Page 11

Cadence

With my letter clutched tightly in my palm, I paced the length of the chamber in front of the door. I had to persuade Ryker to send it, which meant I would have to swallow my pride and be cordial with the asshole.

Just thinking about it made me shiver with revulsion.

The man had wronged me countless times, yet I had to play nice to get what I needed.

The injustice of it sent my blood simmering in my veins.

Ryker should be kneeling at my feet and begging for my forgiveness.

Of course, the gods knew I would never forgive him.

Ryker’s transgressions were beyond forgiveness.

As if my wayward thoughts had summoned him, the door flew open, and Ryker strode into the room.

It never ceased to amaze me how big the man was. I had to crane my neck just to look him in the eye.

“Cadence,” Ryker purred, and the sound of his rich, masculine voice washed over me, leaving me wanting.

Mentally shaking myself, I softened my features and ran my palms over my skirts.

“Ryker,” I replied. “Just the man I needed.”

Ryker raised an amused brow as he studied me.

“Oh.”

The single word hung heavy between us, Ryker’s skepticism deafening in the silence.

Clearing my throat, I continued. “I have reconsidered your offer to send word to my family. I don’t want them to worry.”

I lifted my hand, still clutching the letter, and thrust it into Ryker’s chest. Too late, I realized I had been a little more aggressive than I had intended, and I winced as I waited for his response.

An ominous grin spread across Ryker’s face, and I forced myself to swallow my unease.

The rough pads of his fingers brushed my own, and I jumped back when a small jolt of electricity raced through me at the point of contact.

Ryker studied the letter for a moment before he reached beneath his tunic and stowed it in his pocket.

“I’ll send your letter, Cadence,” he murmured.

I retreated another step, but Ryker wasn’t having it. He prowled after me, a hunter closing in on his prey.

“There’s something I want you to do for me in return.”

It took everything in me not to scoff at him. I’d already exercised immense restraint by not murdering the man in his sleep, yet he had the audacity to ask for more. Maybe it’d be worth it just to wipe the smug look off his perfectly proportioned face.

Ryker moved behind me, and I stiffened. Every instinct screamed at me not to turn my back on this predator, and I was inclined to listen.

Think about your letter , I reminded myself.

I released a shaky breath, exhaling the tension that had locked me in place.

“See,” Ryker whispered against the shell of my ear, “submitting to me wasn’t so difficult after all.”

Think of your family. Think about your letter.

Ryker chuckled darkly, as if he could hear the internal war I was waging, and he found great amusement in my struggle.

Large palms settled on my shoulders, and Ryker steered me toward the mirror attached to his closet.

“Close your eyes.”

Reluctantly, I did as he instructed and allowed my eyes to close. I could hear the rustling of fabric as Ryker searched for something. Anxiety knotted my stomach. Was this all an elaborate attempt to harm me? He wouldn’t have taken such drastic measures, only to end my life now. Would he?

Before my mind could spiral further, something cool brushed my throat, followed by a soft snick as it clicked into place.

My eyes flew open, and I stared into Ryker’s triumphant grey ones, not comprehending what had passed between us but knowing it was significant all the same.

A small glint caught my attention, and my gaze was drawn to the rose gold necklace that now adorned my throat. The thick metal links were interconnected in a tight, continuous design, and the polished finish gave the impression that it was of the highest quality.

While beautiful, the necklace sat flush against my throat, and the longer I stared at it, the more I felt like the walls were closing in around me, suffocating me.

Instinctively, my hands went to the back of my neck as I tried to pry the clasp open, but it didn’t budge.

Mirth twinkled in Ryker’s eyes when I returned my gaze to my reflection. I angled my head to the side and studied the necklace. It almost looked like…

“Is this a…” I breathed, unable to finish my sentence for fear that the nausea raging inside my stomach would spill free if I uttered another word.

“A collar?” Ryker preened. “Yes, it is.”

My fingers flew to the metal, and I clawed at it as I tried to rip it from my throat.

“That won’t work,” Ryker taunted.

“Take it off me now!”

“The only way to remove that collar, Cadence, is with my blessing.”

“You fucking bastard!”

My fists pounded into Ryker’s chest, over and over, but if he felt anything beneath the solid wall of muscle, he didn’t show it.

“That’s it, Cadence,” he said in a low, mocking tone as he drew me close. “Let it all out.”

I screamed in frustration as I intensified my efforts, slamming my fists against him with all the strength I possessed.

By the time I gave up my fight, I was a panting, sweaty mess. My hair was askew, and my chest rose and fell in rapid succession.

“You will be free to roam the castle and the exterior courtyard, but the collar will prevent you from crossing the outer wards surrounding the forest.”

I tried to push Ryker away from me, but he cupped the back of my head as he pressed me against his broad chest.

“I’m going to kill you for this,” I snarled.

“Don’t threaten me with a good time, Temptress.”

A sob tore its way free from my throat before I could stop it. I bit down on my tongue to prevent any more emotions from escaping without my permission.

“Shh, Cadence,” Ryker said, almost adoringly.

Once I regained my composure, I lifted my head and glared at him, letting him see the unbridled hatred shimmering in my eyes.

“Careful, Cadence,” Ryker purred. “I like a feisty woman.”

“I promise you, you will regret this, Ryker.”

This time, when I pushed against his chest, Ryker stepped back, allowing me to escape the warmth of his embrace.

“We shall see,” he said with a smirk.

Ryker straightened his tunic. “I have to leave on an errand for my father. My brother Riordan will keep you company in my absence.”

“I want nothing to do with you or your family,” I spat.

Ryker ignored my outburst. “Be a good girl for him, won’t you, Cadence?”

I. Was. Seething.

Ryker stalked toward me, and before I knew what was happening, he’d brushed his lips against my own.

Then he walked away, leaving me to stew in my rage.