Page 169 of A Bond in Blood

Ulrich stood, turning his head to Olen while hetskedhis tongue.

“She has been disobedient.”

My stomach knotted at the smile on Olen’s face.

“It appears she has,” he hissed.

Ulrich turned back to me, pulling up my chin to stare into his eyes.

“I could send her to the dungeons,” he whispered.

I shook my head. “Please.”

“Please what?” he replied.

“Please do not make me go down there.”

“Betrayal deserves punishment, Brenna,” Ulrich replied, gripping my chin tighter.

“I know,” I cried.

Olen let out a loud breath and Ulrich stepped away. My eyes dragged upward, finding them with their arms crossed while they grinned at each other.

They were both absolutely insane.

“How many days?” I asked, pulling myself to my feet.

“For what?” Ulrich replied.

“The dungeons?” I responded, glancing past their shoulders to the bedroom behind them. “How many days will you force me down there?”

Olen grinned and stepped back into the room. Ulrich did the same. I followed them both apprehensively, until I was in the middle of the room.

The fire in both of their eyes ignited a burn inside of me. One of intrigue and fear I could not shake.

“I will not force you to the dungeons, princess,” Ulrich replied, circling me. His hand brushed my neck, and I trembled.

“What are you talking about?” I whispered.

His body slammed against mine and his palm gripped my throat, forcing me to stare at Olen.

“Betrayal deserves punishment,” he muttered against my ear. “I will choose your punishment.”

“Ulrich…” I began my protests and yelled out when my knees buckled under me, sending me to the ground.

He stayed pressed against me, holding my throat tightly, but gently.

“You will accept this punishment, do you understand?”

I did not understand until the sound of a buckle unclasping came from above. My eyes widened when my gaze turned upward, finding Olen undressing before me.

Ulrich held me tighter.

“This is a punishment,” he whispered again. “But you are in control. Do you understand?”

“No,” I admitted.

“You will take what we give you. Every moment of it. Every bit of pain and ecstasy. If you do not wish for it, then yes, I will lock you in the dungeon for as long as I see fit.”

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