Page 68 of Unrequited

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I want to ask him, what about love? Do you love me?

I already made a fool of myself once, blurting out that I loved him in front of everyone. I did it to stop a war.

But do I?

Can I?

I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.

What if he gives me a command that turns me against my family? What if I’ve already betrayed everyone who’s ever mattered to me?

He pauses. “I’ll be the one to choose your things. What you wear. What you don’t. Understand?”

“My clothes?” I ask, caught off guard. “All right… if that matters to you.”

“It does,” he says quickly. “And you’re not to leave without permission. And you’ll be guarded at all times. Do you understand that?”

“Yes,” I murmur.

“And whatever I tell you, you’ll obey or suffer the consequences. Do you understand me?”

Wait a minute. “What will the consequences be?” I ask hesitantly.

His eyes darken.

“Whatever I decide, lass.”

Of course.

“Okay,” I say, trying to look away. But he holds my face so tightly I can’t move. I nod. “Alright.”

His face softens. I’ve agreed to his terms.

I blow out a breath. I’m tired. I’m so, so tired.

“What happens next?” I ask quietly.

“It’s time to gather my men. To assess the damage. To see if your family will retaliate.”

My family? Wait.

“What did you do to my family?” My mind spirals, imagining all kinds of bloodshed. Did he hurt someone? Did I marry a man who actually hurt my family? Did he do something behind my back that I didn’t know about?

But he doesn’t answer. He only looks at me.

Then he leans down and presses a kiss to my temple.

“My sweet,” he says gently. “I took their most prized possession.”

Chapter 14

ZOYA

Back in my seat,I close my eyes and look away because I need a minute. This is hard. I still haven’t gotten used to the emotions he stirs in me, how sharp and sudden they are, how they demand space I don't have to give.

Is this about me or his need to win?

He dared come to my home, my private, sacred space, and took me from my family. Took me from the people I love more than anything in this world… without any communication with me.

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