“Do you think that low of me? That I would kill her for saying no to one of my guards?”
Do I? He isn’t all that fond of Marie, and his men are above the maids and cooks.
He sighs. “I can tell by the look on your face that you believe I would’ve killed her.”
“I’m sorry. You don’t exactly like Marie, and I was afraid for her. I wasn’t leaving you. I swear. I want to be here with you.”
There is a long moment of silence, and I wonder what he’s thinking. Running a hand through his sweaty hair, he stares at me, his gaze penetrating. “You should’ve come to me and told me what happened. All that leaving did was put you in danger. What if I hadn’t got a call? I never would’ve found you, and god knows what could’ve happened.” The anguish in his voice clings to my skin.
“I know. I’m sorry,” I apologize almost shamefully.
“I know you are. I can see it in your eyes, and that is the only reason you’re not shackled to the bed, and I’m not spanking your ass until it’s pink and sore. I understand that you were afraid, but I am your husband, and enough bad things have happened to you recently. I can’t risk losing you. You’re more important to me than you think. When I discovered you were gone… betrayal sliced through me, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe.”
Reaching for his hand, I grasp onto it and squeeze. “I wasn’t leaving, Julian.”
“I know…” he brings my hand to his lips and brushes them against my knuckles. “Do not do something like that again. I’m not sure I’ll be able to withstand it.”
“I’m not sure our furniture will withstand it either. Look at this room.”
“They are just things. I do want to look at you. Your hand and you eye to be more specific.”
“It’s fine. It’s just a cut and a bruise.” My hand stopped bleeding a long time ago, and with everything going on, I totally forgot about it. “It doesn’t even hurt anymore.”
“You know if Clyde wasn’t already dead, I would have killed him from touching you.”
“I know…”
40
Julian
We left the next day. The honeymoon was tainted, and there was no way either one of us could enjoy the rest of it. She said she didn’t intend to leave me, and I believe her, but she still didn’t trust me enough to protect her and Marie from my rogue guard. She put herself in danger to protect her friend, and I wasn’t okay with that. It made me feel inadequate as a husband.
We flew back home, and now we’re settling in as newlyweds.
Elena is still mad at me for firing Marie, and I’m actually thinking about rehiring her just to make my wife smile again.
As promised, I gave Elena some freedoms, but not nearly enough to keep her happy. I let her walk around the house as she wishes but only with two guards or me by her side. She uses that freedom to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, watching Celeste cook, chatting with her about music, movies, and desserts. She lacks the spark of joy that makes her who she is, and I can see it from a mile away.
I know Elena is seeking normality. She just wants to act and live like a normal person, but unfortunately, this is not something I can easily give her. I can’t have her be unprotected, ever. Her father is still out there, and just like any criminal, I have a long line of enemies waiting to find my one true weakness.
Like most days, I find her in the library after I’m done working for the day. She is curled up on one of the chaise lounges, her nose buried deep in a book. It’s usually a romance novel that she prefers to read, but occasionally, I’ll see her with a thriller. Her need to read and expand her mind only makes me want her all the more.
When she notices my presence, she closes the book and drops it on her lap while her lips turn into a frown like she is disappointed to see me. I would be offended if I wasn’t sure it’s fake. Even when she is pissed at me, she seeks my body, cuddles into me at night, melts into my touch, and moans when I steal a kiss. Part of the way she acts is fake, but part of it is real too. She misses Marie and wants to be free, but she never will be.
“Don’t pout, my wife. A smile becomes you much better.”
“Then give me something to smile about,” she quips. “Take me on a date.”
I raise my eyebrows at her. “A date? You know I don’t do those.”
“Then, I have nothing to smile about,” she says almost dramatically. Her frown deepens, and I almost roll my eyes at her. She is showing her young age right now, and I’d laugh if I knew I wouldn’t get a book thrown at my face.
“Fine, I’ll take you on a date,” I agree before I can come to my senses.
Now it’s her eyebrows that are shooting up with surprise. “Like a real date? You’re going to take me on a real date, like the kind that a normal couple would go on?”
“I don’t know what you consider to be normal, but yes, if that’s what will make you happy–”
“Yes!” She jumps up from her seat and rushes forward and into my arms. “Can we go right now?”
“I guess now is as good a time as any.” Worry worms its way through my body, and I have to tell myself to calm down. It’s just a date. What the hell could possibly happen?
The hostess leads us to a secluded table in the darkest corner of the restaurant, just as I asked. I keep Elena’s hand wrapped up in my own, pulling her close to my side. I’ve got two guns strapped to the inside of my jacket, and a knife at each ankle. I might be overly prepared, but if something does happen, I want to know that I can protect us.
Elena is beaming, smiling from ear to ear. She chose a simple but elegant dress for dinner, and I haven’t been able to keep my eyes off her.
“Does this match up with your idea of a date?”
“Yes! It’s perfect.” Her eyes gleam with joy, and I find my own lips tipping up at the sides.
The waitress comes over, and I order food for both of us, along with a bottle of wine. When she walks away, leaving us alone, I turn my attention back to Elena.
“I thought if it would make you happy, maybe Marie could return to the mansion, and work for me. I know you miss her, and if it makes you return to your normal self.”
Elena giggles, and the sound zings straight to my cock. “Are you bargaining with me, husband?”
“It’s not a bargain. All I want is for you to be happy. She obviously makes you happy. Therefore, I will have her brought back to the mansion.”
“I would love that. I won’t lie. I was really angry when you ended our honeymoon and sent her away.” She peers down at the tablecloth as if she’s too ashamed to look at me.
“I’ll make it up to you,” I promise, and the waitress walks in with the bottle of wine, then. She pours us two glasses and leaves the bottle sitting in a bath of ice on the table.
“To new beginnings,” I toast, staring into Elena’s dark green eyes.
Our glasses clink together, and my gaze is drawn to her full pink lips as they touch the rim of the wine glass. I want to taste them, bite them, mark her, so everyone knows she is mine. The possessiveness I feel toward her is something I doubt will ever fade.