Page 28 of Anorthic Anarchy

“And what are you sorry for?”

Heaving a frustrated sigh, I ramble out everything I can think of instead of what I want to say, like,I’m sorry I’m married to a monster. “Sorry for not watching you fuck your whores.”

I know it’s cheeky. It’ll probably not get me any points, but he chuckles. Actually laughs. I didn’t even think it was possible. It’s almost frightening.

“Anything else?”

Scanning my brain, I continue. “Um, and talking when I’m not supposed to.”

He nods once as he leans forward to undo the neck strap and my breath gets caught in my chest. The scent ofhimis on me again, and I close my eyes to make the fluttering in my belly stop. But his stubble tickles my skin as he murmurs, “I kind of missed you talking.”

A gasp parts my lips. Hemissedme talking to him? Now my pulse skyrockets as he wraps his arms around me to loosen the restraints.

As my body slumps onto the ground, I starfish into a stretch. “I need a bathroom!” Muffled by the rug, I hope he heard me.

“Don’t get used to lying in my room. You have your own through the parlor there. Boards cover the windows and the other door will be locked. There is a large tub in the ensuite, and you may eat your meals in the anteroom. But you’ll be escorted to the tower if there’s any danger.”

Glancing up at him, he points to the adjoining door, and I roll over to get on all fours. Then I carefully stand. Straightening my naked shoulders, I swipe at the drool covering my chin and walk with as much confidence as I can fake into the next room, feeling his eyes on my backside.

It’s definitely the nicest place I’ve ever had. The bathroom is ill lit, but it has a clawfoot tub, a toilet, and sink. Black damask wallpaper gives it an even eerier feeling, especially since it’s only illuminated by candle sconces. The shadows of the dancing flames create specters around the room. It doesn’t stop me from using it and taking a deep soak, too, trying to scoop out his remains from inside of me.

I shiver in the towel as I wander back into the first room. Though my eyelids are heavy from exhaustion, I spot a silver dinner tray on the coffee table and hurry to it. The stew is cold, but does what I need it to, along with the stale bread.

The bedroom isn’t much, just mainly an alcove big enough for a queen bed. There’s a fresh red shift dress lying out for me on the comforter. My fingers dig under my collar to scratch my skin briefly before I pull it on, then I slip under the smooth sheets with a belly full and a fresh smell in my hair.

A clang awakens me the next morning. Sitting up straight, I bolt to the archway into the parlor where Nari has dropped my breakfast all over the floor.

Posing with the tray by her side, she gives me a snide smile. “Oops. Guess you’ll have to eat it off the floor like the bitch you are.”

My eyes narrow at her and, before I can stop myself, I’m rushing at her with my full force, but she screams and hurries out of the main door and slams it behind her. Just as I snatch the knob and twist, she slots a key in and locks it. The wood creaks when I bang on it with a fist and yell, “You’ll pay for this!”

“Good morning, my little angel.”

Jumping out of my skin, I about face and stop breathing. The master wears a smug grin and stands with his arms crossed, leaning his back against our adjoining door. “Sir!”

“Trouble afoot?”

“She-she…threw my breakfast on the floor!” I wave my hand in front of the mess, but his eyes don’t follow. Instead, he tilts his head and wanders them down my frame.

“I’ll deal with her. But first, I’ll deal withyouand threats against the others here.” He shoves off the wall and wanders over to the sofa on the far wall. Once he sits, he pats his thigh. “Come lay over my lap, my sweet girl.”

Flames light up my cheeks with fury and some whirl deep within my core. “I’m not the one who started it.”

“No, but you need to be spanked. And often. Lay over my lap so I can punish you.”

I glance at the door between our rooms, but the man chuckles loudly and taps on his leg again. “You can’t get out that way. And if you try, you’ll be punished much more severely than some swats on your delectable ass. So bring it over here and bend over.”

He’s always so calm when he says things. It’s terrifying.He’sterrifying. Like he could shoot ice daggers with his eyeballs, and I’d die if I ran. Despite the rage settling inside, fear wins out, and I waltz over toward him. Leaning back as I step between his legs, he gently tugs my arm.

Where he touches sends sparks up my limb. He possesses some intoxicating magic and puts me under a spell that leaves me breathless, causing my thighs to dampen.

I hate it.

But I obey.

“Let’s start with ten. Are you ready?”

Chapter 13

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