God of Pain (Legacy of Gods #2) by Rina Kent

If I say no, I’m punished.

If I defy him, I’m also punished.

If he feels like I’m being a brat? Yeah, that one gets me in deep trouble.

Sometimes, it seems that his immaculate control is his way to keeping parts of him sealed inside.

That theory has been getting more plausible the further he deepens my punishment whenever he feels a rebellion building inside me.

After that kiss, I felt a wall between us had been demolished. The sad news is that I’m discovering more and more walls.

It’s like he’s keeping me an arm’s length away, far enough to not peek at his true nature.

Beyond the sadist who can’t feel pleasure without inflicting pain, I mean.

Which is why I’ve been pushing to get him out of his comfort zone. And that’s basically by demanding dates. Yes, I get punished for them, but it’s worth it.

At first, we often met up on the roof of the shelter and had lunch, but Jeremy loosened the security last week.

No more guards follow me around and I don’t have to look over my shoulder. I even go to hang out with the girls—still not at the stage where I spend nights at the dorm, though.

I had to put my foot down for my freedom, called Papa and Mom, and told them I was going to run away if they keep shackling me.

“That is, if you can run away,” is what Papa said matter-of-factly, but then he told Jeremy to grant me freedom.

Papa is all about tough love, I tell you.

But anyway, after gaining my long-awaited freedom, Creighton and I went out to see a movie, and he surprisingly didn’t fall asleep during it.

We also went jogging up the mountains, or more like he dragged me up. What? I don’t like hiking. That’s what it’s called. It’s not jogging, it’s damn hiking.

He just smiled and shook his head as I struggled, turned red, and demanded a break every ten minutes.

The discomfort may have been worth it since I got to see his smile. They’re as rare as special editions and have the ability to cause heart issues. So maybe it’s a blessing that he doesn’t show them often.

Besides, I don’t want to share them or him.

But I kind of have to today.

Ava, Cecily, and I have gone to the fight club. This is where REU and The King’s U students beat each other up. They even have a championship for it. It’s like a venting outlet for all the rivalries they have going on.

Since the Heathens are regulars in the championship, Jeremy made it blatantly clear that I’m not allowed here.

The last time he found me, he escorted me out before I even watched any fighting and put me under house arrest.

So I had to sneak in this time. I made sure to wear an oversized hoodie, hide my hair, and even put on sunglasses.

My vision isn’t the best, considering it’s nighttime and the glaring lights, but it’s better than being kicked out before I can watch Creighton fight in the semifinals against none other than Nikolai.

The same Nikolai who always appears ready to fuck up someone’s face and end another person’s life.

“Have you guys tried to stop him?” I ask the girls with a half-spooked voice.

“No one can stop Creighton from fighting,” Cecily says.

“Not even Uncle Aiden.” Ava gets on her tiptoes to get a better view of the crowd. “And Uncle Aiden is, like, the most ruthless person I know, no kidding.”

“Maybe he got his ruthlessness from his father?” I ask, catching a glimpse of Creighton talking to Remi on the side of the ring, or more like listening as Remi does all the talking.

He’s only wearing black shorts, putting his physique and the spider tattoo on display. And I can’t help watching it closely, getting lost in the striking details.

I’ve seen more models than I could count, but in my eyes, Creighton is the most beautiful man alive.

And yes, I’m biased.

“Nope,” Cecily says. “Uncle Aiden isn’t violent. Not even close. He’s just calculative and methodical to a fault.”

“Totes, but he can become violent if need be. Dad always says he can’t believe Creigh is Uncle Aiden’s son. Like, he’s so sweet and well-mannered and actually fits Dad’s personality.”

Sweet? I stare at Ava, dumbfounded. Are we talking about the same Creighton or does he somehow have a twin?

Cecily smirks. “Yeah, your father obviously prefers Creigh over his older brother.”

“Shh. Don’t bring up bad mojo when I’m having fun.” She points at Cecily’s T-shirt that says, Violence isn’t the answer. Violence is the question, and the answer is yes. “And you totally came here for fun.”

“You’re the one who bought me this.”

“Looks perfect on you.” She grins. “I should’ve made that wuss Glyn wear it. Can’t believe she ditched us again.”

“Doesn’t she hate violence?” I supply.

“More like she’s more interested in Killian. I’m rooting for her, though. That girl needed to get shagged a long time ago.”

“Still wish that she’d gotten with someone other than a student from The King’s U,” Cecily mutters under her breath, then smiles at me. “No offense.”

“None taken.” I wave a hand absentmindedly while focused on Creighton.

On the other side of the ring, Nikolai flings his arms out and tilts his head back, eyes closed.