“And while, yes, you might need me,” she went on, “I feel it necessary to point out here that I require nothing from you. I derive no benefit from helping you; only harm.” “What if”—he took a deep, measured breath—“what if I made it worth your while?” “What? How?” “My mother offered you a deal, which you accepted,” he said. “I’ll offer you a better one.” She gaped at him. “You’re asking me to double-cross your mother? Heavens, but you’re a very strange family.” “Marry me,” Cyrus said, a spark of heat in his eyes. “Become my queen just long enough to sate the devil’s demands. Once he’s
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