Page 39 of Cursed Evermore

I stared at him as if he’d just struck me with the back of his hand. The nerve of this asshole. How could he seriously think he wasentitled? “I understand we’re in a unique situation, but I’m a person.”

He didn’t like that comment. “Be that as it may, I’m going to read the journals, whether you like it or not.”

What an absolute asshole.

This controlling behavior was why I never liked him. There was no need to read my journals. He was just being a bastard because he held power over me and my family.

No doubt he wanted to know my secret thoughts about him. And anything else aboutanyoneelse I may have been with in Stormfell.

In his twisted mind, I was sure he also probably wanted to make sure I was a virgin.

I glared back at him, wanting nothing more than to tell him to fuck off and get away from me. But once again I held my tongue and restrained my pride.

If I said anything of the sort, we’d lose everything. And it would be my fault. I couldn’t allow that to happen.

Damn it. My journals had everything. Records of kissing friends like James were the least of my worries. One read of any of my journals and Thayden would know I’d been using magic,especiallymost recently.

When I retired to bed later, I’d have to go through the journals and locate where I talk about my aversion to him and anything about too much magic. I could tear out those pages and hide them here in my bedroom. I may even have to hide away entire books.

That would mean I wouldn’t have access to those memories.

I hadn’t found the time to write down what I’d seen at the tavern yet. I’d could do that later and hide it, too. I may have made up that whole scenario with the Fae male and the silver threads, but I didn’t want to forget.

Thayden reached out and took my hand. The contact of his unwanted warmth pulled me from my thoughts. “I only want to make sure I’m able to give you what you need. Reading your journals is one of the best ways.”

“Is there anything else I should know about?” I didn’t want to talk about the journals anymore. It wasn’t like he was going to change his mind.

He released my hand and a heavy sigh at the same time. “Let’s just go over a few key things, and we can talk about everything else tomorrow. We shouldn’t keep our guests waiting.”

“Okay. Tell me.” I mentally and physically braced myself.

“The main thing you need to be aware of is that I’ve spoken to your mother about us limiting contact with your family. I need to make sure you adapt to a healthy lifestyle in Zyvaris on your own.”

“What exactly does that mean?” I needed to see my family as often as possible. Moving away was enough to worry about.

“I think we need enough time and space to grow together as a couple. Surely, you can agree with that.”

“Yes, of course.”

“I’m glad you agree because I think we should have that time together for the next few months.”

The air froze in my lungs, my heart slowed, and my skin suddenly felt too tight. As if I’d stolen it from someone else and it didn’t fit me anymore. I couldn’t imagine what spending the next few months with Thayden would be like without my family. “What happens when my memory resets? I need my family around then.” I hated how weak my voice sounded.

“No. I will take care of you.”

And mold me into whatever he wanted. “It’s not that simple.”

“I’m going to be your husband. We need to make it that simple. Your family will be welcome to see us for the holidays, and they can come more often when we start having children?—”

“Children, Thayden? Can we slow down a little?” Before I faded away into the ether.

“You must produce heirs as soon as possible, so you won’t be renewing your elixir when your dose runs out.”

Blessed Mother.I was being tossed and trapped in a gilded cage where not even my body belonged to me anymore.

My lips parted, but the words died in my mind. My body felt light as water and like I couldn’t keep myself together.

“Look, I can see I’ve shaken you up.”