#Chapter 6 - Tell me

Ansel laid on top of me with his jaw clenched, diminishing any amount of bravery I once had. I find myself petrified. He may have said that he wasn’t a brute, but the sharp look that he gives me makes me feel different. I could feel his hardened manhood still pressed against me. “I could smell you on the stage,” he says through clench teeth. “I’d know your scent anywhere. Suzuran. Lily of the Valley. How fitting that they lied about your name using Lily in particular?” He tightened his grip around my wrists, and I fight the urge to cry out. “I loathe liars, particularly the ones who have the boldness to lie to me right in my face. I take it very personal when people don’t have the conviction to speak the truth or do right by others, especially those who have never harmed them.” I know the words hold a double meaning. This is revenge. His hatred for me and my rejection is clear. I don’t want to speak, but I gather my bearings. Maybe I could use his current state to my advantage. I swallowed my spit, inhaled sharply, and rolled my hips against his groin. “So what now? Do you plan to hold me captive so that you can have your way with me? That won’t be necessary. One hundred thousand dollars. For that amount you can do anything that you want to me. All I ask is that after you’re done, I can leave.” Ansel's eyes cut into me, and he practically snarls. “Lily of the Valley. Known as the flower of happiness. Guess it only takes a bit a money to poison the nectar.” I turn my face, and he laughs harshly. “You were right. You’re nothing like you were before. Karin is dead and in her place is something not worth the effort.” With every word that leaves his mouth, his erection and anger seem to grow. His hatred for me fills the entire room, and I opt to remain silent, though he cuts into me deeply. My eyes widen and for the second time of the night, he curses under his breath. He pushes from me and runs his fingers through his hair. Retreating to the bathroom, he slams the door behind him, making me jump. I rise from the couch, and I realize that my entire body is shaking. I quickly grab my clothes and cover myself. How did I end up here? What was supposed to be doing something for my father has turned into being berated by the man that I never wanted to leave. I know Ansel has every right for his feelings towards me, but it doesn’t mean that his words didn’t hurt. I wish he could understand that everything I did was for him. I would give my life for things to be different; for us to be different, and to have had the happy ending that I once hoped we would. I hear a loud growl from the bathroom, and I freeze. A groan follows, causing me to listen more intently. More growls come from behind the door, followed by small moans. I cover my mouth and heat ebbs my cheeks. I can hear him perfectly through the thin walls. I-Is he masturbating? How can he be turned on right now? With everything that just happened between us and how lowly he spoke to me, how could he be in the bathroom a few feet from me jerking off? Not too long after, the water in the shower comes on. All is silent behind the door aside from it. I sit on the couch, unsure of what to do. The water of the shower abruptly stops, and the door swings open. Ansel exits, and he tosses a towel my way. “Clean yourself up,” he says dismissively. I can hardly hear him as I stare at his glorious skin. His muscular body and broad shoulders and the perfect inverted triangle shape of his pelvis that peeked through the white cotton of his towel made him look like a god. Beads of water were still in his blond hair that was raked to the back out of his face. His azure blue eyes were misty, and there were drops of water on his eyelashes. His legs were proof that he’d never missed a day working out. Why does he have to be so sexy? The sight of his perfection makes me more aware of how terrible I must look. My clothes are tattered and dirty, and my body is bruised and stained with blood. I know I shouldn’t be thinking about his thoughts of me, but I can’t help it. Right now, compared to him I am rubbish. “Did you hear what I said?” Ansel asks, pulling me from my thoughts. “Yes, sorry,” I murmur. As I stagger towards the bathroom, something enters my mind. “The little wolves that were in the cage with me, are they safe?” I ask. “That’s none of your concern,” he retorts. His closeness makes his pheromones tickle my nose again, and Ada goes wild in excitement. “Focus,” I chide her, and she relaxes a little, though I can still feel her pacing inside. She wants her mate, and if I’m honest, I can’t blame her. “I want to know if they’re alright,” I reply, my defiance returning slightly. His jaw flexes, and he looks down at me, and I realize just how tall he really is. He’s a lot taller than five years ago; where once I reached the tip of his nose, now I only reach his chest. Ansel remains silent for what feels like hours. “They have been rescued,” he says finally. “The gammas have been tasked with finding their families, and those without parents will be sent to orphanages for adoption.” My heart drops. “But what if they are not okay in the orphanages?” Not all of those are safe. Many of the little wolves that had been sold were through under the table deals done through those very places. Ansel watches my face fall more and more, and he shakes his head. “The places that have been selected are legit and well monitored. I will also check in with them monthly to ensure that the children there are given the best lives until they are adopted.” I jump up and down, unable to contain my happiness. A laugh erupts from my throat, and I tilt my head back. Absentmindedly, I speak out loud, “This is amazing.” With everything that they’d been through, I couldn’t bear the thought of the pups suffering more. “Thank you, Ansel,” I say to him genuinely, as I give him a big smile. He nods in return, but his eyes never leave me. His brow is furrowed, as if he’s processing my happiness. “Shit,” he mutters just loud enough that I can hear. An indescribable array of emotions crosses his face, and my breath hitches. What line have I crossed now? He doesn’t look angry with me, but he doesn’t look happy either. “Shit,” he repeats, shaking his head as his face morphs into a look of pure confusion.