Page 103 of Reckless Vow

“It’s just an old tee.” But before she shrugs, she tenses for long enough to show it’s not just an old T-shirt.

“You used to wear an extra large?”

She slides under the covers. “I think you need to talk to Baldo, and if he doesn’t explain why he had an engagement ring on standby, why he never came back for you, and what is going on in his head now, you should set clear rules for your marriage, so you can survive the year.”

Still curious about the original owner of that T-shirt, I snort. “You think clear, straightforward communication is the way to go? It sounds so adult and boring.”

“It wouldn’t make for good TV, that’s for sure.”

“In any case, there is no future for us. Dad would have a heart attack, and his health is feeble as it is. No need to add stress. I’ve just gotten back and found my place with them, and I’m scared the two of us together would shatter that.”

“Brook, you’re taking responsibility for other people’s reactions again. You need to be more selfish. Yes, the two of you would be a shock for your family. But they would get over it.”

“Like your parents?”

When Saar’s brothers, Finn and Caleb, orchestrated a hostile takeover of their father’s firm, Saar supported them. Their parents stopped speaking to all of them.

“That’s different. My parents have always considered me and my brothers property to carve into their liking, to fulfill their dreams. They never loved me as much as yours. Love always wins.”

“Do you really believe that about love?”

“God, no.”

I chuckle. “Thank you for your pep talk, then.”

“I’ve been fucked up by my family dynamics, but your parents love you and they will understand.”

I sigh. “Life is unfair.”

“But full of fun.”

“I think if I’m with him for only one year, he can be mute, and I’ll take all the O’s I can. Why do I complicate things and want more?” I groan. “It’s funny how he insists on clear communication when it comes to sex, but outside of the bedroom he’s a closed book. I had to choose a safe word.”

Saar groans. “I need to get laid.”

We both giggle, then fall silent.

The problem is, I’m not sure I truly want Baldo to open up, because a part of me fears his rejection.

He wanted sex with me, but perhaps only because I opened that door with my drunken propositioning.

And as he pointed out, he is stuck with me for a year. Maybe sex with me is like his Maserati. Something to enjoy while he bides his time.

But his actions, the way he takes care of me… I can’t be just an easy lay. Can I?

A woman’s pleasure turns him on. Is his generosity just his normal MO, not special to me?

And where the hell did he go?

Against a background of Saar’s soft snores, I stare into the night, waiting for sleep to claim me, while dark intense eyes, brawny arms and a rare but alluring grin flicker through my mind.

* * *

A sound drills into my brain with relentless tenacity. It infiltrates my foggy mind and I pull my pillow over my head.

But it does nothing to cease the ringing attack.

“What the fuck?” Saar’s voice pulls me to reality. “Is that your phone?”

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