The Ritual

“Move out.”

I continue like he didn’t just suggest something so idiotic. “She pays for Barrington.”

“Drop out.”

“Are you insane?” I demand, and he just chuckles. “I’m not a Lord, Ryat,” I snap, and he stiffens against me. “I can’t do as I please.”

He grips my chin, forcing my head back against the wall to look up at him while stepping in closer. “You’re mine, Blake. And that holds a lot of power.”

Letting go of my neck, he runs his hands down my arms, making me break out in goose bumps. He grips my left hand and brings it to his lips, kissing my knuckles.

“It’s not that simple …” My voice trails off as I spot the ring on my finger, heart starting to hammer in my chest. “Ryat.” I breathe. “What?”

Memories of earlier this morning come back like a hurricane hitting a small town.

“Marry me, Blake.”

“Do you want to be his whore for the rest of your life, or do you want to be my good girl?”

“Yours.”

“Mine.”

“This”—he kisses it again—“is the answer to all your problems, Blake. All you need is me. I’ll take care of you.”

“But … you were joking,” I manage to get out even though I’m having problems breathing. He might as well have his hand over my mouth and nose again. Those spots are back, and I try to blink them away.

“Why would I joke about that?” he asks, tilting his head to the side.

“Because you … you’re seeing other women.” That’s the only reason I can come up with.

“Who the fuck told you that?” he barks, making me jump.

Have I been wrong? “You. Your behavior. You keep disappearing …” I rush out, not really having anything else to go on.

He pulls away from me, and my body sags against the wall without his support. I allow my shaky knees to give out, and I slide down to sit on the cold, tiled floor while he starts pacing my bathroom.

“Every time I ask where you go, you don’t answer.” I go on at his silence because, honestly, I’m starting to question myself. I mean, did the man really ask me to marry him? The look of the rock on my finger is screaming yes! “You’re only with me because of Matt.” He doesn’t even offer a lie for that. “You’re a Lord.”

“Matt is a Lord, and you were going to marry him,” he argues, still pacing.

“No. I wasn’t.” I shake my head.

“Oh, I forgot. You were going to run away.” He snorts. “I’d like to see you try to run away from me …” He fists his hands. “You wouldn’t get far, Blake.”

“Wait.” I run a hand down my face. “How did you know …?” Finding strength in my newfound anger, I get to my feet. “How did you know what I was going to do?” I haven’t even told Sarah this. Too afraid she’d say something to Gunner.

He comes to a stop and turns to face me. I don’t know why but I hate that he’s fully dressed and I’m naked. It makes me feel vulnerable. Which is stupid. The man has tied me up, gagged me, blindfolded me, and taken away my air. Not sure why clothes matter all of a sudden. “You told me.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Yes, you did. That night you were drunk off your ass, and I brought you home from Blackout.” His voice rises.

“What else did I say to you?” I demand.

“Enough,” he snaps and then storms over to me, pressing my back into the wall once again. He lifts his hands, cupping my face, and glares down at me. I take in a shaky breath. “Just know this, Blake. If you try to run from me, I will find you. And when I do, you will regret the day you left me.” Softening his eyes, he gives me a threatening smile. “You were mine yesterday, today, and tomorrow.” He gently kisses my forehead. The tenderness a contradiction to his threatening words. “And you will continue to be mine forever.”

I want to be terrified, but I’m not. Ryat Archer is possessive, controlling, and extremely jealous. He’s fucking toxic. But I can’t lay all the blame on him. Maybe I’m the cause of his toxicity. Maybe it’s my bad habits that bring out his worst. Hell, maybe I’m wrong, and they are his best qualities.

I want his hands around my throat. I want his body pinning mine down, and I want him to crave me the same way I need him.

So, who’s the real toxic one here?

“I’m not going anywhere,” I tell him, but even I know it’s a lie. Eventually, he’ll be done with me, and I’ll belong to Matt. I will do everything in my power to stop that.

He lets go of my face, his knuckles running over my jawline to my neck. “I think you’re lying.” There’s a hint of pleasure in his voice, and it makes me shiver.