“So this is how it’s going to be?” I demand, fully pissed now. I’m not new to people trying to manipulate me. There’s this myth that everyone’s nice to disabled people, but that’s complete garbage. I’ve been treated like crap my whole life. When I’m not being completely overlooked, people assume they can take advantage of me because I look helpless.
In Chicago, I was mugged. The pickpocket took one look and figured I’d be an easy target.
Even my own mother constantly assumes I can’t handle things. Rather than let me figure out solutions, she gets impatient with my pace and just does everything for me.
It’s why I initially liked Drew—he trusted me to be capable. Until he didn’t, anyway.
I focus on the gorgeous monster in front of me.
Because that’s what he is. A monster. I rattle the elegant metal around my neck as if to remind myself.
“You’ll just threaten to revoke my healing if I don’t obey your every whim? If I don’t bow and scrape for the rest of my life, you’ll hold this over my head? I thought we had an agreement.”
His expression becomes unreadable. The smile fades, but those sharp teeth remain visible. “Do not question my honor. I am not like Creator-Father.” He leans down until we’re face to face, invading my personal space with zero shame. But I don’t retreat or show intimidation. “I do not lie.”
Jesus.I’m momentarily losing my immunity to his sheer scale. He’s nearly twice my height and built like he could bench press a mountain.
“You don’t lie?” I scoff. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“A bargain is sacred. You will kneel out of respect, for I am worthy of it. I restored your legs, so you will bend them in acknowledgment of my gift.”
“You’re not a deity,” I snap, not sure where this boldness is coming from.
“I might as well be yours”—he stares me down—“for I will grant you freedom only when you bow and acknowledge me as your master.”
I gape at him. “What does that mean? You’ll remove this thing?” I indicate the decorative collar.
He jerks back with inhuman speed—another reminder that he’s anything but ordinary.
“The ways of angels transcend mortal understanding,” he recites like ancient scripture.
I tilt my head, frowning.
His grin returns. “Now.” That sharp claw points toward the velvet cushion. “On your knees.”
A shiver runs through me, but I force my spine straighter. It still feels amazing to stand tall so easily.
“No.” My voice only wavers slightly.
His cat eyes flare and blink rapidly, his grip tightening on the chain he’d allowed to go slack.
I arch an eyebrow at him. “Only cowards use force to get their way.”
His eyes flash again, then he slowly draws me closer with the chain—not yanking, just steadily urging me inch by inch. “On that we agree. So you will bow because you choose to.”
I laugh directly in his magnificent, terrifying face. “Not happening.”
He pulls me that final inch until he’s gripping the collar itself. “Very well,” he rumbles.
I gasp as his knuckles brush the sensitive skin of my throat, right over my racing pulse.
He reaches down, and I freeze.Oh God, is he reaching for his—? Are we about to?—?
My heart rate spikes, anddamn him, he can feel it with his hand at my neck. Because I just drew a line in the sand about kneeling, but what about...
What about the other things?
Why didn’t I get this defiant last night? Does some part of me actually want this?Oh hell, I can barely breathe?—
