t of my

the room was like a blade across soft skin.

nto a stormy glare, and in one hand, he still held the silver-handled cane he had used to strike me only

as my wed

like a piece of rotting fruit. There was no warmth in his gaze, no

n't run.

failed here, if he rejected me, I'd be dragged back to Ashridge's estate. Back to the chains. Bac

e tremble in my hands behind

more breath than sound. "My name

t what they're calling it now?" His voice dripped with contempt.

air, but there was no weakness in the way he held himself. His voice carried the weight of someon

spite his hostility. At least he was

handed upon arrival: a list, cold and clinical.

ctful but firm. "Mr. Blackthorn, I was told that now would be a go

speak. J

hen did I allow myself to breathe. The walls muffled the sou

hands, I filled the tub, mixing in the herbs and oils as instructed. Lavender and rosem

st, I have never touched a man before, not even he

up my neck. I

els on stone reached m

ion onto my face. "The bath is r

e was no movement in his legs, which reste

e handles of the wheelchair, easing him toward the bath.

d in my skirt. "Would you... l

ed was unbearable. I di

ce faltering, "if you're

, a slow, cruel smile tugged at his lips. "

bit the inside of my cheek, my pride s

whispered.

undid them one by one, peeling away the layers of cloth that separated us. Each

lt, I faltered. My ha

myself than him. The buckle fought me, stiff and unyielding

low, cruel chuckl

grip was firm, his skin icy against mine. "Let me sh

the motion. The buckle clicked

ser, my knees pressing against the cool stone. I nee

mbling but steady enough, "I need y

leaned forward sharply, his

cl

cheek. I tried to pull back, but his h

urmured, his voice

dark as midnight storms. Th

move. A foreign heat bloomed in

I thought he m

ed me b

ugh my tailbone. I gasped, struggling to

hy are you here? Why did you marry me? What is it you w