“Take your things to our room and do as he says,” Disco instructed without glancing in my direction. “I’ll join you as soon as I can.”
I tossed the clothing into the box, retrieved the shoes at my feet and moved to do as Disco instructed. Marius watched me the entire time, making me twitchy. My emotions were already a mess without his presence. What just happened could possibly change everything. If Paine left, where would he go? Would he stay in New York? Would he leave all together? What would happen to his club?
Without the support of vampiric family, who would protect him?
Marius stopped me at the door, wrapping his hand around my arm. I waited, my own patience paper-thin.
“Servants don’t normally participate in our games, but tonight you’re a rare exception. There are two forms of entertainment we enjoy—sex and violence. Gabriel indicated you prefer the latter. Is that correct?”
“Are you asking if I’d rather stab you or fuck you?” Damn. Just like Ray and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, the thought just popped in there. Thanks to the lack of filter between my brain and mouth, the bitchy retort slid past my lips.
His lips quirked. “The analogy suffices.”
I wasn’t sure if it was a trick question. Would he force me to engage in sexual acts if I said I’d prefer to fight? “Violence,” I replied, hoping he wasn’t screwing with my head, thinking I’d love nothing more than to stab him in the eyeball and listen to him squeal like a girl.
“Very well.” He loosened his fingers, caressing my arm as his hand trailed down to my elbow. When I shuddered in disgust, he chuckled and let me go. “Between the two of us, I think you’ll regret your decision. Sex might be unappealing and degrading, but at least you’d keep your limbs intact.” I blew him off and headed for the door once more when he stopped me again. “One more thing.”
I didn’t turn, gritting my teeth and peering at him over my shoulder.
“Don’t speak unless you’re spoken to. Despite the limitations it would place on your necromancy, and Gabriel’s various uses for it, my Master won’t hesitate to cut out your tongue. One of the most powerful of his kindred will be watching. That means the rules have changed.” His fingers bit into my arm. “I won’t allow you to harm Gabriel because of your selfishness. I’ll kill you myself if I have to. Understood?”
Suddenly I didn’t want to stab Marius in the eyeball and make him squeal like a girl. There were other sphere-shaped surfaces on his body that were far more deserving of physical damage. If I had my way I’d chop off his balls—one at a fucking time—and watch the wannabe badass cry like a baby.
I nodded, keeping my thoughts to myself this time, and he dismissed me with a wave. I rushed from the room, putting as much space between us as possible. Marius didn’t have to say anything more to make his point, and I didn’t trust myself not to do something stupid.
Tongues, eyeballs, testes.
I knew the score.
Chapter Fourteen
Rhiannon’s Law #63: Fake it until you make it. You might not know what the fuck you’re doing, but that doesn’t mean everyone else is aware of your inaptitude. When in doubt, hold your head high and pretend you have a clue.