Penance of Honor | BOOK 2 ✔️

Chapter: Six

Pierce's P.O.V

"Come here."

"Do not command me like a dog. I am coming no where near you."

"Pierce, I thought we discussed this. Show me a little of that love you give so much to your special, little snowflake and we could be out of this godforsaken cage." 

"Find a new means." 

"You are my only means."Josias whirled around and caught my arm only making me snatch it back from him. "Do you want me to have to tell?"

"Tell. I am not touching you. You are not Cassius."

His lips pursed and a wry smile grew on his face before brushing his hair back. "Cassius...is it? Cute name. Tell me, do you think he would be into me?" 

I close my eyes trying not to allow him to rile me up. He does it on purpose. For what reasons, I do not know and I do not care to know either. 

"I am cute. I am pretty attractive. You and I both know that. Stop acting as if I am the most disgusting thing you have laid eyes on and touch me or let me touch you." 

"Goddess, you are so blunt it's almost lewd." 

"Do you want me to be vague? Will you have me then?" 

"No...I want neither of those things from you...I need to get back...but not this way." I see him staring at my chest as I peel off one shirt to put on another. This man is shameless. 

"They will be coming soon and they will know just by the smell. We do not have to do much-"

"No."

"You are stubborn. So so so so stubborn it is mind boggling how someone like you can exist! How does he put up with you? It has only been a week and I feel as though I want to rip my hair out from frustration!"

"Patience, something that you lack." 

"I cannot stand you."

"I am glad we feel the same." 

There was nothing but silence for a while until I sit on the bed as far as I can, catching his attention.

"I do not expect love from you...I do not expect it from anyone. I just...want to be rid of this place and you are ruining my chances. Until I die, I will hate you for it."

I study him and notice water swimming in his eyes as he looks away from me causing my resolve to shake. As strong as I may be...I am weak for tears. Goddess, I am.

"Do not do this to me."

My eyes close trying not to give into soft feelings, but they are beginning to boil from inside of me ready to burst. Cassius will not forgive me for this. Goddess...

"Josias, let us come to a compromise." I regain his attention in an instance. "I will drop the formal tone as long as if you know where we lie."

"Okay."

"There will be no love between us."

"I know that."

"Or anything developing from this."

"I understand."

I purse my lips trying not to look at him as a man, but something more of a burden I have to bear. Yet, the more I do, the more I see. If I had never have met Cassius, he would be nothing but beautiful in my eyes and I would have him. But I am not like that anymore.    

His eyes meet mine with a small smile. "Then let me set my terms as well. You will let me touch you as would any lover."

"Lover?" I question with squinted eyes.