Glycerine | Astarion

Chapter Twelve

Gʅყƈҽɾιɳҽ

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Astarion chuckled at her words. "The sex was great for me, too, darling. Thank you for asking."

"You promised."

The man sat up and moved until he was sitting on the edge of the bed. Fastening his pants, he shook his head. "Why are you so dedicated to uncovering the truth about everything? As if it's going to change anything?"

"Because you're worried. Because you know it will change everything." Xynaa responded as she sat up. She adjusted her dress as she crossed her legs.

Astarion rose from the bed and neared the window. She watched as his fingers brushed over the thin curtains, peeking out into the darkness as lightning flashed and rain continued to pour against the glass.

"You're right. I am worried. Because if I tell you, you will no longer look at me the same way."

"If you would just tell me, you don't know that."
"I do."

Xynaa stood from the bed, clenching her hands into fists. "Does Cazador lock you up during the day? You and the rest of his spawns?"

Astarion clenched his jaw as he continued to stare out the window.

"Does he force you to starve? Does he make you lure people back to him for his own pleasure, but you still receive the short end of the stick?"

"Enough." Astarion snapped.

"No, Astarion. You have kept me in the dark for months. And look at how many people have gone missing or have been found dead. You know everything about them. You just so happened to be there that night that man was murdered. You knew what happened, didn't you? You were helping him."

He turned and his eyes grew wide. "Do you think I enjoy it? Having to be locked away until I am told to do something? Having to be his slave, to do everything for him?!"

"If you were honest with me in the first place, this wouldn't be happening." She barked. "I gave myself to you in every way possible, and you still keep everything from me!"

"Because I am protecting you!"
"Protecting me from what?"

"Cazador! Because he wants me to kill you!"

She stood there and watched as he slammed his hand against the wardrobe beside him, causing it to shake slightly. Astarion cursed, shaking his head as he sighed.

"You want it so badly, here it is." He said, turning to face her. "Every night, I walk through the city until I meet someone. Doesn't matter who it is, he will claim all. . ."

She hugged herself as he stepped forward.

"I seduce them." He stated. "I make them believe that I want them, until their hands have caressed every inch of me to the point their touch comes numb to me now. My only thought is that Cazador wants this. And if he doesn't get what he wants, then I die."

Her eyes began to burn with tears as he continued. "I lure them back to Cazador, promising them a night they won't forget. A night they'll die for.