Chapter 22
MELISA
NOTE: In this chapter, there is a serious trigger warning. When you see **, you will know it’s starting.The same symbol will show it is over.
Eneko’s breath stinks of fermented grapes, and wine churns in my stomach. The lack of food was a mistake. It almost feels like my belly is trying to crawl up and nestle in my throat.
When we at last near the thick patch of trees that hides his home, I lose feeling in my hands. Invisible needles stab at my skin.
Enough. You’ve done this before.
When Eneko's hand slides down my back, I tense. His touch is rough and possessive. Ra'Sa's was gentle and careful.
I smile sweetly, blinking rapidly to erase that thought.
Eneko stands, swaying, and holds out his hand. Between our nights together, he couldn’t care less about me, but now his eyes watch with such care.
Each movement feels like someone else is puppeting my body. When I walk over to take his hand, it is warm—too warm—as he helps me down.
He smiles. "You're nervous again. It's been a long time since I've seen such shyness from you."
"I am sure I have no idea what you mean,” I respond.
He purses his lips. "You wish to play coy? Very well. Come. My wife has been crawling all over me for the past week. I require release."
He guides me to the cabin’s front door. Every sound is hauntingly familiar as we walk up the three steps and gaze into the dark home. Somewhere, Hibsej waits, and the boys sleep.
But I don't need to think of that right now. All I need to do is appear willing.
He stumbles around the table and past a few upholstered chairs as we move to the master bedroom in the back. I follow along—dutifully—as he casts me his greedy smile.
Just as we reach the master bedroom, one of the doors cracks open. Eneko is too drunk to notice, but I turn back to glimpse Hibsej. She glares at me.
I wish she would leave and spare herself from hearing this.
But she doesn't. She never does.
I let my gaze fall from her face as I am pulled inside. When the door shuts, the rest of the world goes quiet.
**Serious Trigger Warning Starting**
Eneko removes his coat before tugging his shirt over his head. Then comes his undershirt and the rest of his clothes. He stands before me naked and ready for servicing.
The giant stumbles over to the bed and sits down. I grab my headdress and give him a sly smile.
He grins and holds up his hand. "Wait."
I let go of the headdress.
"Dance for me."
Breathe. In and out.
“Yes, Eneko.”
His eyes blaze as I finally speak his name, which is only reserved for these four walls.
My dancing is decent enough. I can move my hands over my head in a graceful arc. Even stepping side to side comes naturally to me. When I take my headdress off, it’s with a flourish, followed by unbinding my hair.