To Marry A Monster (by Brey Mitchell) novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Chapter 45

ATASHA’S POV

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“Why didn’t you stop them from eating it?” I snapped the moment the door shut behind us. The dining hall was now two corridors behind us, and the silence in the guest room felt almost suffocating in comparison. “My-“I paused, catching myself, breath short. “Your men. You could’ve warned them.”

Cassian didn’t respond.

He walked calmly toward the wide table by the window, removed his cloak, and tossed it over the back of a chair like he hadn’t just consumed a potentially lethal meal. He looked almost amused, which only made my jaw clench harder.

I stood near the door, arms rigid at my sides, watching him as he poured himself a glass of water from the decanter on the table. He took a sip, then turned slightly, that same smirk still tugging at the corner of his mouth.

He wasn’t worried.

That infuriated me.

I marched across the room toward him, stopping just a few feet away. “It’s a slow–acting poison,” I said tightly. “There are no early symptoms. But it’ll start soon, weakness, delayed healing. You know what that means, don’t you?”

Of course, he did.

I didn’t even need to say it.

If anyone were ambushed tonight, or even tomorrow, they wouldn’t heal fast enough to survive it. And he knew that. He had probably known it before I even tasted the food.

I shook my head, trying to keep my voice even. “Remove your shirt,” I said, stepping forward. “I need to heal you before the damage spreads further.”

Still, he didn’t move.

His gaze dropped to mine. Then that damn smirk deepened. “You’ve changed,” he said, the

tone too casual to be innocent.

I froze. My heart skipped.

“What?” I asked, confused, caught off guard by the shift in tone.

11:14 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 45

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“You’re starting to sound like a wife,” he added, almost teasing. “Nagging. Sharp and commanding.”

My eyes widened. I flinched back slightly. Damn it. I was nagging!

The realization sank into my stomach like a stone. I immediately dropped my gaze, embarrassed. “I wasn’t-”

He moved.

I didn’t even hear his footsteps, but suddenly he was in front of me. One hand came up, and his fingers brushed beneath my chin. Gently, but firmly, he tilted my head up.

“Don’t look away when I’m talking to you,” he said.

His voice cut straight through me.

I tried to breathe, but the heat radiating from him made my thoughts blur.

His fingers stayed under my chin, holding me there, forcing me to meet his eyes. They weren’t cold like earlier. They weren’t even smug. Just… intense. I swallowed.

His gaze lingered on my mouth a second too long. I knew what that kind of look meant.

The space between us was shrinking with every breath. My skin prickled, but I didn’t step back.

I didn’t dare.

“Remove your shirt,” I repeated, quieter this time.

I wasn’t sure if I said it for him… or for myself.

He didn’t answer right away.

Instead, his gaze dropped to my lips, and before I could react or process what was happening, he leaned in and pressed his mouth against mine. It was just a kiss, brief, almost hesitant, and over in seconds. But the contact sent a jolt through me strong enough to steal the air from my Jungs.

My eyes flew open, and I froze, not because I was afraid… but because I didn’t see it coming.

It wasn’t rough or demanding. It wasn’t like the last time he kissed me in front of everyone to assert control. No. This one was different. It was almost like he was testing me.

And it worked.

11:14 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 45

My throat tightened, and I stood there, too stunned to move.

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He pulled back just enough to look me in the eye, the corner of his mouth curling into the barest smirk. He didn’t say a word.

I swallowed, hard. My skin felt warmer than it should have. Goddess, I must be blushing!

This man, the same one who had once grabbed me by the throat and nearly ended my life, was now standing inches from me, unarmed, half smiling, and completely in control of the air between us.

Was this the same Lord Cassian who had dragged me into this political farce?

Was this still the war–hardened killer who looked at me like I was disposable when we first met?

I didn’t recognize him in that moment.

After what felt like forever, he suddenly stepped back, just enough to put a sliver of distance between us. Then he lifted both of his arms slightly, palms open at his sides, posture relaxed and unbothered.

“Will you do the honor?” he asked, his tone smooth and dry, like he already knew I would.

My breath caught, but I didn’t say anything.

Instead, I stepped closer.

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