Page 47 of Ruthless King

“But you seem frustrated.”

“I’m fine.” He gently touches my knee. “I am. Am I a little disappointed not to be having sex with my beautiful wife? Yes. But I have no desire to hurt you.”

“But you wanted a wife of convenience. One who could give you children. If we’re not having sex, I can’t give you children.”

“You’ll get there in time.”

But what if I can’t? I don’t ask the question. It would only make this night even more sad.

“Now, come here,” Nico says, pulling me back against him. “We’re here to watch the movie. Let’s watch.”

Even though he’s pretending he’s all right, I can tell he’s not. Nico may be sweet now, but how long will he be sweet when his patience is tested? Will he continue to be a good man?

Or will I finally see the monstrous side Beatrice told me about?

Nico and I decide to go on another date. The sane part of my brain tells me I shouldn’t. That the more I spend going on dates with Nico, the more I’ll care for him.

But the irrational part of my brain doesn’t care. I like being around Nico when he smiles at me and holds my hand and shows me gentleness. I’m finding that the more he does it, the more I crave it.

The date this time is to an art gallery. We hold hands as we walk around, taking in all the paintings and sculptures.

“That one is particularly egregious,” Nico says, pointing at a sculpture of a man giving birth. The man’s eyes are scrunched in pain as he holds his hands down between his legs, catching the baby coming out of his body.

“What would make someone want to make a sculpture like that?” I ask.

“I don’t know, but I’m afraid to meet them.”

His joke makes me smile. Once again, I’m amazed at how at ease I am around Nico. We feel like a normal married couple.

“Can you imagine giving birth?” I ask.

“God, no. And I’m glad I never have to.”

My smile dips a little. Will I ever have children? Will I even survive long enough to have kids?

“But I'll be right beside you when you give birth to our children someday,” he says.

“That’s good. I wouldn’t want to do it alone.”

“I don’t want you to feel alone, Aurora. Ever.”

God, my heart. This man will make me fall in love with him when I’m supposed to be doing the opposite.

“Having a good evening?” a familiar voice interrupts us.

Turning around, I see Detectives Chase and Morgan standing behind us. Chase has the same open, curious expression while Morgan looks critical. Just as before, he keeps his gaze glued on me.

“What are you doing here?” Nico hisses.

Chase raises his hands in mock surrender. “It’s a free country, Mr. Mancini.”

“My wife and I are on a date. Leave us alone.”

“We just had a few more questions. We can step outside if you’d like. If that makes things easier.”

I notice some other gallery-goers glancing in our direction. Chase and Morgan just scream cop. Even if not in trouble, you’d still be wary around them.

“Leave us alone,” Nico says, starting to turn away, but then Morgan says, “That won’t be possible.”

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