Ice runs down my spine. I turn to Gabrielle, who asked the question,loudly.
Leon’s hand clamps onto my thigh. I want to jump out of my chair at the contact, but the leash doesn’t let me. Still, his grip tightens painfully. The gesture is both dominating and punishing, like he’s blaming me for embarrassing him.
I’m definitely doomed.
He gives Gabrielle a tight smile. “I assure you, there is no problem at all. But as my mate was previously a mortal, I don’t wish to overwhelm her with so many changes at once. Wewillbe mated before the ceremony.”
His answer must quell any lingering doubt in the Council’s attendees, since the conversation swiftly moves to new topics. Still, he doesn’t release me, even as he returns to talking to the man beside him.
I try to be subtle as I slide my dinner knife up the long sleeve of my gown.
Even though the leash won’t let me hurt Leon, if he tries anything tonight, I won’t hesitate to slit my own throat. While I don’t think it will kill me, I’d like to think that a gaping neck wound will ruin the mood.
I think I’ve gotten away with it, until I glance up and find narrowed, pink eyes watching me.
Lilanthara.
She glances from my sleeve to my face and smirks.
So unbelievably fucked.
Chapter 12
Vivian’s Point of View
Rule twelve:When cornered by a psychopath, call another psychopath for help.
Leon isn’t leaving my room. Instead, he’s leaning against the frame of our adjoining door and staring at me with hooded eyes.
I have the distinct feeling that having his masculinity challenged at dinner splintered the last of his patience.
I don’t love this for me.
“You did so well today, pet,” he says, pushing away from the doorframe and stepping into my space. “I think this is working. We’re really finding ourselves. Why, we haven’t fought once today. You’re settling into your role as my betrothed.”
He only stops when he’s standing directly before me.
I might have an aneurysm from the force of trying not to roll my eyes. Of course, Leon is happy with my behavior and how well we are getting along. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I’m forcibly silenced. I’m pretty sure I could be replaced by a blow-up doll, and he wouldn’t notice.
Before I can agree that the distance is certainly helping, and that I’m looking forward to continuing down that path, his eyes drop to my lips.
“You are such a good girl.”
Oh, absolutely not.
I start coughing hard enough to look like I’m about to hack up a lung. Leon steps back, and I start pounding on my chest.
“Sorry about that,” I say when I have my impromptu fit back under control. “I uhm… choked on my spit.”
A flash of annoyance crosses his face, but he masks it in a heartbeat. “As I was saying, you have been such a good girl, and good girls get rewarded.”
I almost gag, but don’t feel true panic until he starts to lower to his knees. That’s when I realize what he’s trying to do.
“Leon, stop!” I yell, not even trying to hide my alarm.
Again, he pauses, his irritated gaze meeting mine.
I hold on to that pause like a lifeline. “This is uhm… this is too soon for me. I know the temptation is just so… so overwhelmingly strong. But we have an eternity, right? Don’t you agree we should make sure we’re starting it off on the right foot?”
