Page 351 of The Bonding Games: Part 1

“And pain.”

Rigidness grips me, but I force myself to relax, loosening my posture and heading slowly around the bed as if in no rush to leave. “And pain,” I agree with no inflection.

“Hmm . . . I will not allow you to stop sleeping with me, Daughter.”

My jaw and fists attempt to clench in sync, but I do not let them, maintaining the illusion of calm. “Of course not. But . . .” I look over my shoulder at him. “I would like some days off. I need more sleep, and I am always interrupted in here. My performance was better when I was sleeping in my own bed after Game 1.”

“I did notice you seemed more . . . energised. I and the rest of The Council agreed that the fight in this year’s Game 2 was one of your best—as well as Game 3. The audience especially loves your performances with your Bonded.” I freeze, but he does not linger there. “And that is due to the improved sleep? Nothing else?”

“Yes, Father.”

Another lie.

“Really?” he muses, and I wait in silence, keeping my breathing even.

“Every other day.”

I swivel around, trying to show neither my surprise nor suspicion.

But he catches it. Of course he catches it.

He laughs like I am silly to be so. “I want my beautiful creation to be functioning at her best, you understand.”

“Yes,” I snap, growing impatient, and his smile widens. “Have a good rest of your night,” I say with no worries to bury the non-existence of sincerity, then stride for the door without a glance back.

But it is never that straightforward.

“Ezla.”

My foot halts mid-step.

“Come give me a kiss. That was rude.”

Fists balling, I whip around and barely manage to keep from marching over, having myself walk calmly instead.

Snatching up the back of my head, Father yanks me down to where he is sitting on the bed, slamming his mouth over mine and shoving his tongue inside. I ready to chop it in half with my teeth before restraining myself with the understanding that it would only delay my exit.

When he pulls back, I can tell he is aroused, but he thankfully does not make me deal with that, giving a single head nod towards the door.

Relief crashes through me, and finally, I leave.

I am not an idiot—I know this is too easy. But for now, I do not care. For now, I am free.

41

TATE

Her presence wakes me up.

I don’t care how insane that might sound, because it’s true. I feel her.

Havoc’s here.

Holy fuck. My girl is in our Bonded chambers again. Finally.

Mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine, mine . . .

With the chant in my mind, I’m overflowing with possessiveness and need and love as I rise from bed in nothing but my boxer briefs, the outline of my already-hardened cock clear through them.