Page 35 of Angels Are Falling

I loved my old life and my crooked home with the broken furniture. It was cozy, and people could hear me if I yelled for help. Even when alone, I never felt lonely. Kai manipulated us into giving all of that up.

Then, there was the business from our honeymoon. Consummating the marriage was part of the contract, sure, but tricking me was a new low. I had hoped to feel better after seeing Stefan, but he left me here with Kai.

Kai kissed the side of my face, and I recoiled. He was the reason I was back in this hell, he didn’t get to kiss this away.

“Want to talk about it?” he asked.

“No.”

He watched me, not perturbed by my death stare. “Has anyone ever told you that smiling is good for your health? The way you frown, I’m worried you’ll drop dead from a heart attack.”

“It’s laughing,” I retorted through clenched teeth.

“What?”

“Laughter is the best medicine. Laughing is good for your health, not smiling.”

“Okay, then laugh.”

Kai was born to annoy me to death. “Excuse me?”

“Laugh. For the sake of your health.”

His mocking comments were on my last nerve. I wanted to destroy his perfectly calm facade so he’d feel a fraction of my frustration. “How much does it pay?”

“What?”

“I was bought and paid for with money. What’s the annual salary for adding laughter to the menu?”

The comment got him, I could tell in the slight frown he sported. “Is that how you see yourself? Something I bought and paid for?”

“Isn’t that the reality? I’ll laugh like a good little monkey if your heart so desires. But it’ll cost you extra.”

He said nothing.

I shook my head, and mumbled, “God, I wish Stefan were here instead of you.”

Kai’s entire face morphed after that one comment. He placed me on the couch and rose to his feet. The abrupt change in the air startled me. His chest rose with each breath, muscles tight under his shirt.

What fresh hell was this?

Chapter

Eleven

AMELIE

Kai walked to the credenza without acknowledging my confusion. He held the glossy lid open to reveal a bar. His face was unreadable as he poured himself a drink. Just like he had done every time he got himself one, he poured me a glass of wine as well. This time, the effort was mechanical and empty. I flinched when he shut the lid to the bar without a sound. The restraint in it was somehow worse than if he’d slammed it.

We didn’t exchange words as we nursed the drinks, but his temper filled the room.

“You’re thinking of him while we’re together.” Not a question. His voice was very quiet, which didn’t seem like a good sign with Kai.

That’s what got his panties in a bunch? Because I mentioned Stefan. “I⁠—”

“Is that what you did during our honeymoon, too?”

I didn’t respond.