I watched him unbutton his shirt, his movements were slow and deliberate.
I knew what was coming.
It had been this way ever since our marriage—cruelty filled with moments of reluctant passion.
Aiden's gaze darkened as he stepped closer, I scrambled backward instinctively, but there was nowhere to go.
He reached out, gripping my ankle, and dragged me back.
A whimper escaped my lips, but I bit down on it before he could hear.
He hated when I showed weakness.
"You think you're so clever, don't you?" he murmured, his voice deceptively soft.
I swallowed hard. "I don't know what you're talking about."
His grip on my ankle tightened, his nails pressing into my skin. "Oh? So suddenly, my wife knows nothing?" He leaned down, his breath fanning against my cheek, his scent intoxicating despite the fear in my stomach. "Let me remind you, then."
Aiden's fingers wrapped around my throat—not tight enough to hurt, but just enough to remind me of his strength.
"You let your father stay here, knowing damn well what it means for me," he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear. "Now I have to play pretend, act like I actually want you in my bed. Was that your plan?"
I shook my head frantically, my breath shallow. "No—I swear, I didn't—"
His grip on my throat tightened, cutting off my words.
"Liar."
I gasped as he suddenly let go, only to grip my wrists and pin them above my head. He straddled my hips.
"Aiden, please—"
He scoffed. "Please, what?" His fingers trailed down my arm, slow and taunting. "You knew exactly what you were doing."
I trembled beneath him, but not entirely out of fear.
Desire consumed me.
He leaned in, his lips ghosting over my collarbone. Then, without warning, his teeth sank into my skin—not hard enough to break flesh, but just enough to send a sharp jolt of pain through me. I gasped, my body arching involuntarily.
He licked over the sensitive spot, his tongue warm against my heated skin.
"I should punish you," he said seductively.
I didn't dare respond.
Aiden's hand trailed down my body, tracing the curves he had long since memorized. His touch was rough, possessive, as if reminding me who I belonged to.
I shivered as his fingers reached the beginning of my nightgown.
"Look at you," he murmured, his voice laced with something dangerous. "You act so innocent, but your body… your body reacts to me."
I squeezed my eyes shut, shame burning through me.
"Open your eyes," he ordered.
I obeyed.
His gaze burned into mine, filled with something unreadable. For a moment, his grip on me loosened—just enough for me to move if I wanted to.
But I didn't.
His lips crashed against mine suddenly, and I gasped. He took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, his tongue claiming every inch of my mouth.
I hated him.
I hated the way he made me feel.
I hated the way I melted beneath him.
Aiden pulled away, his breathing heavy.
"You belong to me," he growled against my lips.
I knew that.
I had always known that.
I woke up to the messy sheets and our naked bodies cuddling together on the bed. There were marks all over my skin—some deep, some faint, but all painful to touch.
He was always like this. Every time we made love, he made sure to hurt me, as if his desire could never be separated from his cruelty.
I shifted slightly, wincing at the soreness spreading through my body. When I turned to look at Aiden, he was already awake, his gaze fixed on me. But there was no warmth in his eyes.
Feeling exposed, I quickly pulled the sheets over my body.
He scoffed. "What's there to cover when I've seen it all? Nothing special there."
His words hurt a lot, cutting deeper than any of the bruises he had left on me.
I swallowed the lump forming in my throat and pushed down the ache in my chest. "I will go prepare food for you and my father. You have to eat it no matter what—my father is around."
Aiden let out a low, mocking laugh. "You're really taking advantage of the fact that your father is here."
I forced a small smile. He suddenly said, "But there'll be no need for that."
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
He leaned back against the pillows, his expression unreadable. "Athena is going to pretend to be a maid for the time being—until your father leaves."
My entire body stiffened. "What? You can't even stay away from her for a few days?"
He smirked, completely unbothered. "What if my father finds out?" I pressed.
Aiden shrugged. "Then let him find out. I never wanted to marry you in the first place anyway."
His words cut deep. I felt as though I was suffocating.
I clenched the sheets tighter around me, forcing myself to breathe. "I know you didn't," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath. "But the only way to break ties with me is if—"
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
"Dad!" I screamed, panic rushing through me. "I'm coming! It—it's not convenient for you to come in now!"
My father coughed. "I understand, I understand. I'll wait until you're done."
I turned scarlet red immediately. Aiden, on the other hand, smirked in amusement, clearly enjoying my embarrassment.
I clenched the sheets tighter around my sore body, willing myself to stay composed despite the stinging pain that spread through my limbs. Aiden's words echoed in my mind, each one like a dagger twisting deeper into my chest.
"Then let him find out. I never wanted to marry you in the first place anyway."*
I had always known.
Aiden, meanwhile, had already stood up, completely unbothered, as if last night had meant nothing. He reached for his robe, tying it lazily around his waist, his muscles flexing as he moved. His nonchalant attitude only made my heart ache more.