Jessa Ch. 08

She knelt next to the chair. "You're not just like Renik. I've seen you with your family. I've seen the love you have for them."

He looked over at her. "With you, I'm just like Renik. I can't control it."

"Why?" she asked. "Why can't you control it with me?"

He took a big swallow of his whiskey. "When I'm around you, everything I feel is so much more intense; anger, fear for you, lust, all of it. It overwhelms me and I have to turn it off."

"Why are you telling me this now?" she asked quietly.

"You will be safer here. Away from my enemies. And away from me. You will bear my children, to please the Council. We can use artificial insemination if you want." He sighed. "I spoke with Gemma." She could see the distaste her name still gave him. "She convinced me there may be a way to pursue this career of yours safely. I asked her to look into it." He pulled the object from his pocket and Jessa could now see that it was a box. "And you will be my wife, with the honor of a Tenth Circle Lady. Before I leave, we will be married." He opened the box and showed her matching gold wedding bands.

"Jacq is like my counterpart here in Paris," he continued. "He will help you, set you up in a safe apartment building. I want you to ask him whenever you need help. Trust no one else, please."

"Torah, I..."

"This is the only way, Jessa. Now shower. Erich will be back soon and I have calls to make."