Ravaged: Love Unleashed, #3

By Kayci Morgan

Cydale, a blacksmith's son, spends years being tormented for the amusement of a sadistic young lord until the day Aiden declares his love and intent to win him. Even if Cydale could trust his former tormentor, Aiden's father would have him killed before allowing his son to be with a commoner. Death may be the only way for him to escape the whims of Aiden and his father.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kayci Morgan
• Release date: Mar 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393517511

Kayci Morgan

Kayci Morgan has had a passion for romance and fantasy for as long as she can remember. She lives in Chicago with her family. In her cozy apartment, she spends endless nights tapping away at her keyboard and playing computer games unheard of by normal people. Her English Literature degree serves as a superb coaster for her 20oz mug of coffee. Follow her sleep deprived ramblings at her website: http://www.kaycimorgan.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kcmwriter Twitter: @kaycimorgan

Book preview

1

Istood with my back pressed against a sycamore tree, betraying myself and my honor. Aiden’s lips were surprisingly soft. I always imagined they’d be hard, like his soul. My muscles tensed. I knew I should push him away, but something stopped me. Possibly curiosity. This wasn’t like his other games. No blood. No pain. I had no clue why he kissed me, only that some pitiful, pathetic part of me enjoyed it.

Cydale, he whispered my name so sweetly as he moved to kiss my jaw, I could almost forget who he was and what he’d done to me. But as his fingers began to unlace my trousers I knew I had to stop him. He’d take me in the courtyard like some slave boy and that’s exactly how everyone would see me from then on. Most people already thought of me as little more than Aiden’s toy and if I allowed him to continue, their perceptions would become truth. As my lord he could command me to do a lot of things, but this wasn’t one of them.

I grabbed his wrists and whispered, Stop, my lord. He pulled his hands free of mine and continued on as if I hadn’t spoken. I grabbed him again, this time more forcefully, I said, stop.

Aiden grinned as if my defiance was exactly what he wanted. He worked free of my grip once again, but this time he tore open my shirt. I tried to push him away but my struggling seemed to increase his enjoyment. I knew this was his latest amusement, but I wasn't going to be his victim. Aiden was stronger and faster than I was, but I had more at stake. As he wrestled me to the ground, I stopped at nothing to free myself. I kicked at him and tore at his throat with my teeth like a wild animal. Through my utter panic I swore I heard him laugh. With the force of all my hatred, I punched him in the face hard enough to throw him off me.

He leaned against a rock, tentatively touching his reddening cheek and smiling, You could have simply refused, you know.

I clutched my fists at my sides. That was my refusal.

I don’t get why you are being so difficult about this.

You don’t get why I don’t want you taking me like a woman? You don’t understand why I might have some pride left? Of course, you don’t. You can’t see past your own base needs.

Aiden took a step towards me. Base needs? You haven’t been listening to me at all, have you? I’ve fallen in love with you, Cydale.

I took a step back. Lies. You’d say anything to get what you want.

While that’s true, I’m not lying about this. I really am in love with you. What can I do to prove it?

Nothing. You can’t be in love with me because love requires you to put others before yourself. Something you’re incapable of.

Is this because I used to pick on you when we were kids? How about I let you do to me everything I did to you and then we’ll be even.

Picked on? You tortured me. And if I did half the things to you that you’ve done to me, I’d be executed.

Never. I’ll always protect you. Aiden took another step towards me, and then knelt down in front of me. Don’t you see? When it comes to my heart, you’re the lord and I’m your helpless, devoted slave.

My