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Ideserve it.
In the bedroom, Tyler attaches Phoenix to the chain on the bed before he pulls me toward the chair in the corner. My heart is pounding. My limbs shaking. He hooks me to a chainthat’s secured to the wall and out of Phoenix’s reach, which I’m guessing is exactly why Tyler chose this spot.
Although this guy is clearly not right in the head, unfortunately, he’s also not stupid.
My palms are damp, my mouth dry. A single bead of sweat skitters down my spine until it disappears beneath my dress.
Phoenix stands next to the bed with the chain stretched as far as it goes. My lips tremble as I watch him struggle. I want to tell him to stop hurting himself further, but I know it would do no good.
Instead, I turn my attention to Tyler. “Ty, let Phoenix go, please. I’ll stay here with you.”
Tyler lifts his hand toward my face.
Don’t flinch, don’t flinch, don’t flinch.
“Evie, you’re so sweet to offer, but I’m afraid I have to decline.”
Phoenix growls. He’s a wild animal, drawing his lips back to bare his teeth at Tyler. “Touch her, and you’ll die.”
He sounds utterly feral, fighting for me, trying to protect me. Although he must be just as exhausted and as scared as I am. Terrified, angry, and sad. Something unlocks inside me, a permission to fully feel everything I’ve hidden for so many years, and to finally act on it to get my revenge.
Knowing that Tyler is Freddy means there’s nothing hanging over my head. The people he threatened me with are all in this house, one of them locked away, another one possibly dead, and my soulmate fighting for me like my life means more than his. Like he couldn’t live in a world I didn’t exist.
He deserves the same commitment from me. Because I’d die for him too.
Tyler takes a step toward me, and Phoenix lunges forward, despite his already extended arms and chain. He yanks at it anyway, over and over and over.
Almost there, baby.
A chuckle escapes Tyler. “Relax, bro. I just want to help Evie out of her dress. Ruby was supposed to do that, but well.” He shrugs like Ruby’s life means nothing to him. She never mattered. Nothing does. “Since she’s a bit indisposed at the moment, I’ll do it. Plus, it all stays in the family, right?”
Bile rises in my throat at Tyler’s comment, but I push it away.
Phoenix shakes his head. “No.”
The one word holds so much menace that my disgust for Tyler is quickly exchanged with worry for Phoenix.
But like the loon Tyler is, he only grins at Phoenix.
I want to wipe his ugly grin off his face and shove it down his throat.
And I will. Soon.
I focus on the man in front of me, not on Tyler when he steps behind me to get started at my pearls.
It’s easy to see that Phoenix doesn’t want to take his eyes off Tyler, but since I continue to stare at him, he finally glances at me.
My husband.
I’m married to Phoenix.
Our wedding took place under duress and the worst circumstances I could think of.
And I’m not sure if it makes me a little unstable, but I’m happy about officiallybeing his wife.
My heart has expanded exponentially for him, and I’ve never felt so genuinely happy as I am with him. Together.
And whatever happens next, nothing can take that away from me.