Ramel winced as if I had physically struck him. He exchanged a look with Shem, who was looking sick and pale.
“Lilith, this isn’t a joke. Promise me.”
I frowned, unnerved at how upset they both seemed to be, but nodded.
“I promise,” I whispered. He scanned my face intently for a moment, then dipped his head, sliding his hands down into my lap to lace his fingers through mine.
“I really hope you’re not lying to me,” he murmured, his voice low.
Shem came forward and sat on the bed next to me. He tugged me into his lap and wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. Laying his head on my shoulder, he looked down at Ramel, who was still staring at me like I was the moon and he was the tide.
Shem left a gentle kiss on the side of my neck, and I shivered. Something about being cradled between them like this was starting to feel comforting and natural, no matter how much my mind wanted to resist it.
“I understand what you meant now when you said five days wasn’t enough time,” Ramel murmured, meeting Shem’s gaze over my shoulder. He traced gentle circles on my hands with his thumbs, and I sank deeper into Shem’s lap.
That felt nice.
Shem nodded against me, his chin grazing my collar. No matter how good I was, they refused to take it off.
“Should we chain her up? I’ve wondered for years if it would have made a difference if I had done that the first time,” Shem murmured into my hair, and I stiffened. I moved to pull away, but suddenly, Shem had an iron grip on my waist, and Ramel was gripping my wrists so hard I couldn’t move. I knew better than to struggle, but I tried anyway.
“Please… no,” I whimpered. I was so sick of chains.
Ramel’s face fell as I half-heartedly struggled against Shem’s nap. “Ramel, please,” I begged him, and he looked like his heart was breaking. Finally, he sighed, and I knew what decision he had made.
“Yeah, let’s tie her up. I don’t think it’ll stop them if they come here, but it may stop her if they try the same bullshit as last time.”
I struggled harder and shook my head. “Please, no chains! I won’t leave. I promise.”
“Shhh, Lil. Stop it. You don’t get a say in this,” Shem growled against me as Ramel reached over to grab one of my cuffs. I tried to pull my hand away, but he was too fast and too strong. Once the first one was on, it took very little effort for the two of them to overpower me and get me back on the bed.
They managed to force the second cuff on, and I gave up on struggling. I had been in this position enough times to know there was no getting out of it unless one of them let me out.
Ramel reached out to stroke my face, but I jerked my head away from him. This wasn’t fair. I was so sick of being forced to do things against my will. I didn’t understand how they could be so sweet one second and then lock me up like a prisoner the next.
“Look at me,” Ramel said, and I shook my head, refusing to meet his gaze. Shem grabbed my chin and jerked my head up abruptly.
“Don’t be a fucking brat, Lilith, not today,” he snapped. This was obedience training Shem, not the Shem that liked to cuddle and watch movies. I felt my eyes flood with tears, but they did nothing to soften him.
He growled and glanced over at Ramel. “We definitely didn’t have enough time. I’ll get Art to watch her while we’re gone.”
Ramel nodded, pursing his lips. Finally, Shem turned back to me. “Ramel said to look at him, Lilith. Do as you’re told.”
I glared at Shem but finally turned my gaze to Ramel. His expression was full of remorse. He looked so sad that for a moment, I almost forgave him for chaining me up.
“Please don’t leave this room,” he murmured, and I looked pointedly at the chains on my wrists.
“I couldn’t if I tried,” I snapped, and he stroked my face softly, tucking my hair behind my ear. “We will unchain you as soon as we get back, I promise. I’m sorry that we have to do this, but it’s for your own good.”
Finally, he stood up and jerked his head to Shem.
“Let’s go. I have some fucking things to say to that piece of shit.”
Shem nodded. “I bet you do.” He shot a glance at me and pursed his lips. “Be good, Lil,” Shem muttered. He dropped a kiss on my forehead and hopped out of bed to follow Ramel out.
“Wait! What did you do to get me stuck in purgatory? Aren’t you going to tell me?” I asked, and Ramel paused by the door, looking back at me with regret painted across his face.
“I loved you,” he rasped, and my heart stopped in my chest.
