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“You chained me to the bed,” I growl.

“I did.”

“And you think that’s okay? You think that’s normal fucking behavior in a very new relationship?”

“Well, at least you’re admitting we’re in a relationship. That’s a good start.”

“That’s not an answer to my question,” I snap.

He sighs. “No. I don’t believe chaining someone up is normal behavior in a normal relationship. But that’s not what this is, and therefore treating it as such would be counterproductive.”

“What the fuck does that mean?”

“It means that while normal relationships progress slowly over months, or even years, ours will be moving much faster than that.”

“Like hell it will,” I mutter. “Come unchain me now, Orion. I have work to do, and I can’t do it while attached to your bed like some kind of sex slave.”

“Now there’s an idea.” He chuckles.

A growl of frustration escapes my throat. “I’m not fucking joking, Orion. I will stab you in your sleep if you don’t come unchain me right this moment.”

“I doubt that, Ember. But even if I wanted to, I can’t. I’m not in the apartment right now and won’t be back for a few hours yet.”

My eyes widen. “What if there’s a fire? You just going to let me burn?”

“Never.” His answer is immediate, and I don’t miss the edge of emotion. “One of the guards would come right up and cut you free.”

“How much money do you have that you have guards that turn a blind eye to the fact that you have a woman chained up in your bed?”

“A lot. Now, there’s a brand-new laptop under your side of the bed for you, and your purse is in the top drawer. I’ve given your phone back to you, but if I get wind of you calling someone to come rescue you from your tower, I will confiscate it all. Don’t test me, Ember.”

I open my mouth to respond, but snap it shut again when I realize he’s rendered me speechless. Where the fuck does he get off with this bullshit?

“You can’t keep me chained up forever, Orion. That’s not fair to me, and it’s not how I want to live my life.” My words are softer now as I try to stamp down the panic edging into my vision.

“It’s not forever. Just until I know you’re not going to run off and get yourself hurt. Someone tried to kidnap you yesterday. I need to know you’re safe, and if that means keeping you locked up, that’s what I’m going to do. Even if you hate me for it.”

I sigh and press my eyes closed to ward off the tears that threaten to fall. In a weird way, what he’s doing is kind of sweet. And I know that makes me sound as insane as he is. But to have someone care about me so much they’re willing to lock me away to keep me safe? I don’t know, it’s not as terrifying an idea as it seemed a few minutes ago.

“I need to shower, and the chain doesn’t reach.”

“I’ll shower with you when I get back.”

“I’m hungry and thirsty.” I’m grasping at straws here, but I refuse to concede until I’ve been through every available option, even as my anger eases.

“There’s a bottle of water on the bedside table as well as a couple of granola bars. We’ll have lunch together when I get home.”

I run my hand over my face, trying to think of any other argument I can make, but there aren’t any. He’s got me exactly where he wants me, and I’m powerless to do anything other than remain exactly where I am.

“Fine. But I’m really fucking mad at you.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” He chuckles. “I have to go. Be good, and I’ll see you soon.”

The call ends, and I throw the phone down on the comforter.

It figures that the first man I ever have feelings for is a low-key sociopath. It seems there is a reason I spent so many years avoiding relationships like the plague.

CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE