Page 49 of Wrath

“Of course, he did. He likes his whores to be in slut colours.” She drops the shoes at my feet, almost hitting my toe, and I wince. “Well, put them on.”

I push them on and grab the bed post to steady myself. “I didn’t want this,” I tell her.

“Yet here you are.”

“My father forced me into it,” I spit.

“Because you’re a temptress,” she hisses angrily. “And now, you’re doing it to my husband.”

“I’m not a temptress,” I screech.

“Your mother saw it, and I do too. You tempt the men around you, making sure they give you whatever you want.”

“I do not,” I snap. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Silas re-enters, stopping when he senses the frosty atmosphere. “Ava, are you helping her?”

“Of course,” she says through gritted teeth. She takes both my hands, leading me like a toddler as I walk across the floor. Silas sits on the bed, watching as we walk back and forth until I’m doing it unaided.

“Try on these,” he says, reaching into a bag and retrieving the red lace underwear.

I stare wide-eyed then glance at Ava, who is looking at the floor. “Right now?” I squeak out.

“Right now,” he confirms with the hint of a smile. “With the heels.”

I slip from the summer dress he purchased, realising I don’t feel as self-conscious with both of them here anymore. Maybe everything that’s happened has forced me to let go of any embarrassment. I remove my white bra and replace it with red. I do the same with the knickers and slip the heels back on. I feel like an animal in the zoo as Silas stares at me. “Walk,” he orders.

He watches every step, his eyes darkening. “Ava, leave,” he orders, and my step falters. I can’t be alone with him dressed like his whore.

Once she leaves, he approaches me, his stance tall as he crowds me. He cups my face in his large hand and tips my head back slightly, pressing his lips to mine and swiping his tongue into my mouth. “You’re stunning,” he whispers. His hands rest on my hips, and he glances down between us. “With the body of an angel.” He pulls me against him, and I feel his erection pressed to my stomach. “But for now, I’ll leave you be. I know you’re probably sore and still bleeding.” I nod, relief flooding me. “But soon, my love. Soon.”

I hear screams of pleasure as I pass Silas’s office and head for the kitchen, where Aurelia smirks. “It happens often,” she tells me, “but not usually with Mother.”

“Oh,” I whisper, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

“I like the dress. It suits you.”

“Thanks.”

There’s a knock on the kitchen door, and we exchange a surprised look. She opens it, and I gasp at the sight of Martha, rushing to her and wrapping her in a hug. “I’m so glad to see you,” I cry.

“We don’t have time. Come,” she whispers, taking my hand.

I glance back. “I can’t. If he finds out?—”

“I’ll cover,” says Aurelia. “Don’t be long.”

The second we’re alone, Martha turns to me. “I’ve been so worried about you,” she whispers.

I smile. “I’ve been worried about all of you. Is Wrath okay?”

“Not really. They pulled all the warriors out two nights ago, took them off, and he’s been acting crazy since they returned. He’s smashed his room and won’t eat or drink.” I begin to walk towards the caves.I have to be with him.“Where are you going?” she asks, rushing to catch up.

“To see Wrath.”

“That’s not a good idea,” she says, grabbing my arm to halt me. “Jaycee managed to get through to him, so he’s calmer.”

I narrow my eyes. “How did she get through to him?” I’m surprised by the feeling building inside me. The urge to keep Jaycee from him is overwhelming.

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