Adelina's POV

The Joker was much more attractive in person. I had demons scarier than him. Whatever he did to me, worse had been done. So he did not scare me like he did everyone else in Gotham. Everything about him drew me into him, the chalk white skin, the neon green hair, the piercing blue eyes, the interesting tattoos, and of course the lean yet incredibly muscular body. He of course was much taller than me since I was only five foot, I found it even more sexy though.

I was raised to fear 'good guys', not to trust cops and beware the Batman. I was raised to be a mob boss's trophy wife. To be beautiful, tough, but submissive. I was brought up with the best education, I could speak 6 languages fluently, I cooked cook better than a five star chef, and I was deadly when needed. I was to never be better than the men in my life, but I was, which got me hurt. I wanted to be the best at everything, especially with fighting and weapons. Trust me, I was taught to be 'put in my place' more times than I can remember.

Falcone funded my entire life so it was no surprise that when I turned eighteen, he wanted my parents to pay up. The price being me to his eldest son, who was thirty, Mario. I was to be his perfect wife to look good while he overtook the Gotham underworld. It really is too bad I was left alone for even a minute while at the church. I high tailed it out of there faster than one could say "I do". And why would they look in the abandoned home where all my traumatic memories all started? I hated being here, being here made me shiver. It was forever drafty and this place never contained the warmth that a home should have. But for now, it was safe.

How was I supposed to know the infamous Joker had decided to take up residence here? How was I supposed to know he wanted to keep me just because I decided to be kind and stitch him up instead of let him pass out? How was I supposed to know that he was so fucking sexy that I would have gave him my virginity to him right then and there on an old and dusty couch?

Life really has a way of kicking me when I am down. I finally feel good and enjoying myself with him and then we were RUDELY interrupted and he saw just how disgusting I really was. Just had to ruin my fun, universe, didn't ya? I look awful. I was dreading my wedding night for many reasons and my body being one of those. I was almost certain I had a broken rib and maybe a fractured hip. I was so used to broken bones, internal bleeding, etc. This was my life.

So no, the Joker didn't scare me. I was scared for when the mafia finally found me. That was almost enough to make me run away from the one thing that has ever made me feel good...him.

Speaking of the devil, he walked into my room, well I guess his. I was wearing a black t shirt with no bra since the only one I had was ruined. Maybe I could sew it back up, I would have to take a look. I was also wearing some sweatpants that said Arkham down the side. They were soft from often use and that's why I chose them. I wanted to wear a long sleeve shirt but who cares? He now knows. I may have a pretty face but they sure made sure my body paid the price.

He smirked at my apparel and then flinched when he saw the bruises on my arms. At least it wasn't disgust this time. "I have a doctor on her way to examine you. You may have some broken bones or internal bleeding."

I was surprised and I let it show on my face...I rarely have a doctor brought in. The internal bleeding has to be severe. They typically just reset the bones themselves and let it heal. My body has permanent damage all over. This man doesn't even know me and he is looking out for me.

At my surprise, he continues. "You are mine now. I do not let others hurt what is mine." My heart raced at being called his. I liked it.

"Well I know I have a broken rib and a fractured hip. No internal bleeding though." I tell him.

"Oh and how do you happen to know that?" He asks snidely.

"Because I know what it feels like Mr. Joker. " I tell him. That shuts him up. He recovers though.

"Call me Mr. J." He tells me. Then he gently sits on the end of the bed. I move to get propped up against the pillows with my legs straight out. "Tell me about yourself."

"Hmm I don't know what to say." I tell him.

"Haven't you ever tried to make friends before? Telling them about yourself, getting to know them, the whole shebang." He says as if it is a trifling task.

I raise an eyebrow at him."You want to be my friend Mr.J?" I ask very doubtfully.

"Let's be clear, we are not friends nor will we ever be. You are simply mine. I do what I want with you, when I want, and I will dispose of you when I am through." he says and I am unsurprised by that.

"Looks like I escaped one marriage only to be thrown into another." I accidently spoke what I was thinking. He looked at me shocked and angry.

"Marriage is about love. I have no feeling towards you besides possession. I want to possess every last piece of you." He says slowly and hungrily.

"In what universe does love have to do with marriage?" I ask genuinely confused. No one ever told me that. Even all my history books I devoured supported that the main reason for marriage was power or wealth. Mr. J took a few minutes to assess my seriousness.

"Strange…" He muttered. Then it looks like an idea clicked in his head. "You know what? It just occured to me. What better way to make you mine and make sure no one can take you from me?" He doesn't even wait for my reply. "Marriage! So what do you say darlin, will you be my wife?" He had a mischievous look in his eye.

Why was he even asking? I am kind of stuck here. I guess if I was him I would rather have a willing wife than not. He is attractive at least. He is powerful and more importantly, he could protect me from the mafia, maybe I could be less of a prisoner here, and at least there was no punishment waiting for me. The devil I know or the devil I don't? Fuck it,

"I have one favor, just one. Then I will be your loyal, devoted, and willing trophy wife." I pitch.

"I'll bite, what is the favor?" He asks curious. I mean who would willingly sign their life over to him?

"Will you protect me at all costs from anyone who tries to harm me?" I look at him letting some of my vulnerability show. His mouth opens a bit and he intakes a little air in surprise. I see something in his eyes, maybe it was pity? Then his face bursts out into a smile.

"I promise to protect you from any harm from anyone that is not me." I noticed he excluded himself. I knew it was too good to be true. At that moment, I knew this man was going to hurt me, he was going to make me regret my decision, so I am completely clueless as to why I said what I did.

"Fine, that I can handle." I was starting to think I was a perpetual surprise to him by how often I gave him that expression.

"One month and you shall be mine." He touched my face gently and I couldn't help but lean into it.