Blade

Chapter 19: The choice is yours

Sienna

I don't know which is worse.

Being chained to the bed like an animal or listening to the irritating moans of the girl Blade fucks.

It's definitely the latter. Her noises kept me awake all night while the chains were nothing more than an inconvenience.

I don't know how to process the fact that Blade is fucking someone else. We're not married yet, and technically he can do whatever the hell he wants, but that doesn't stop the ugly weight in my chest. I tell myself I shouldn't care since I don't like him and he doesn't like me, but I can't get rid of that sting, that sharp flicker of jealousy I don't want to admit I feel.

I don't know where this sudden rush of emotion is coming from, but it's chipping away at the steel walls I built around my heart. I can't let myself be weak. I refuse to.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, a knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts. For the twentieth time I twist against the restraints, only to hiss when the chains bite into my bruised skin. Fuck.

"Come in," I mutter reluctantly as the knocking continues. The door opens and Nico steps in, carrying a tray stacked with bacon and eggs, pancakes, and a chilled glass of orange juice. My mouth waters instantly at the sight, until the realization hits me.

Guilt twists in my chest as Nico sets the food on my bedside table, his face expressionless.

He starts to leave, but my voice makes him pause.

"Nico, wait," I whisper, adjusting my legs to sit more comfortably.

"What?" he mutters, not bothering to look back. Nico has always been the easygoing one, not exactly cheerful but far less hostile than Franco. Yet now, his indifference toward me feels strangely cold. I tell myself I shouldn't be surprised. After all, he must have paid the price with Blade for letting me escape.

"I know my escape must have gotten you in trouble with Blade and I'm sorry. I just couldn't sit still and let myself be married to him against my will. It's-"

"It's okay. I get it." He gives me a faint smile over his shoulder before walking out of my room.

I swallow hard, the lump in my throat refusing to go away, and let out a shaky sigh.

Am I cursed or something?

First, I am being forced into a marriage I never agreed to. Then, I risk everything to escape, only for it to put my best friend in danger. Nico is now caught up in this mess and I cannot even imagine what Blade might do to this country if he had failed to find me.

My escape feels like it guarantees nothing but more destruction.

I fight back the tears threatening to fall and force my gaze to the delicious food on my bedside table. My lips twist into a frown when I realize for the fifth time today that I'm chained to the bed and that means I can't eat my breakfast. Fuck.

When is Blade going to unchain me? Haven't I suffered enough already?

The thought only earns me a hollow scoff. He is probably too busy enjoying himself with that whore to even remember me. The image of him with her makes something sharp stir in my chest, but I force myself to push it down. Better not to let my mind wander there. Better not to give those feelings room to grow.