal?”
I don’t wait for him to respond as I march toward a fork in the hallway. Marble to the left or to the right? I’m not sure, seeing as I left my tour guide near a giant painting of…
Wait, no. He can’t possibly be that fucking vain.
Can he?
I turn around slowly.
Yep, he sure can be that full of himself.I bite back a laugh.That outfit is ancient as fuck. Where did he get it?
I catch him staring at me. He hasn’t even moved from his spot.
It’s hard to even look in his direction. Shame returns like a furious fever sweeping me under. I’m tempted to ask about the portrait. And I’m also tempted to insult him.
Another part of me, regretfully, wants to do other things.
I push those thoughts away.It’s better not to say or do anything else. My shoulders ache and my neck feels like it’s going to drop my head at any moment. I have to get back to my room and apply ice before the bruises show. I don’t want my sister to witness my shame.
I blink rapidly.
God, does Seline know what I did?
A dash of movement disorients me and then the bruiser is standing right in front of me, towering like a damn spiral on a fortress. Curls hang over his forehead, styled purposefully. Topaz-inspired irises observe me carefully. He’s studying me. Or trying to read my mind. Some vampires can do that.
But this one can’t. Not because he isn’t granted the talent, but because my vampire had taught me better than that. He taught me to steel my mind.
Nobody can get in here. Not even King Marr. Or his coven of nosy witches.
I squint up at the massive tank, trying to keep my fists at my side. Does punching do anything? No.
But will it make me feel better? Hell fuckingyes.“What?”
“I never got your aftercare food.”