Page 56 of Royal Deception

I hold her gaze, my voice steady as I remind her of her place. “You’re not my girlfriend, Clary. You’re not my partner. You’re my submissive. And I need you to respect that role, in private or in public. Don’t ever do that again. Understood?”

Clary doesn’t say anything for a long moment, but I can see the way her chest rises and falls, the slight tremor in her hands. Finally, she speaks, her voice tight. “I’m sorry,” she whispers, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” She turns and leaves, hurrying out of the room.

I can’t help but feel a pang of guilt, watching her walk away. Frustration grates at me, getting under my skin. I upset her again, like I seem to be so good at.

But why does Clary insist on pushing my boundaries? Things between us are better left as-is. Why force this to become something it’s not?

This here is exactly why I don’t want a relationship with anyone. Work will always come first, and most women can’t understand that.

So why can’t she respect that?

24

CLARY

It’s still dark outside when I feel the bed shift and turn, peering through the darkness to see Rory’s silhouette as he gets ready for work.

“Is it time to get up?” I ask, my voice rough from sleep.

Rory had been distant last night when he got home after our fight at the office, but he’d still come to bed, still wrapped me up in his arms and held me close. Maybe he felt I’d been punished enough when he yelled at me.

“Shh, go back to sleep, Pet,” he says, his voice low and firm. “I’ve got an early meeting. Go ahead and take the day off. I don’t need you in the office today. I’ve got back-to-back meetings until tonight.”

I nod, but anxiety grips me internally. The gala is coming up in just a few days, so it makes sense that he’s busy, but I can’t help but feel a little pushed to the side lately.

Rory’s been spending alotof time with Callie, ironing out the final details, making certain all the security is taken care of for the event. I know why. The looming specter of the Bratva causing chaos at the book premiere is still a very real possibility. It just sucks not having him around.

Forcing a smile, I draw the covers up and give him a sleepy smile as he kisses me on the forehead, then takes off.

The two of us never really talked after what happened yesterday, but it still hurts how Rory could dismiss me so easily. He was all too eager to lavish praise on Callie during their meeting, but the second I walked into his office, his expression turned sour.

I guess I was a fool to think he could have been talking about me on that phone call the other day. It’s clear now that the most important person to him is Callie. I’m just an afterthought. I frown, making a face as the jealousy creeps up again.

I bet he’d be beside himself if something happened to her. I wonder if I even matter to him at all or if I’m just a convenient plaything?

Determined to shake off the weight pressing on my chest, I spend the rest of the day tidying up around the place, trying to make myself feel useful. Eventually, I end up in Rory’s massive kitchen, sifting through the barely touched pantry.

Baking has always been a good distraction. Maybe a batch of cookies will help settle my thoughts.

The scents of warm vanilla and melted chocolate fill the air as I pull the last tray of cookies from the oven. Baking has taken the edge off my tension, giving me something—anything—to focus on.

Yet, as the day drags on, restlessness settles under my skin, clawing at me. The apartment feels too big, too empty. Every tick of the clock seems louder than the last.

Then my phone vibrates.

Rory: On my way. Be ready for me.

I stare at the message, then exhale slowly. I know what he expects. I know the routine.

As I shed my clothing, the restless energy inside me grows, tangling with something bitter and ugly. I should stop. I shouldcall off the scene. But another part of me, one I don’t want to examine too closely, whispers that maybe I deserve to be punished today.

Maybe I’ll feel better when it’s all over.

The front door unlocks. My breath catches as I drop to my knees, collar in place. My heart hammers as Rory steps inside, his dark gaze landing on me immediately.

“Good girl,” he murmurs, shrugging off his coat. “Give me one second. I need to call Callie.”

Something inside me snaps.