They Echo Me

55. Emma

"Oh my God. Why did you drink all that?? I can't fucking carry you! Did you read my notebook? Are you mad? Because I was going to—I just meant for you to have a li—"

"I'm not mad. Like I said, I understand. I fucked up one too many times, and we can't move past that yet. Even getting these women new homes isn't going to erase the fact that I hurt you. I might be a little bit of a sadist, but I'm not a fucking moron, Em.

"Also, I'm a control freak, as you should certainly know by now. You think you can be that obvious about trying to hide your notebook, and I'm not going to read it?"

My mouth gaped like a fish out of water; I didn't know whether I was more angry or embarrassed right now.

Or whether I could still go through with this without the element of surprise... Knowing that he was basically giving me permission to unleash my wrath on him. Which is not at all what I fucking wanted.

For the better part of the last two days, I'd been avoiding Daniel, ignoring all his kind gestures and obvious attempts at earning my forgiveness. I didn't allow him to seduce me, but truthfully, he didn't even try that hard.

He gave me space, didn't touch me inappropriately, didn't probe when I was struggling to keep up with conversations, struggling to act normal.

He was just...patient. And understanding. And kind. And gentle. And respectful.

And fucking infuriating!

Every hour, it got a little harder to remember how angry I was only an hour prior. Or how angry I was supposed to be. I wished I could go talk to Elizabeth or call another emergency meeting, soak up some of the other wives' angst and remind myself of everything Daniel had put me through.

I wasn't sure what his angle was. Why he was suddenly being so freaking nice. Possibly even more nice than how he'd been when I met him all those years ago, the day of our fake wedding.

There had to be a catch or a game or something.

And pondering his intentions only made me more nervous, more aloof, quieter, more easily distracted...

But now I knew why.

"Daniel, we don't know exactly what's in the tea, though! I still might need you to help—"

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, please disrobe and kneel, so we may praise The Great Spirit and thank Him for allowing us to freely, passionately, and joyfully spread and receive pure, unrestrained love and good Light. Should you fall pregnant after our coupling today, know that you and your baby will be blessed, and you will be filled with good Light and wisdom...for the remainder of your pregnancy."

All the couples in attendance—besides me and Daniel—began removing their clothes. Left and right, breasts, testicles and thick erections were bouncing free. Several of the ladies from the club were undressing a little slower than the people around them, probably hoping the effects of the new tea would kick in soon.

But before long, even they were fully nude.

I tried to just keep my eyes on Allen, who was at least wearing a long robe, although I could see a massive erection growing underneath. I didn't want to see any of my siblings right now. I honestly had no idea how they attended these ceremonies every month, knowing there could be family members in attendance.

Praise The Great Spirit that my parents never attended these.

As everyone began to chant and sing their praises, I peeked up at Daniel who was taking everything in, somehow looking even more horrified than I was...and maybe just slightly drunk.