Page 37 of Wicked Angel

Unable to do anything else, I obeyed him, swallowing as more of that liquid filled my mouth. Once he was sure I was submitting, his harsh grip relaxed slightly. Strong fingers touched my hair, sifting through it far gentler than before, and when he finally moved back, pulling his cock from my mouth, I found myself gasping for air, coughing, and reaching up to wipe beneath my eyes.

“If you listen to me, then this will be much easier,” Gaven said as I heaved for more breath, inhaling and exhaling rapidly. “My wants are quite simple, after all. You will obey me and bend to my will, and I will treat you like the queen I expect you to become. You will be showered with gifts and given everything your little heart desires.”

“My heart desires freedom,” I hissed back, coughing still.

“Everything but that, then,” he amended.

I glared up at him as I tried to catch my breath. Gaven met my gaze as he tucked himself back into his slacks and zipped up. “This doesn’t have to be awful for you,” he said, reaching down for me and pulling me to my feet.

I was still mostly naked before him, standing there in the vile underwear he’d forced upon me with the weight of the bullet he had complete control over, buried right next to my clit as a constant reminder.

“The relationship you have with your father is far different from most other women in your position,” he says, cupping my cheek. “You love him, and he you. I can see that.”

I stiffened at his words but merely glared back at him without a verbal response.What would be the point?

“Think of it, Angel,” he urged. “You have the opportunity to give a very powerful man something he’s always dreamed of.”

I scoffed. “You being that powerful man?”

“Yes,” he said honestly. “Imagine how grateful I would be to the woman who made me a king and gave me an heir.”

“You aren’t acting fucking grateful,” I snapped.

He arched a brow. “That’s because you’re fighting me,” he replied. Gaven leaned forward and delivered a light kiss to my cold, uncooperative lips. I held perfectly still, waiting for the moment to end, but he wasn’t done. Not yet. “Remember, love,” he whispered against my mouth, “you give me what I want, and perhaps, I’ll allow you to taste that freedom you crave so badly—with conditions, of course.”

When he pulled away, I stared back at him, full of confusion. He’d let me taste the freedom I wanted so badly? What did that mean? Did that mean, if I obeyed him, if I married him, and gave him a child … I would be allowed to leave? If I did all of that … could I?

Gaven didn’t allow me more time to think about what he could mean. He stepped back and removed his body completely from mine. “Think about it,” he prompted as he turned towards the door, straightened himself, and then unlocked it and walked out.

Think about it?The words repeated over and over again in my mind.What was there to think about?In the end, he would still always get what he wanted.

16

ANGEL

Despite Gaven’s interruption at the bridal shop, we managed to select a dress. Now, several days later, I stood at the foot of my four-poster bed, staring at it. The extravagance of the gown was a stark contrast to my simple comforter as it laid flat upon it. It wasn’t what I would have chosen for a supposedly ‘joyous’ occasion, but for this, it felt appropriate. Plus, with the row of beaded buttons at the back, I felt a minor burst of pride at how irritated Gaven might be when he had to get it off me later tonight.

My lip tucked between my teeth, I bit down hard as my gaze refused to leave the image of the soft fabric and delicate lace before me. This was it. I was about to become what I’d never wanted to be. A mafia wife was precisely what my sister wanted. It seemed like a cruel joke that I would live out her dream rather than mine. I crossed my arms.

As if I’d conjured her from my thoughts, a voice spoke from behind me. “Are you just going to stare at it all day, or are you actually going to put it on?” Jackie’s catty tone filled the room, bringing with it a fresh wave of irritation.

I’d been so focused on my thoughts that I hadn’t heard her come in. Glancing over, I found her leaning against the open door frame with crossed arms and pursed lips. The tone of her words and stance wasn’t lost on me; she’d always seen situations differently than me. There was always an angle to use to her advantage. No matter how convoluted or difficult, she’d make the most out of it and come out on top and this was no different.

“I’m waiting for Gertie,” I explained, facing her fully. I didn’t want to think about the monumental moments I’d be enduring in a few short hours.

“Of course you are,” she muttered, sighing.

“Is there something you wanted?” I asked, wondering why she’d come if she had nothing to say.

“Not particularly. Just wanted to see if you had any questions. You know, about what will happen after the reception is over.” A cruel smirk curled her lip. “I’m sure you know what comes after getting married, right?” Swallowing the lump in my throat, I forced myself not to rise to the bait.

“Sex, yes, I’m aware,” I stated, forcing my back straight. I uncrossed my arms. “Thanks, but I’m good.” Far from good, I think I knew a little too much about it at this point. I pressed my thighs together at the memory of that night in the hotel. I reached up and rubbed my throat. The bruises—which I’d been hiding since with makeup—had faded enough to not need more than a thin layer now.

“Are you ready for it? It’s okay to be afraid,” she murmured, sauntering forward. Her dress split open, revealing a long expanse of thigh. She pursed her lips and smirked at me, the red lipstick making her lips look thin. “A man like Gaven whose tastes I’m sure are more … violent than you’re expecting.”

She had no fucking idea. A shiver worked down my spine, but I refused to acknowledge it. I’d seen more than a hint of Gaven’s tastes, but she didn’t need to know that.

“I figured,” I told her. “I’ll do what needs to be done.” I wanted it to be a lie, but I knew it would happen whether I wanted it or not. I was still angry about what Gaven had done—both in the hotel and in the dressing room. He was quickly filling up my thoughts, day in and day out. He was vicious and, yes, he was violent. What was worse, though—more so than anything he’d done to me—is what I had to admit to myself. A small, dark part of melikedit. I couldn’t deny the power that Gaven seemed to wield over my own body. The speed with which he’d made me come on his fingers that first night, our first date, and then the night in the hotel when he’d punished me for running away by making me come around his fist as he stood over me and showed me just how dominant he could be. It was impossible to refute the influence he had on me. While I couldn’t stop the strange desires building toward Gaven Belmonte, I could pretend that piece of me didn’t exist. For now, at least.

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