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JETHRO AWOKE BEFORE dawn. Once again, there were noises coming from the other bedroom. Tee was still asleep, her hand under her cheek like the kid she was. He carefully crawled out of bed so he wouldn’t wake her. He pulled on his shirt, grabbed his shoes and socks and went into the common room. The table was filled with fresh food but his stomach was a knot of nerves. He’d been in fights before but today he’d be restrained and whipped. He leaned against the wall as he put on his socks and shoes and then poured a glass of water. He sat on the couch, his mind wrestling with the pain that was waiting for him. He considered running again, but that idea wasn’t any better now than it had been last night. It’d do nothing for him in the long run. He had no choice but to accept his punishment.
Jason stumbled out of the other room, tucking his shirt into his pants. “Good, you’re up. We need to get you back before anyone comes to work.”
He stood. Glad to have something—even if it were the perverted Supreme Almighty—to focus on besides his upcoming beating. “Thank you for last night. Sorry about...just one.” The words were like poison on his tongue, but he kept his face impassive.
“Next time.” Jason clapped him on the back, leading him into the study. “I’m sure your mind was preoccupied about today.”
The Guards stood, having spent the night in the chairs by the door.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t have been able to focus on two females.” He wanted to scrape the vial words from his mouth. Two females were fine, but these kids were too young for things like that.
“Oh, my boy. You have so much to learn.” Jason walked to the door that led out of the study. “They’re here to focus on you, not the other way around.” He laughed and then quieted, putting his finger to his lips. “My wife should still be sleeping.”
As soon as they were in the carriage Jason turned to him, excitement filling his face like a child in front of a table full of cookies. “So, did you like Sweet Tee?”
“She was sweet, you’re right about that.” He smiled, imagining his fist busting Jason’s perfect, white teeth.
Jason chuckled. “She’s my little Sweet Tee. Just got her a couple of weeks ago. I was her first.” He leaned back, resting his hands on his gut and sighed. “Nothing like being the first. They have no idea of what’s going to happen. Not really. They may have been told, but they don’t understand. Their eyes are so...surprised when you...well, they’re surprised about a lot of it.”
He looked out the window. If Jason didn’t shut up, he was going to kill him right here in the carriage. Poor Tee. To have that fat, disgusting thing touch her made his skin crawl. He had to save her. He glanced at Jason. “I was wondering if...No.” He shook his head, looking back out the window. “I shouldn’t even ask. You’ve already been too generous.”
“Ask me.” Jason’s tone was jovial. “I may not grant your request but you should always ask.”
“I...I really like Tee”—he faced Jason—“and I’m going to need someone to help me after the...after today. My mom and sister are out of town.” He’d rather they didn’t find out about any of this, but that was too much to ask.
“Hmm. I hadn’t thought about that. You can’t stay with me. My wife would never go for that, not with your...crime. I suppose, she wouldn’t have to know.” He tapped his lips. “My little Servants would love to care for you and when you’re feeling better, you can sample them. They each have different skills.”
The blood rushed from his face. “No, no, I couldn’t. That’d be asking too much of you.” Not to mention him. He’d never be able to stay there and not kill Jason. “I...I thought that maybe, Tee could stay with me.”
Jason stared at him for a moment and then burst out laughing. “Sweet Tee caught your fancy, huh?” He slapped Jethro on the knee.
“Yeah, she did.” He’d say anything to get her away from this pervert.
“She is a little shy for my tastes. Could probably bring her around with time”—Jason winked at Jethro—“and some work. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to putting in the effort.” A leer spread across his face. “I’ll always go the extra mile for my little females, but they usually take to it a bit faster. She may be shy by nature. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I do prefer a little spice with my sweet. Still, she’s new and I like new.” He pursed his lips. “I’ll make you a deal. You marry my granddaughter and I’ll give you Tee as a pre-wedding gift.”
“What?” Where in the name of Araldo had that come from?
“You’re a talented and ambitious young man. Like I said before, you need a new mentor and I like you.”
“But...I don’t know her. I’m a soldier. A dishonored one and you know I’m attracted—”
“That means nothing.” Jason waved his hand. “Keep your Tees and Trinitys on the side. You need an Almighty for a wife.”
“Of course, I’ll marry an Almighty when the time comes.” He wasn’t too sure that he’d ever marry, perhaps once he had his revenge on Trinity he’d be able to move on, but right now all he could think about was her.
“The people are going to need a hero and I think you’ll fit the role.”
“Me? I’m dishonored. I’m going to be flogged.” He’d known Jason was a drunk but the man was crazy.
“That’s the perfect hero. The underdog.” Jason leaned forward. “We can go far together, but first you have to put this little episode behind you. After your punishment, you’ll be treated like a pariah. Even those like me, who understand, will need to distance themselves from you. You’ll have to make the public forgive and forget. In order to do that, you need to show them you’re sorry for your lapse in judgement. Prove to them that you uphold and abide by our rules.”
“How will I do that?” He had no desire to do that. He didn’t care what anyone thought of him.
“First, you’ll work hard capturing our enemies. With victory, society will start to forget your past.” He leaned back. “You’re young, smart and attractive. They’ll want to like you and being seen with my granddaughter will help. Marrying her will solidify your future.”
“Why are you doing this?”
“Like I said, I like you and I see great things for your future.”
“Like what?” His nerves hummed. This was a trap but he couldn’t see a way out, not if he wanted to save Tee.
“I can’t be the Supreme Almighty forever. I’ll be retiring in ten years or so.”
He didn’t want to marry Jason’s granddaughter or go into politics. He wanted revenge. That was it. Everything else could fall into place later. “Sir, I’m honored, but—”
“You’ll meet my granddaughter and after an appropriate time, a year or so, you’ll become engaged.” There was steel in Jason’s tone.
“And if I refuse.”
“Then I rescind my offer for Trinity and you’ll never taste Sweet Tee again.”
He could barely keep the snarl from his lips. Trinity was his. She’d be his no matter what this fat, piece of shit thought, but he couldn’t leave Tee there to be molested.
“Don’t worry. My granddaughter is a pretty, little thing. Just keep her from finding out about your...proclivities and all will be well.” He patted Jethro on the knee again. “I can help you learn how to balance a home and family and still have your little fun on the side. It’s actually not as difficult as you think. Women are easily fooled. We men have to work late a lot.”
“I’ll agree to meet her, but we might not get along.” He should’ve stayed at the Council Building last night.
“Oh, I’m sure you will. She’s susceptible to a pretty face and I’ll spout you up as a wronged hero. She’ll be putty in your hands.” Jason’s eyes narrowed. “But no touching until after you’re wed.”
“Of course. I’m honored.” He had no intention of touching Jason’s granddaughter at all, but he had to agree to this. The good thing was he had a year or more to get out of it.
“Welcome to the family.” Jason paused. “Where do you want me to send Tee? You can’t take her to your mother’s house.”
Araldo no, his mom would kill him. “I was thinking about getting my own place.” He hadn’t been.
“How? You and your family are broke.”
“I’ll figure out something.” Living on the street with him would be better for Tee than living in perverted opulence with Jason.
“I can’t let her leave with nowhere to go.” Jason’s jowls jiggled as he shook his head.
He looked out the window, unable to keep the disgust from his eyes. Jason truly believed he cared for Tee. The Supreme Almighty wasn’t right in the head. There wasn’t much worse that could happen to Tee than what Jason did to her.
“I may be able to help on that score too.” Jason’s tone was sly.
He turned toward the other man, letting the shock show on his face. “You’ll help me get an apartment?”
“No. An apartment will never work. You’ll need privacy and you’ll need to be far away from the forest. Somewhere safe to enjoy Trinity.” Jason tapped his chin. “I know just the place. It’s right outside the Warehouse District.” He grinned. “I’ll get everything set up for you. I’ll even make sure you’re delivered there after your punishment.”
“Tee will be there?” He had to focus on her.
“Of course.”
“Let me know how much I owe you for the house and Tee. It may take a while, but I’ll pay you back.” He didn’t want to be indebted to Jason. His instincts told him that could be fatal.
“Don’t worry about it, my boy. Consider it an early wedding present.”
“Thank you.” He was amazed his voice was steady. He turned and stared out the window as Jason rambled on about last night. He was saving Tee that was all that mattered. It made him feel better but didn’t keep his mind occupied enough to drown out Jason’s chatter which was obscene, so he focused on his long days and nights, alone with Trinity. There’d be no one else around. She’d belong to him and he’d teach her to obey even if it took years.
When they stopped at the Council Building, Rex darted outside and escorted him back to his room. He sat on the bed, staring at the wall. Soon, he’d be whipped. Even thoughts of Trinity couldn’t keep his mind off the flogging. He had no idea how bad it’d hurt. Would he be strong enough not to beg, plead, weep? He was glad his mother and sister wouldn’t be there to witness this, but he’d have no one in the crowd. He’d be alone with his pain. He stood and began to pace, wishing the time would come. The waiting was killing him.
The door opened and Rex carried in a tray of food.
His eyes darted to the open door. His urge to flee was almost overwhelming. “When will they...”
“An hour.” Rex turned to leave.
“Wait. Please.” He didn’t want to be alone for another hour.
“Can’t. I have work to do.” Rex kept his eyes averted.
Something was wrong. The Guard had been somewhat friendly yesterday before... “What do you think about what goes on at Jason’s?”
“Not my place to think about it.” Rex didn’t approve. It was in clear in the stiff, angry way he held himself, as if dying to beat the shit out of Jethro.
“I had no choice.” His words were a whispered confession, but he couldn’t risk telling the Guard the entire truth.
“No, I suppose you didn’t.” Rex studied him for a long moment. “You’re the one who lived as a Guard in the army.”
It wasn’t a question but he nodded anyway.
“After today, you’ll have the full experience.”
He dropped on the bed. Rex and the other classes lived with unfair beatings and without choices every day of their lives. He’d never considered how that felt.
Rex stepped into the hallway and then halted, glancing back inside. “They want you to eat so you throw up. Don’t give them that satisfaction.” He pulled the door closed.
He stared at the wall. Maybe, Kim was right. Their way of life wasn’t good, not for the other classes, but there was nothing he could do about it now. He’d never join Hugh’s group. He couldn’t after what Trinity had done to him. No, he’d fight for this side, at least until he had Trinity. Then, he’d disappear with her, leaving the world to fight or find peace without him.