Page 57 of Something Borrowed

He sets me down next to him.

We are both buck naked standing at the door, and I can’t stop laughing.

He pushes the door open from the outside and gestures for me to go in. “Welcome to your home, our home. Let me give you a tour. You are going to especially love the custom rain storm shower I had installed and the high end coffee machine.”

I am laughing so hard I can barely walk straight.

“Is there a heated pool?” I ask, encouraging his games.

“And a jacuzzi and out back we have a state-of-the-art sauna and an air-conditioned sun room with a gym.”

“Are you kidding me - all this time there was a gym? If I don’t work out I go a little crazy?” I laugh.

“Wow - I wish you’d told me that earlier. We could have avoided all of this drama.” He scoops me up into his arms and wraps my legs around his waist.

I giggle as he presses his lips against mine.

“We both aren’t the type of people who would have chosen marriage, because we are both such free spirits. ButI love you,Verity and I know you love me too. So, we can make this work.”

I run my fingers up the back of his thick neck, threading them through his dark red hair. “We can make this work. I’m sorry I was difficult.” I smile, kissing him again.

“I really love your bad attitude.” He grins.

“You really shouldn’t encourage me.” I giggle.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Rufino

Finally, we have found our way back to each other and things are going perfectly between us. This is what I dreamed of. This is what I wanted us to be.

The last two days have been pure bliss.

Verity and I are back to our normal selves. Laughing, teasing each other and joking around. We also can’t keep our hands off each other.

We have to figure things out soon. We can’t hide in this mansion forever. But we needed these few days of celebration and comfort to enjoy each other after working out our personal issues.

It’s been so stressful, but now, we are no longer questioning our choice to be together - only how to deal with everyone else. All of those people who believe they have a say in how we liveourlives.

My phone has been on silent all morning, my full attention on my wife because she deserves nothing less. In a quiet moment, while we are realign on the sofa, I glance at it to make sure the world isn’t falling apart out there - I groan loudly, instantly regretting my decision. Because, if my brothers angeris anything to go by, the worldisin fact falling apart and it’s my fault.

“What’s wrong?” Verity asks, stretching her legs out on the sofa and putting them on my lap.

I run my hand up and down her smooth skin while I read his messages.

“You’re all over the news again. Your father released an article about your kidnapping. He’s hunting for you and offering a reward for anyone who has information. He says he will leave no stone unturned and all of that type of bullshit.”

“We knew that would happen.” She scrunches her nose.

“We did - but that’s not why I’m groaning. It’s because my brothers figured I took you. They are raging.”

Verity sits up, looking worried. “Will they tell my father?” She asks. “If he finds out it was you—” her words trail off as her throat tightens with stress.

“I wish I could say no with confidence, but anything is possible when it comes to my brothers. They might throw me to the wolves to save themselves.” I shrug, wrapping my hand around her delicate foot and pressing my fingers into her sole.

“But they’re your family.” She says, confused.

“Yes, and I put them in a lot of danger by choosing you over them. They will want to protect their own wives and children. I wouldn’t really blame them if they gave me up. I also wouldn’t put it past them.”

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