You will be faithful to me, and bear my children.
“I’ve been careful with you, but no longer,” he says. “I know you're clean.”
How does he know that? I feel so fuzzy, I don’t even speak the words.
“And I got tested,” Royal says. “I'm clean too.”
“I don't understand,” I mumble.
“You will. I'll make sure of it.” He kisses me again, and his murmur follows me into sleep. “My beautiful Leah.”
Leah
My hand feels heavy.That’s the first sensation that enters my sleep-fogged mind. I crack my eyes open. I turn my hand over from where it’s resting on the sheets, and light flares into my eyes.
There’s a ring on my finger, sparkling in the soft ray of sunlight criss-crossing the bed. My lips part, my breath coming in rapid puffs. The starring gem is a huge princess cut diamond, blinding me when it catches the light. It's set in white gold andsurrounded by a whole circle of smaller diamonds, as if one diamond weren’t enough. The main rock is big enough to knock someone out if I slapped them, if I was the violent type.
I scramble out of bed. I’m alone again. Royal left me to nap. The clock reads five p.m. Royal is probably working, or buying me more clothes, or announcing our engagement to the world. He probably thought the diamond on my finger gave him the last word.
It’s a pretty effective argument. So are the faint red marks on my wrists and ankles and the soreness between my legs.
You belong to me.
I have an insane desire to run down to Royal’s kitchen and bake up a storm. I haven’t eaten today, right? I haven’t felt hungry yet, but my stomach’s finally waking up.
Chocolate, that’s what I need. Chocolate will make everything better.
I go to the closet and exhale, trying to pick an outfit from the many beautiful clothes. The ring flashes at me every time I move my hand. There’s a churning in my stomach, something between excitement and apprehension. Annoyance at how presumptuous he was, to put a ring on me, while I was asleep. Nervousness because I don’t know how I’m going to talk my way out of this. A sick feeling, because if I can talk my way out of this, it’s going to break my heart.
I rifle through the sweaters, and pick one out that’s candy lilac, with rainbow threads dripping down the sleeves. I also grab black yoga pants because if I’m going to tell Royal off for putting a diamond the size of a ping-pong ball on my hand, I need to be ready to rumble.
I burst into Royal’s office like a tornado, and he turns in his chair.
His face softens when he sees me, but before he can rise, I point an accusing finger at him.
“You,” I say. His eyebrows slide upward and his lips quirk, like he’s hiding a grin.
“Me?” He looks around the empty room, his expression playful. I like every side of Royal. Protective Royal. Dangerous Royal. Tender Royal. Sexy as FUCK Royal. Royal in complete control. And this, Playful Royal.
On a lesser man, his smile would be a shit-eating grin. On him, it’s just attractive and makes my belly melt.
“Did you think, for a minute, I might want to be awake for the proposal?” I ask, fluttering my hand in the air.
His eyes go soft and warm. “I couldn’t risk you running again. There’s a tracking device in there.”
“Tracking device?” I squeak, when I find my voice.
“Oh yes,” he murmurs. “You will not escape me again.”
I put a hand to my forehead and the diamond clunks against my brow.
“Leah.” He holds out an imperious hand. “Come here.”
My legs are moving before I can stop them. I cross the room and he pulls me close.
“Good girl,” he breathes, wrapping me in his arms and kissing me. “Happy Valentine’s Day.” He sinks into a large leather armchair and turns me so I’m sideways in his lap. We both stare down at my ring finger and the diamond winking at us. “I told you you would no longer be alone.”
There’s an explosion where my brain used to be. “Royal, please. I need answers.”
