Page 389 of The Christmas Wife

"What gave you that idea?"

"The fact I haven’t seen you or spoken to you since our wedding night?"

"I’ve been busy." I shove my hand in my pocket. Technically, not a lie, because I’ve thrown myself into work.

"Too busy to spend time with your new wife?"

"New fake wife."

"Not so fake after you took my virginity." She tips up her chin.

"I told you, I’m not apologizing for it."

"I'm not looking for an apology, but you’re not talking to me, either."

"Did you expect me to whisper sweet nothings and tell you how gorgeous you look because"—I look her up and down, taking in the purple dress nipped in at the waist to accentuate her sumptuous figure—"you know you do."

She blushes. "I’m not looking for compliments."

"I’m making a statement."

She looks at me with confusion in her eyes. "Only you can deliver praise and look like you don’t mean it."

"But I do."

"I know you do, but your face—" She shakes her head. "The expression on your face says you don’t care."

"Because I don’t?"That's it, buddy, keep telling yourself that.

Her lips tighten. "You’re an asshole."

"And I can’t stop thinking about your other virgin hole."

Her color deepens. "I didn’t come in here to be insulted." She pivots and flounces toward the door. I slip my phone out of my pocket and swipe my finger across the screen. There’s a clicking sound. When she reaches the door, she pushes at it, but it doesn’t open. She turns and frowns at me. "Open this door."

I yawn.

Her eyes flash silver blue lightning at me. "Edward, open the door," she says through gritted teeth.

"That’s not the name you used when I was inside you."

She swallows. "This is not funny, Ed."

"First, call me by the name only you do."

"You mean, douchewaffle?"

I almost allow myself a chuckle. Almost. My life is way more fucking entertaining when she’s around. I can watch her all day—which I do, whenever I get the chance, anyway—and not be bored. Every action of hers entrances me. Every word that comes out of her mouth enchants me. Her scent bewitches me. Her curves captivate me. Everything about her has held me in thrall since the day I first saw her. Since she came into my life, it’s turned into a patchwork of technicolor. I want to resist her, but my defenses are crumbling. It’s pissing me off, but the more I try to put distance between us, the more thoughts of her invade my mind. As for my body? Every part of me remembers how it felt to be buried inside her. My cock thickens, and my thigh muscles harden. I widen the space between my legs, then crook my finger at her. "Come 'ere."

29

Mira

His voice is hard with that mean edge that propels a zing of sensations up my spine. When I hesitate, he lowers his arms to his sides.

"Come. Here. Belle."

I set my jaw, “And if I don’t?”

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