Page 78 of The Devil of Hollywood

A soft laugh filled the space from Marian’s question. “I can discipline her without hurting her.”

“She has scars all over her arms. Did you do that?”

His face sobered. “I didn’t have Penelope here. I hadn’t taken this position fulltime during those months, but I did have to leave her. Sometimes for days at a time. The restraints—I learned the hard way. We both did.”

“Do you love her?”

Multiple expressions swept over The Unavowed’s face.

“Ask me if I would walk through hell to protect her. Ask me if I would bring war on the entire world if it meant saving her. Ask me about anything but love.”

“Because you don’t? Or because you can’t?”

Seconds passed. “I once found a kitten. My uncle, who raised me, saw me cuddling with it. It was tiny. Barely a few weeks old. Helpless. Shaking. What do you think happened to that poor kitten, Mrs. Pennington?”

Marian’s lips parted, and a sadness swept over her as she kept quiet.

“It was a hard but necessary lesson. Love doesn’t exist on the outside for me. Not where everyone can see. Love is weakness. A future king, or the father of one, is unstoppable. Unmovable. He is a force, and there is no softness to be found. Not where others can bear witness.”

“I understand.”

“I know you do, Marian. Maybe more than others.”

A voice cut off any response I thought to give.

“You’re not keeping them past tonight. Marian and Drayton are coming home with me.”

“Jesus.” The Unavowed rolled his eyes. “I was hoping to avoid him at all costs. I see that’s not the case.” He turned, glaring into the room. “Stop being so dramatic, Mr. Wexler. We’ll battle specifics with them in your territory. I got what I need for now.” He turned back to us. “Congratulations. Your witness has arrived. Pair him with the doctor. I need someone I can trust in the room. I’m leaving. I will see you in the morning.”

“Not Elec.” Marian rushed past, but I grabbed her waist, pulling her back to me. She was so startled, I saw the fear flash with something else. They collided as she stared up at me. All I felt was heat. It spread from the middle of my body, radiating out, covering every inch as I dug my fingers into her lower back.

Thump-thump.

Thump-thump.

Love. Hate. So much fucking love.

“It has to be someone on our side. Bram is married. We must respect that. Elec will do.”

“Drayton.” She swallowed, and I knew reality was starting to hit hard. I could feel it too as it mixed with the overwhelming lust. It shouldn’t have been there, but all I had ever wanted was her. How, when, or why didn’t matter. It was her. It was always Marian.

“Look at me and they won’t even exist. When we’re together… no one ever does.”

Back and forth, Marian’s eyes studied mine.

“Alright. But… how do we—I mean⁠—”

I didn’t let the questions overwhelm her. My face lowered slowly so that she wouldn’t be caught off guard. I pushed under her hair to settle my palm on the back of her neck, and I lowered, gently meeting her lips. Neither of our eyes closed, but her lids did get heavier as I deepened the kiss and pulled back.

“Take off your panties and leave them here. I’m not doing this consummation in the bathroom.”

At my step, Marian tried to pull me back to her.

“I—It’s going to be messy.”

I reached over, grabbing a towel.

“Take off the panties. We’re already covered in blood anyway.” I licked my lips moving back in to pull her closer. “Besides, you bled the last time we were together too. It didn’t bother me then; it doesn’t bother me now.”