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I frowned, scanning her features. I couldn’t figure out what feelings she grappled with.

“I promis?—”

“Jaxon,” Imogen called out again. It was close enough for Cat to become stiff.

I clicked my teeth together and released her hands.

I couldn’t collect her into my arms as I craved.

The look on her face crushed me. Like I’d betrayed her.

I avoided looking in her eyes. Every second I stood here, while she stared at me accusingly, chipped at my resolve.

But I couldn’t pull her into my arms without endangering her. Imogen would not kill this human. Even if it meant I could not have her.

“You should go,” she said, hollow, fixing her eyes on the floor. I gritted my teeth and turned, walking down across the kitchen and through the hall with clipped steps. Imogen stood in the middle of the foyer with bags surrounding her.

“There you are.” She grinned at me. “We really need to get more servants. Can you work on that for me?”

I inclined my head, but she was already striding to the stairs. “Be a dear and bring my things.” She snapped her fingers toward the bags sitting where she’d been standing.

I stiffened, but she was already halfway up the stairs. The compulsion of her direct order forced me to collect her bags and trail after her.

She’d begun to set up the third floor for herself and once that was completed, she would have me fuck her. All that had held it off was that Imogen needed her area perfectly to her style. Her compulsion to ‘redecorate’ had saved me insofar, but it would not hold off. I had to speak to Tobias.

Asher’s words from earlier echoed. A meaningless fuck. I could tell the difference now.

Something needed to be done quickly. Kitten was a jealous sort and based off everything I’d learned about her, if I fucked Imogen, she would never willingly touch me again.

I stepped into the disarray of the prior second living room.

“Jaxon,” she clapped, “I purchased us each a coffin to sleep in. They should be delivered in a few weeks.”

And she would not be here.

“Jaxon.” Her warm hand touched my cheek. She’d fed recently. “My loyal Jaxon. You’ve remained faithful.” Sheslipped her hands around my back, petting my spine. I gritted my molars.

“Yes,” I forced out.

“You seem so cold now, my child.” Was she doubting me? Fuck, she couldn’t. Catalina wouldn’t be safe.

I hissed a breath out.

“You left me.” Appealing to her pride would be the only way to get her thoughts away from my behavior.

She squeezed her arms around my waist once more.

“Not by choice.” She sighed and stepped away. “I can’t wait to go through all my new things.” She flounced over to her shit. I scrubbed my face with my palm and looked over my shoulder at the exit—fuck, I wanted out.

All these new emotions would be the end of me.

SIX

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I buriedmy head under the pillow. I hadn’t slept a wink. Even when the shutters dropped and then opened a few hours ago, I still didn’t move.

Hopefully, Asher and Ren got the clue to leave me alone after I’d ignored them when they came to check on me.