Caged (Dark Empire #2)

Four.

Ashlee

The past week had been a slow, torturous crawl, and without Hannah and Grace’s visits, I would have descended into madness. Even Mags, usually a constant presence, had only visited once, his absence gnawing at my sanity. His brief visit left me craving more of his company, and his sudden disappearance left a void. When I pressed Ethan for answers, he only offered vague reassurances, further fuelling my frustration and anxiety.

The one small mercy was that the pain in my shoulder had started to fade. Though it still throbbed, I could finally move it again, and the skin was healing nicely. Ethan had carefully removed the stitches yesterday, his touch gentle yet firm, and I was relieved to see no signs of infection. Despite the physical progress, the emotional turmoil of Mags’ absence lingered, casting a shadow over any sense of relief.

“Get dressed, Ash,” Ethan strolled into the sitting room.

“Why?”

“We're going to the club.”

"I thought I wasn't working." I frowned, torn between enjoying my job and the unexpected pleasure of time off. I was certain I had another week off, plus I was still healing.

Ethan's chuckle was low. "We're just visiting. I need to sign some forms."

"Oh," I replied, suspicion curling in my stomach. "Why do I need to come with you?"

His eyes darkened, a flicker of impatience crossing his face. "Because I don’t want to leave you alone. Just do as you're told, for once, please. I'm not in the mood for an attitude."

"Fine," I muttered, feeling the tension crackle in the air between us. I’d spent most of the week lounging in pyjamas and sweatpants, savouring the rare tranquillity. Reluctantly, I changed into jeans and a top and met Ethan downstairs by the front door.

"You need a coat. It’s cold and raining outside today."

"I don’t own a coat," I mumbled, bracing myself for his reaction. "I was using yours before."

His eyebrows furrowed, a flash of protectiveness softening his stern expression. "We'll be rectifying that. I won't have you getting sick." He grabbed one of his black wool coats, holding it out for me. The fabric was heavy and warm as it enveloped me, its scent distinctly Ethan.

With December nearly upon us, the cold was biting, but I'd always survived winters in hoodies and jumpers. Still, the weight of his coat felt like a shield against the world outside. I’d managed without for all these years though.

“You don’t need to buy me one,” I muttered stubbornly.

“This is non-negotiable, and don't argue with me otherwise I'll punish you. If my hand doesn’t teach you a lesson, I'm sure that my belt will.”

My eyes widened in shock. I wasn't sure whether to be excited or scared. I trusted Ethan not to really hurt me, but his palm stung like a bitch so I could only imagine what his belt would feel like.

I had to admit that his coat was warm, but buying my own was still unnecessary. He rushed me to his car like the rain was going to harm me if I was exposed to it for longer than necessary.

Ethan had changed since our wedding. He was far more protective and controlling, and I wasn't sure how I felt about it. I loved his devotion and attention, but I also didn't want to be caged again.

It didn’t take long for us to arrive at The Dungeon. Once again, Ethan ushered me inside as quickly as possible.

“The rain won't hurt me,” I hissed.

“I don’t care whether it will or won't. Don’t argue with me, Ashlee.”

I rolled my eyes as I glanced around at the busy club. It was a Friday night so the place was packed.

Then a hand suddenly wrapped around my throat, forcing my back against the wall. “Don’t roll your eyes at me, sweetheart.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I muttered.

He squeezed slightly. “I mean it. You're well on your way to earning a spanking.”

My jaw clamped tight.

“You may be my wife, but that doesn’t mean that you can now disrespect or argue with me. When I tell you to do something, you do it.”

I didn’t say anything, but I was beginning to get angry.

“Now I have some forms to sign and then we'll be going.”

“Can I stay out here?” I croaked.

Ethan released my throat with a scowl. “No.”

“I just want to chat to Diana at the bar. You don’t control me, Ethan.”

“You’re my wife-”

“Which doesn’t give you the right to control me. I'm not your fucking prisoner. This isn't going to work if you take away my freedom again.”

“Ashlee-”

“No,” I snapped, my resolve shattering. “I can't live like this!”

“Sweetheart-”

“Now I'm going to chat to Diana and don’t you dare stop me.” I cut him off and walked away before he could argue. I loved him and I accepted that he was a naturally dominating and controlling man, but this was getting out of hand. We were married and I wasn't his captive anymore.

Did he still not trust me fully? The prospect of that actually hurt.

“Ashlee!” Diana grinned as I reached the bar.

“Hey!”

“What the hell are you doing here? Aren't you meant to be on your honeymoon?”

“We are, but something happened and it's been delayed.” I didn’t have a clue when we were going and I couldn’t exactly tell her that I was shot while having our first dance.

“So, how was the wedding? How's married life treating you?” She asked while pouring a round of drinks.

“It was great,” I said with a smile.

Until I was shot.

The day had been perfect up until then.

“And it’s been fine.”

She paused and looked at me with a raised eyebrow. “Just fine? You're a newlywed and the best you can say is fine.”

I chuckled. “I love him and we're happy. Ethan's just... Ethan. He's protective and will barely let me out of his sight, plus he keeps bossing me around.”

She chuckled. “That doesn’t surprise me. He's been bossing you around since the day you arrived.”

She wasn't wrong. “Yeah, well, we're married now. He can't control me and this is getting ridiculous.”

She laughed again. “It sounds like you need a drink.”

I chuckled. “Please.” She made me a fancy cocktail which was just what I needed.

I sipped it while she delivered a few drinks to some tables, and then she leaned against the bar. “I'm surprised to see you both here without Magnus.”

“We haven't seen much of him this week,” I mumbled.

Which sucked. I was missing him.

“Probably giving you two some time alone.”

I nodded, although I didn’t believe that was the case. At the wedding, he'd told Ethan that he was only getting one night to hog me. Besides the one visit near the beginning of the week, he'd been completely absent. It was unusual.

Maybe he doesn’t like me now that I'm married.

I swallowed a lump in my throat and sipped my drink. “Tell me what's been happening here. There must be some gossip.” I changed the subject. If I allowed my thoughts to dwell on the possible reasons Mags was avoiding us, I'd drive myself into a deep pool of despair.

Diana grinned. “You have no idea, girl. Ethan's absence sure makes a difference.

I pretended to listen as she launched into a tale about Amber and Sandy's explosive fight over a wealthy client's demand for a private dance. I nodded, feigning interest, but my mind was consumed with thoughts of Magnus and his sudden distance. Doubts gnawed at me, whispering that he might not want me anymore, leaving a gaping void in my heart.