Page 214 of God of War (Legacy of Gods)

I can’t marry him. And it’s not because he killed a man in cold blood.

It’s because I’m genuinely scared he might do the same to me one day.

His reason for marrying me is to keep an eye on me. He’ll make my life hell.

He’ll torment me.

He’ll kill the last remnants of my sanity.

And the most tragic part is that my feelings for him that never truly died could resurface and worsen the circumstances.

I’ve always dreamed about marrying him, but I foolishly thought that would be done out of love.

It’s wrong to get married because of blackmail. This is the most ominous start to a marriage and I can’t do it.

I have to run.

Now.

Before it’s too late.

Eli leans in and I stop breathing, my heart beating so loud, I’m sure everyone can hear it.

His hot breath skims my ear through the veil. “Don’t even think about running off on me, Ava.”

My fingers shake around the gorgeous bouquet of flowers. How does he know I plan to run? Still, I whisper, “I c-can’t do this.”

“You seem to believe you have a choice, but you don’t. Either you stay still and go through with the wedding, or you leave. If you choose the second option, I’ll find you and I’ll kidnap you to a place no one can find you. I’ll lock you the fuck up and you’ll never see your parents or friends ever again. And if you proveto be a hassle, I’ll slice your fucking throat and end your life as effortlessly as I did Oliver’s.”

I tremble as he steps back, still wearing the same sinister smile.

I’ve never been so terrified.

Yes, Eli has always been devious, but I never thought he could kill someone. But then I saw him punch a man to death, so I wouldn’t put anything past him.

So I believe him when he says he’ll kidnap, then kill me.

My legs are frozen in place as we go through fake vows with very real consequences.

No.

The part where we say, ‘Till death do us part’ doesn’t seem fake at all.

The priest announces us husband and wife and I realize with depressing finality that I’m truly trapped with Eli for life.

He lifts my veil and wraps an arm around my waist, then tugs me toward him. I gasp when his lips seal against mine in a savage claim. He shoves his tongue inside and then bites on mine. A metallic tang explodes in my mouth as he ravages me so savagely, pain and intense pleasure mix into one.

I remain limp in his arms as he kisses me with fortified ruthlessness and blind possessiveness.

As if he’s making a point of staking a claim in public.

The cheers, claps, and music fade into nothingness as my ears fill with a loud buzz. I was completely taken in by this man from the beginning and now, I can no longer stop it.

He releases my mouth and whispers in a rough word, “Mine.”

38

ELI

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