Page 16 of Mastering Mayhem

“Okay, next steps.” I grabbed the bag I’d packed with my dress and shoes for the event and slung the new one a la Donal’s store over my arm. “Ash, you and Chaos find a metaphysical shop and get everything you think we’ll need. Shade, did you bring anything to wear besides spandex?”

“No, but I’ll be in shadow the whole time.”

“Unless something happens and you can’t hold it.” I strode toward the hallway that led to the bedrooms, pausing at the entrance. “Go with Ash and Chaos and get something dressy enough that you’ll look like you belong there…just in case.”

He nodded. “I can do that.”

“Miles…” I said.

“I’ll stay here and get it set up. We’ll need to be within a block of the auction house half an hour before the doors open.”

“Good. I’m going to shower and get ready to be a trophy wife.” I shuddered at the thought. Though not at being Mayhem’s wife, surprisingly. That idea sat unnaturally well in my psyche. It was the trophy part that made me want to wretch.

“I’m unfamiliar with the term ‘trophy wife,’” Mayhem said, following me through the bedroom into the en suite bathroom, which was bigger than my entire bed and bath combo at home.

“It basically means a wife whose only value is being arm candy.” I grabbed a velvet hanger for my new dress and hung it from a hook near the door.

“Arm candy?”

“She looks good on his arm, but he doesn’t give a flying flip about who she is on the inside.” I gazed into the massive mirror above the sink. The small bit of mascara I’d applied in the morning had run, rimming my eyes in faded black. My hair looked like both a squirrel and a dove had nested on my head, and my shirt was torn and bloodied. I couldn’t say whose blood it was. Shade’s maybe? Or mine?

“Ew.” I curled my lip at my reflection. “I’m definitely not arm candy.”

Mayhem picked up a wide-toothed comb and began working the knots out of my hair. “But you are a trophy.”

“Excuse me?” I spun and grabbed his wrist. “Care to elaborate?”

He searched my eyes, his gaze traveling to my lips for a moment before he spoke, “I treasure you, Ember. If I could win your heart the way you’ve won mine, it would be my greatest accomplishment.”

I opened my mouth to argue that I was not a prize to be won, but I couldn’t force the words from my throat. That silent vow I’d made to stop arguing with him included this too. It was time to stop deflecting and accept the emotions churning inside me. All of them.

“Why do you treasure me?” I asked.

He blinked as if my question surprised him, but he recovered quickly, one side of his mouth pulling into a teasing grin. “Aside from your value as candy on my arm?”

“Aside from that.” I turned on the shower, letting the hot water fill the bathroom with steam. It smelled fresh, like lavender and sandalwood, and I kicked off my boots before stuffing my socks inside them.

“Allow me to count the reasons. You are intelligent, fierce, and feisty.” He ticked them off on his fingers. “Despite your self-professed lack of people skills, you lead your coven with dignity and grace.”

“I…”No more arguing, Em. Keep your mouth shut and let the man flatter you. It’s not that hard.

I tugged my tattered shirt over my head, clicking my tongue at the rip. At least it was on the seam.

“What else?” I asked without making eye contact as I shoved my pants down my legs and stepped out of them.

He inhaled deeply, and I could imagine the primal look in his eyes, could feel the need forming between us. “You recognize the talents in others, and you encourage their strengths rather than envy them. It’s a lesson I am beginning to learn, thanks to you.”

I held my hand beneath the water, adjusting the temperature to a nearly searing heat. The biggest showerhead hung from the ceiling, the flow coming down like rain in the center of the massive, tiled stall. Six other jets lined three walls, and I turned them on as well.

“All that’s missing is the rotating scrubber brush, and we’d have ourselves a human car wash.” I choked off a maniacal giggle.

“You’re doing it again,” he said, and I turned around to find his shirt and pants folded neatly on the counter. “Every time I bring up our bond, you make jokes. Stop it.”

“I, umm…” I swallowed hard, unclasping my bra and letting it fall to the floor. I could do this. I could let myself feel. “Please continue. Why else do you treasure me?”

His pupils dilated until only a thin ring of purple remained. “When you love someone, you love deeply and completely, and if you will have me, I would be honored to love you the same way in return.”

My tongue slipped out to lick my lips against my will, and his gaze locked on my mouth, making my stomach flutter.

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