Page 99 of Massacre Monday

“Yes, ma’am.”

By the time I get us home, the night’s cooled, but something between us hasn’t. I think she trusts me.

Or maybe she’s just tired of trying not to.

In the morning,I observe her as she sleeps soundly next to me. After fucking her gently when we got home, she seemed to forgive me. At least enough to cuddle after.

Eventually, I slip out from the bed and get ready for the day, then make some oatmeal for us. When I bring a tray over to her, she wakes with a stretch, smiles sweetly, and sits against the pillows.

“Breakfast in bed?” she asks.

“It was microwavable, so yeah. I also have dried cranberries, honey, and walnuts… Wasn’t sure what you wanted.”

“I’ll take all of it.” We both dive in, and she glances at me. With her mouth full, she says, “Maybe we should fight more often.”

“Disagree. I think fighting with you could land me in the hospital at some point.”

She giggles. “I’m still sorry.”

“Well, I’m not. I was amused by your reaction. And now I know when you want us to have kids.”

With a slow chew, she considers her next words. “I think I want to be married first.”

“Our Culling is in May.”

Her eyes blink bashfully. “That’s, uh, not what I meant.”

“Are you asking me if I plan to do a civil wedding? Or if this is just for the orders?”

When she doesn’t respond, I toss all our food across the room with a dramatic shove, then grab her and put her on my lap so our faces are inches from each other.

“Ask me,” I command.

Her voice is quiet, but I’m already losing my fucking mind over her doubt. “Ask you what?”

“Ask me if you think I’m doing this for anorder.”

She swallows audibly, her words coming out with uncharacteristic hesitance. “A-are you?”

Pain grips my heart. When will she be able to accept my declarations of love? What if she never feels it in response?

What if she never loves me?

I shake my head. It honestly doesn’t matter. If I have her to love for the rest of my life, I’ll do it. I’ll make her happy.

“Fuck no. When have you known me to be obedient?” My lips brush against her forehead. “I’m doing this because I love you.” Dragging my mouth down to meet hers, she kisses me briefly, still a bit stunned from my outburst. “And Iwillbe marrying you. Fuck the Culling.”

“But we have to, Ryan!”

“I mean, I’ll do their stupid ritual ceremony. But there’sno wayI’ll let them touch you during.You are mineand no one else’s. Robed, old, droopy balls be damned.”

Her eyes dart between mine as she considers my response.

With a hitch, I jar her slightly. “Okay?” I ask.

“Yes, definitely okay. No old, droopy balls.” She relaxes enough that her lips form a small smile.

“Well, mine will get saggy someday.”