reviews_and_ramblings | Excerpt Day: Marry Me or Die by D.J. Manly

Marry Me or Die by D.J. Manly
Release Date: Apr 3, 2009
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Publisher Link: http://www.extasybooks.net/ebjmsite/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=34&flypage=ebook_flypage&product_id=5291&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=44

Blurb: Silus knew that as soon as power changed hands, as it was foretold, he would be considered a criminal. The new emperor decreed that all persons over eighteen must have a permanent mate as monogamy was the backbone of society. Silus didn’t believe in monogamy and love was just some social construct created by poets. He would fight until they caught him and dragged him before his judge. Judgment day for Silus, came sooner than he thought. And the news was grave. Silus was considered a threat to all good couples everywhere and sentenced to death. His judge, Crash, the emperor’s son had a problem. He was going to be eighteen and was still unmarried. When Silus was brought before him, Crash was suddenly possessed by lust. Mesmerized by this bad boy’s beauty, he saw a quick and pleasurable solution to his problem. He would give Silus an ultimatum, marry me or die.

Excerpt:

The day dragged on in the jail cell. Silus asked the guards several times about his right to a phone call. "I want to see a lawyer. I have a right to."

"Those rights have been suspended," the guard finally told him. "Now shut up. If you´re lucky, you´ll stand trail today, if not, you will have to wait until tomorrow."

He´d sunk back down into that little corner and tried to sleep, but that was next to impossible, what with all the chaos around him. He had already had seven marriage proposals. When the guards finally came for him, the prisoner coming out of the room, said to him, "Don´t worry, just act like you want to reform, and you´ll go to the holiday prison. Lot´s of action there. One big party."

Silus just stared at him, stumbling some when the guard pushed him into the room. He blinked when he walked in. There was a big spotlight in the middle of the barren room. Up front was some kind of podium and desk. He couldn´t see who was behind it, but he knew someone was there. For a moment, everything was silent. He waited.

"Guard," a voice said, male, obviously young, "leave us,." he said.

The guard nodded and left the room.

"Silus," the voice spoke, "I like that name."

Silus scowled. "You like my name?"

"Um. Silus Daniel Phelps. I see you´re twenty-four years old, six two, one eighty, dark hair, dark eyes."

The voice seemed to fade out. Silus folded his arms across his chest. "You do realise that what you are doing here, is barbaric."

"Yes, and it´s about to get more barbaric. Take off your clothes."

"What?"

"Your clothes, get them off, everything. Naked. Now."

"Why do I have to take off my clothes?"

"Because, I said so."

"And if I refuse?"

"I´ll send for the soldiers and they´ll do it for you. They´ll rip them right off you. It´s better if you do it. Now, go ahead."

With a sigh, Silus took off his shirt, his pants, underwear, shoes and socks. He held them awkwardly in front of him, perplexed.

"Throw them over there on the floor."

Silus did as he was asked. The way he saw it, he didn´t have much choice, did he?

Again, silence.

"Hello," he said, shielding his eyes against the glare of that light. "I believe I have a right to counsel. Why have I been denied the right to a phone call?"

"You have no rights. You will do what we tell you. Do you realise that you are a candidate for execution?"

"Just fucking great, and why´s that?"

"The computer almost busted a component on your file. It says you´ve had too many lovers to count, all men. So, you prefer men I take it."

"You tell me. You seem to know all about me. And what great authority told you I have had too many lovers to count?"

"It´s in your file. Apparently, many of your former lovers were eager to testify."

"I bet."

"Not only that, the computer estimates how many lovers you´ve had based on many variables. It´s accurate without a margin or error of point six. Computers today are...-"

"You needn´t explain. Computers are my job."

"Oh, yes, you´re right."

"And I know all about statistical probability. One can prove any thing with numbers."

"So, why don´t you believe in love, Silus?"

Silus sighed. "It´s bullshit."

"So, you´d rather die than marry?"

"I´d rather not set myself up for a big deception."

"I see. Would you be willing to go to the matching center and enter your information?"

"No."

"So just how many men have you slept with, Silus?"

"Too many to count, just like the computer says, and, secondly, none of your fucking business."

There was a sudden burst of laughter.

"Is this a joke? I don´t share your humour."

"Of course you don´t. But I assure you, it´s not a joke. I find you amusing, not to mention, devastatingly beautiful. You must have them at your feet, these lovers you can´t keep track of. I can understand why you don´t need to settle for one."

Silus was speechless.

"Put your hands behind your head and turn around."

"You got to be kidding."