Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 58321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 292(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Resolve solidifies inside me. I will stay here, and I will find my own way to answers. “I understand.”
Their mouth quirks into a strange little smile. “Aren’t you the entertaining little liar? This is going to be great fun.”
Next to them, Bram is practically vibrating with fury. “Get. Out.”
Far from being intimidated, Ramanu just laughs. “Darling, there’s only one person I take orders from, and it’s not you. It’s cute that you try, though.” They pat Bram on his shoulder and waltz out of the room with a little sway in their hips.
Through it all, they didn’t technically do anything threatening or wrong, but that doesn’t change the fact that I feel threatened. This might’ve been a check-in to ensure I was safe, but it’s blatantly clear that Azazel doesn’t trust me even though he also wants to protect me. Or something. The longer I think about this tangled web of bargains and promises, the less clear it seems. I’m missing something obvious and important.
Maybe he intends to honor the specific words of the bargain, but not the spirit of it. I’m sure there’s some clever loophole I’m not seeing. Something like him telling me what happened, but not why it happened. Or, gods, what’s to keep him from lying? His word? Don’t make me laugh.
Azazel is playing as many games as Ramanu.
Bram is still glowering at me in a way that makes me fight a shiver. I can’t even pretend it’s fear, when I can still clearly feel the memory of his tongue inside me. That, more than anything, gets my mouth running before I can think better of it. “I’m surprised you didn’t tell them what happened last night. They’re already aware I’m a problem child. Maybe you could’ve switched me out for a more compliant human.” I don’t know why I say it. If I wanted to go back to the bargainer territory, I would have taken Ramanu up on their offer.
He moves to stand between me and the door “You’re right. If they knew you were trying to escape, they would take you from me.”
He’s only echoing my own thoughts. It still feels like a slap in the face. “Yes, I believe that is exactly what I just said,” I snap.
He doesn’t move toward me, but the way he shifts his wings makes the room feel significantly smaller. “We discussed this last night, Grace. This is between you and me. You can try to escape to your heart’s content. I will track you down and bring you back to my bed every single time.” Without another word, he turns and walks out of my room, shutting the door softly behind him.
11
BRAM
I’m not remotely surprised to find Ramanu waiting for me at the bottom of the staircase. They lean against the wall, the very essence of unconcerned. It’s a lie. I can see the threads of gray worry flickering through their energy. I’ve had enough interactions with them over the years to know they can hide their emotions when they feel the need, so they’re intentionally letting me know. One of their parents is a distant cousin of mine, and that should be enough to create a bond between us, but Ramanu is too cunning to trust. They always seem to be playing games at a level beyond anyone else in the room.
It irks me.
“You haven’t told her about what happened to your family.”
Even expecting this conversational turn, I have to fight to keep from snarling. I don’t have a problem with Ramanu normally, but finding them in Grace’s bed has not endeared them to me in the least. “I told her what she needs to know.”
They shake their head slowly. “I argued against this. You’ve got too much baggage when it comes to humans, and while Grace is hardly a normal human, the fact remains that she is in danger every moment she spends with you. You can read my emotions. I can read yours. Let’s not dance around this. You’re a danger to yourself, Bram, and if you’re careless with yourself, you could hurt Grace.”
They aren’t wrong, but that doesn’t mean I’ll admit as much out loud. “I would never hurt Grace.” I can’t argue that I’m not a danger to myself, because I am. I can’t even pretend I’m not a danger to others, because while I might never intend to hurt those around me, my cowardice ensures I’ll never help them either.
“Maybe. Maybe not.” All the playfulness is gone from their voice, leaving only a hard edge. “Azazel may have agreed to this bargain, but part of that agreement is regular check-ins with me to ensure Grace’s well-being. I don’t know what the fuck happened with the two of you, but if she’s still twisted up the next time I come, I will take serious consideration into removing her from your care. Regardless of whether or not she wants to leave.”