Page 49 of Glutton for Punishment

“My father needs to know what Councilor Blaise has done,” he replies. “This isn’t something that remains hidden for long. When it surfaces, it will destabilize more than just Greed.”

“And you think walking back into Pride is the solution?” I shoot back.

“I think Councilor Blaise deserves to be flayed for what he’s done to you. And Pride has the best resources and allies to make that happen,” he says, quieter now, “I need to control how that information is received.”

That sounds like him, infuriatingly logical.

And completely reckless.

My arms cross over my chest. “You could get hurt. Your father didn’t stop you from being exiled with me to the Wastes.”

“My father didn’t know that I’d go that far. Remember, I could read his feelings. He’s a lot of things, but he’s not one to stand by while his only heir gets taken from him. It made him look weak. He needs me.”

His voice softens as he grabs my hand in his.

“And I need you to be safe. Step one is removing Counselor Blaise from the equation. Step two is getting you safe and back behind academy walls. My father can make that happen.”

He swallows. “I won’t allow you to be taken again.”

There’s conviction in his voice. The kind that bends rooms to his will.

“I couldn’t do anything before. Maddox is right. I couldn’t protect you then. But I will not stand by now. I can make these moves that are going to keep you safe. And I’m going to take them.”

He steps in closer to me and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “Even if it means I have to be away from you for a little while.”

“And me?” I ask in a pathetic voice that would usually make me cringe.

“Maddox will keep you safe. I don’t like it, but he’s your completed bond. He’s bound to protect you, and if he doesn’t, I will destroy everything he has.”

“You don’t have to be so dramatic.” I roll my eyes, trying to hide my desperation and regain my composure.

Seriously, Arwen. Get it together.

“I hate that you’re right. I hate this makes sense. And I hate it means you’re leaving.”

Silence stretches between us at that, thick and uncomfortable. His gaze flickers, like he’s debating something.

“There are… other things we need to discuss,” he says. “Not right now, but soon. The bonds. Between you, me and Maddox. How we’re going to navigate it. How the future looks.”

My stomach twists as guilt slides in, sharp and sudden.

He doesn’t know about the other bonds. About how tangled this has become.

For a second, I almost tell him. The words sit right there, on the edge of my tongue. I open my mouth to speak, as he cuts me off with an embarrassed look.

“Sorry, you probably think I’m talking about our bond… or completing it. It’s not that… that will always be your choice. We don’t even ever have to if that’s what you want. I just meant in how we will interact. There’s history… me… Maddox…” he continues rambling as I close my mouth.

This is already too much. He’s about to walk into Pride. Into danger. Into his father.

The last thing he needs is something else clouding his judgment.

Now’s not the time.

“I know what you meant,” I say instead, quieter. “We’ll… figure it out. In time.”

His eyes search mine like he knows there’s more I’m not saying, but gives me a small nod.

“I guess this is goodbye,” I mutter, looking anywhere but at him. Because if I look at him, I will definitely ask him to stay.