Page 31 of A Linton Scandal

I wanted to think he was joking, but I knew he was serious. And under these circumstances it made sense. Numbly staring at him, I wanted to fight him on it. Why did my life have to be flipped on its face? I used to have a firm understanding of the world around me, and how it functioned.

Now, it felt like I knew nothing. Apparently, I’d been too poor to be aware of how dangerous the games of the wealthy could be. I wanted to fight against the world that was telling me to give up my freedom, independence and general ability to navigate it.

“You know, on some level I thought you were exaggerating,” I said. “I thought you’d come to your senses at some point and decide to throw away the contract and we’d co-parent because that would make more sense. It was ridiculous to me, the idea of marrying someone who I didn’t even know just because we are having a baby together but now.” I couldn’t help releasing a self-deprecating laugh. “I should acknowledge that we’re really doing this. Even at the loss of a Uranium Mine.”

His already serious expression stiffened, “You heard?”

“Yeah, it wasn’t as hurtful or shocking to hear as I thought people talking behind my back would be. And your parents have a point. You’re giving up an awful lot to marry some nobody like me.”

“You’re not a nobody. You’re the mother of my child, Juliete Roux.” He argued, “I’m not giving up anything, I’m getting a second child and one of the best chocolatiers in the city. I don’t see where I’m losing.” Mihai offered me a small smile to punctuate his point.

Stumped by his sudden compliments, I didn’t know how to react.

Giving him my back, I threw over my shoulder. “Let me take a shower and once I do that. I think I’ll be able to think clearly enough to go along with your thought process.” Entering my room, I shut the door. And pressing my back against it, I slid down until I sat on the floor and covered my face and allowed myself to cry out all my fear and frustration.

A few minutes later, I got up and went to take a shower, throwing my clothes away. I wasn’t one to wallow in a situation. I had a full life ahead of me as well as the child that was growing inside of me, I wasn’t going to let some villains make me scared of my own shadow.

* * *

After my showerI felt better, and I could think clearer. Exiting my room, I found that Mihai hadn’t left, in fact he’d taken off his coat, jacket and tie and tossed them over the back of my couch. He was standing in my kitchen, drinking what looked to be my coffee.

His eyes found mine and his expression darkened. “I knew it, you’ve been crying,” he said as he set his coffee aside.

I rubbed at my eyes. “It’s nothing serious. I felt a bit overwhelmed for a moment.”

He walked over to me and took the hand I’d been rubbing my eyes with. “Stop, it’ll make it worse.” His voice was different than usual. It held a trace of both care and worry.

I watched as he trailed his beautiful eyes over my face. “I should have had someone watching to keep you safe. It’s my fault for not thinking that they’d make the first move so early.”

“Stop.” I pressed two fingers of my free hand to his lips. “You don’t have to do that; I’m not looking to blame anyone for this.”

I tried to feign bravery by smiling. “I’m lucky to have someone like you come and save me?—”

His lips took mine and the words I’d wanted to say were swallowed as he passionately kissed me. I should have pulled away, but this was exactly what I needed. I need to be distracted from the memory of being kidnapped. Mihai let go of my wrist and dove his hands into my hair deepening the kiss.

With a low gasp he ended the kiss, his eyes burning into mine as he removed his hands from my hair.

“I’ve been waiting.” He eyed me. “I didn’t want to cross this line in our relationship, but... I can’t say I regret it.”

I nervously laughed.“Yeah, well I can’t say I’m upset.”

He leaned down a little bit more, so that his lips hovered over mine. “Then do you mind if I take it a step further?”

“Did I mind?“

Some part of me knew this could blur the rules of our arrangement but I craved physical touch. I wanted to be reassured I was safe, and Mihai made me feel that way. The strength in his hands and the presence of his body filled me with warmth.

Giving him short nod, I took a step back and reached down and grabbed the hem of my shirt and took it off, tossing it to the ground. “I’m want more from you.”

I released a squeal when he stepped forward and picked me up without a word and carried me over to my sofa. “Mihai.”

He set me down gently and moved back to remove his shirt. I watched the play of his muscles beneath his sun warmed skin. His hair had become a mess and covered his forehead, as his eyes burned along my skin. Tossing his shirt side, I was able to feast on his body.

It was a masterpiece, I wanted to reach out and touch him, just as I was thinking of doing it he grabbed my ankle and jerked me across the bed. I sucked in a quick breath as his lips found the most sensitive spot on my ankle. The feel of his rough hands on my skin, made my stomach tingle.

“Soft,” he said.

He lowered my leg. I wriggled, not quite sure what I wanted him to do. He placed his large hand on my stomach. “Don’t move,” he commanded.

---