Page 78 of The Devil's Pawn

I blink up at him. I’ve never seen that look on his face before, not even in the stables. There’s wonder in his eyes, and the smile he gives me is reflected in his amber irises.

“Am I forgiven now?” He slides out his fingers and brings them to his lips. I can’t stop watching as he sucks them clean. “Or are you still mad over Emma?”

“I’m still mad,” I rasp, my voice raw, as if recovering from a throat infection. “It’ll be a while. Better take a seat.”

A ripple of laughter echoes in his chest. He runs his thumb along my lips, and I taste him. Salty, tangy, all him. Alexander. My husband whom I’ve fought so hard against, and lost. Except I don’t feel like a loser now.

His breath hitches as I open my mouth and suck on this thumb. “Good. I kind of like you mad.”

Lying beside me, he slides a hand over my ribcage, his touch light. Closing his mouth over mine, he kisses me leisurely, as though he has all the time in the world. I thought he’d be eager to fuck me, but he seems content just to lie here and kiss.

I knit my hands into his hair and nestle closer until I feel his erection against my stomach. Perhaps he needs a little help to get ready, like he’s just given me, although he feels pretty ready to me.

I slide my hand between us, but as I touch his dick through his trousers, he grips my wrist.

“No.”

Rejection hits me in the chest, and I tuck in my chin, lowering my gaze. Why doesn’t he want me to touch him? Is there something wrong with me?

“Soon, Little Pawn.” He answers a question I didn’t ask, tilting my chin up until I meet his eyes. “When the time is right, you’ll have me.Allof me.”

Trying to figure out Alexander’s reasoning for anything is usually pointless, and this is no different. Questioning him won’t get me anywhere, either. There’s a reason he wants to wait, although I can’t think what that might be, and I’m too sated to press him for answers. I’ll only get frustrated when he refuses to tell me why.

Today has been a day of extremes. It’s unsurprising I feel exhausted. But as my eyes close, for the first time since I arrived, I’m filled with a sense of hope.

Maybe, just maybe, I can have it all.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

IMOGEN

The sparkling silver gown shimmers as I study my reflection in the full-length mirror tucked away in a corner of my bedroom. A slit in the material runs up one side of my leg, ending at my hip. It’s daring and decadent, and I love it. I wouldn’t have the courage to wear something so revealing outside of the house, but I guess it’s different at Oakleigh.

Three days have passed since Alexander sent Emma home. I’ve explained things to her as best I can, although it’s difficult because Alexander hasn’t fully explained it to me, other than his comment about Emma getting in the way of us and this new path we’ve both decided to tread carefully upon.

While my best friend fully supports my decision to give my marriage a chance—providing I can land that job with Zenith, too. I refuse to give that dream up—I wouldn’t be surprised if she retaliates in some way the next time their paths cross.

Saskia appears from the bathroom wearing a floor-length crimson gown that shows off her hour-glass figure to perfection.She returned home from her business trip on Wednesday and, according to Alexander, she’s not due to leave on another one for a while. I’m glad. It’ll give us a chance to properly get to know each other.

Moving behind me, she smiles at my reflection in the mirror. “You look beautiful. Alexander’s going to lose his mind.”

I blush, ducking my head to hide the tell-tale pink cheeks. I hope he does. The last time I put this much effort into my outfit, he barely gave me a glance. Things are different now, though. This morning, when I asked him over breakfast if I could invite Vicky to the regular monthly dinner, he agreed without hesitation. And while he’s been busy with work, every time we’ve come into contact, there’s a growing ease between us.

“You look stunning, too. Then again, you always do.”

“Pfft.” She slices her hand through the air. “You should see me some mornings. Swamp witch has nothing on me.” Pointing at her perfectly styled hair, she adds, “The horses would mistake this for a haynet first thing, which is why I never go near the stables until I’ve tamed it.”

I giggle. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’m only sorry I’ve not been here more often, especially to help you settle in. But at least I’m around for the foreseeable, unless another emergency crops up.”

We make our way downstairs to the dining room. Unlike last month, I arrive before Alexander, and as stupid as it sounds, I’m giddy thinking about what he’ll say or do when he sees me. If I get another “nice” or he completely ignores me, I may cry… or slice off his nuts with a carving knife. Probably the latter. I’ve never been the kind of girl brought to tears over every little thing.

“Imogen, wow!” Vicky comes toward me, arms outstretched, and she wraps me in a tight hug. The ease with which we bonded on Tuesday hasn’t dimmed, and I feel as though I’m with someone I’ve known for years. There’s something about her that’s warm and familiar, like looking in a mirror, although visually, we’re nothing alike. She’s dark-haired, olive-skinned, and tiny. I’m red-haired, pale-skinned, and more than half a foot taller.

“I’m so glad you could come. Sorry for the short notice.”

“That’s okay. It’s great to see you.” She glances around the room. “Where’s Emma?”

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