Page 146 of God of War (Legacy of Gods)

“It is not. Full stop.”

“I’d understand if you wouldn’t, because I wouldn’t either, you know.” She places a hand on my chest. “If you dare betray me, I’ll ruin your life.”

“More than what you’re doing already?”

“This is mere foreplay. I’ll make you regret being born if you stab me in the back.” She drops her hand. “Can we leave now?”

“I’ll have Henderson drop you home.”

“No, we are leaving and you’re the one who will take me. We should have an early dinner and catch a West End show. MaybeMoulin Rouge!”

“No, thanks.”

“I wasn’t asking.”

“And I wasn’t stuttering.”

“You’ll spend time with me or I’ll find a man who can spare me his precious time.”

A muscle clenches in my jaw as I grab her arm. “Don’t you fucking dare say that again.”

“Glad you agree to come.” She smiles with glee. “Oh, also, you should sack Tyler from reception at King Enterprises and make Hailey senior.”

“Let me guess, she praised your looks and he didn’t?”

“Yeah, she’s nice and professional.” Her lips push out in a pout. “Besides, he was ogling my tits.”

“Consider him sacked.”

She laughs and shakes her head, probably thinking that she walked me straight into that decision.

Little does she know that I’m the one walking her round and round in the custom cage I’ve carefully constructed for her.

24

AVA

I’ve come to the depressing realization that my husband possesses not one single atom of fun in his gorgeous body.

He’s moody and broody, and the concept of chilling completely evades him.

Really, it should be no surprise that he’s an uptight arsehole with control-freak tendencies, not when I’ve been in his orbit for…my entire life.

And yet it is. In a sense, at least.

I thought maybe he knew how to laugh, just not with me.

He’s able to have a blast, but only when I’m not close.

But I don’t think he either is possible. At least, not genuinely. He’s only ever been happy when Creigh or his parents are around, and even that isn’t often guaranteed to shake his broody core.

One more reason why my idea for a night out is a fantastic way to defrost the sociopathic layer wrapped around his heart.

Though it’s probably wishful thinking. But, hey, I won’t know until I try.

Besides, he did accept my invitation—only after I threatened his possessive tendencies. Anyway, a win is a win.

Naturally, we went back to the house because he refused to let me walk one more step outside in the clothes I flaunted all over not one, butbothof his workplaces.

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