Page 59 of Checks & Bonds

"And if I tell you to sit out?" Her tone was challenging, daring me to respond. "Especially if it'd add damage?"

A smirk curled at the corners of my mouth as I reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'd tell you you're cute for thinking you could order me to do anything."

"I thought I was your wife?" She arched a brow, feigning innocence.

"You are," I said firmly. "But I lead. That's how it's always been in my family."

Freya crossed her arms, lips pressed together in annoyance. "Well, I've always been ignored. I'm assuming you'll be doing the same." With a scoff, she stood up as if dismissing the conversation.

I grabbed her wrist before she could walk away. Her gaze dropped to where my fingers encircled her wrist, surprise flickering across her face.

"My grandfather…" I paused, not even sure what I wanted to tell her or why I felt the need to reassure her in the firstplace. "My grandmother died when I was young. Too young to remember."

"I'm sorry," Freya murmured, and I believed the sincerity in her voice. She looked at me, her eyes softening just a fraction. "But that doesn't mean you have a right to treat me like… like I'm a trophy or something. You just left, Henry. Tonight, I mean. You left. You can't do that, even when we fight. It's like… it's like you're running away because you don't want to deal with…" She clenched her teeth. "Where did you go?"

I didn't like being questioned. "You don't get to?—"

"Fine." Freya pulled her wrist from my grip, fire igniting in her eyes. "Then I'm leaving too. And I don't have to tell you anything."

"Don't even think about it," I snapped, standing up and towering over her. She was so petite but stood there with defiance radiating from her.

I wanted her.

Fuck, I wanted her.

"Do I have to remind you all the ways you belong to me?" I asked, voice low and dangerous. "How your body responds to me? How easy it is to just… get such responses from you?"

Her cheeks heated up, but she didn't back down. There was something intoxicating about that fire in her eyes.

"Or maybe I'll remind you that you belong to me," she said, surprising me with the intensity of her words.

For a moment, we stood there in a silent standoff, both of us breathing heavily. The air between us crackled with tension and unspoken emotions.

"Let's play a game," she said, a challenge lighting up her eyes. "If I win, I get you in whatever way I want."

"And if I win?" I asked, leaning in slightly, curiosity piqued.

"I'll marry you right now," she replied. "Or… whenever you want. I won't complain. I'll even find a dress."

My eyes flared with heat at her boldness. "What's the game?"

"Something we both know," she said, a hint of mischief dancing in her gaze. "Poker."

"You know how to play poker?" I raised an eyebrow.

"My grandfather taught me when I was young," she said with a soft smile. "Back before… well, before he died."

Her words made me soften for a moment. I'd had a close relationship with my grandfather too, though he'd been more of a stern mentor than a gentle teacher.

"Unless you're scared," she added, arching a brow.

"Are you trying to goad me, Mrs. Mathers?" I asked, the sound of her married name causing an unexpected rush of desire. My cock stiffened at the sound.

"That's Miss Henderson," she snapped back. "Well? Do we have a wager?"

I smirked, enjoying the fire in her eyes. "I'll get the deck of cards," I said, rising from my seat. "You take the time to browse through the dresses."

"Big talk," she said, crossing her arms and leaning back with confidence. "Let's see if you can back it up."

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