Page 67 of The Devil of Hollywood

He gestured around the room, but it was the veiled figures aligning the wall that we knew he was referring to.

“Drayton never raped me. My mother… influenced me.”

“With her lies? Her manipulations?”

“Yes.”

The Unavowed nodded. “A victim as well. What it must have been like for you having such a cold mother. Did you remember doing or saying the things you accused him of?”

“Not at first.” Marian’s voice softened. “She drugged me before it happened. Her tricks only worked for so long before I remembered. By then, I was leaving. I was mortified. I… tried to apologize, but the Penningtons wouldn’t take my call. They weren’t taking anyone’s for months. Years. I know; I kept trying on occasion. Maybe they knew it was me.”

“You called?”

She glanced up but continued to stare ahead.

“Of course I did, Drayton. I tried to tell anyone who would listen to the truth. That never went far.”

“Interesting.” The Unavowed looked between us. “And now here we are… family.” He smiled. “Almost. First, the fun. Then, consummation. You see, I had this elaborate little game planned out. I can be a bit theatrical at times. Masks. The fun, bloody stuff. But then my dear Penelope reminded me how tired you all must be. It’s been a long day. So, I thought, how can I tie these two together? How do I get my fun while also forcing you to understand not to fuck with me!”

The last was yelled in my face. The Unavowed straightened, letting out a deep breath.

“You see my dilemma. I don’t think you entirely understand how much you screwed yourself by killing under my roof and then making demands of the one person you should have been begging mercy to. And now you have your wife trying to protect you. But she’s guilty too, so…” His arms locked at his lower back as he stared me down. “Now, you’ll both beg for it.”

Marian’s scream had me spinning to come face to face with Elec, who had a gun against the side of his head. Guards were pulling Marian deeper into the room. I didn’t wait. I surged forward, immediately getting ripped back before I could take two steps.

“Marian! Marian!”

Guards were all over me as two others in blue uniforms were getting forced into the large room at gunpoint as well. The room was turning into chaos as Bram paced not feet away, just as trapped as we were.

“You see, the upside-down crown symbolizes something very dear that was stolen. Those who pledge their loyalty know the risks that come with taking the vows. It’s a very lengthy initiation for Master and guard alike. We have rules. We have guidelines. But you’re marrying into this, Mr. Pennington. You haven’t had the chance to see what others sometimes die trying to get. To disrespect me and break my rules… well… it breaks you.”

Tables were pushed out of the way as Marian was pulled off to the side. The guards were forced to the wall, and I fought against the hands that held me in place.

“If you hurt her any more than she already is. If⁠—”

Pain exploded in my cheek and mouth as The Unavowed smashed his fist into my face.

“One more threat, I don’t make you suffer, I make her. She doesn’t need her tongue to conceive an heir. She doesn’t need fingers or toes. She doesn’t need arms or legs. I will take a body part from your wife for every time you think to threaten me. If you don’t believe me, try. Threaten and watch me act. The only one who is going to lose here is you.”

“Unavowed, this was not part of the plan. You’re walking a line you really don’t want to cross.”

“A line?” He shrugged to Bram, smiling. “I see no line, only what is my right. I’m breaking no rules. This man killed one of my guards. He wants the death of two others. Do you know the cost of blood? My blood? Those guards are mine. They’ve given their life to me. So… you want a piece of me dead. Fine. But nothing is easy. Mr. Pennington and I made a deal. I’m collecting on it. Mrs. Pennington volunteered to take his place. Ask her. This,” he said, waving his hands around the room to all the guards, “is just for everyone’s safety. See, I’m being nice. I’m being a good host.”

“Penelope.” He turned, seeming to calm. He cupped her face, his eyes softening as he looked down. “You will follow my orders as before. Go to our room and ready yourself for bed. I will be there when we are finished.”

“May I—Can I …” His lids narrowed, and I knew from his look that her asking anything wasn’t what he wanted. “I didn’t get to spend time with Marian like you said. Can I at least tell her goodbye?”

Silence.

The Unavowed looked towards Marian, only to bring his focus down on Penny.

“Do you think that is wise?”

Her eyes flickered down only to lift back to his. “For my training… yes. I have to say goodbye.”

Defiance. Even a spark of anger flickered in her depths.

“Make it quick.”