Page 56 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“That is correct. You are not my property, but you are my wife, my woman, and my partner, and I protect what is mine.” He moves closer to me and takes over my mouth in a kiss that’s a cross between pleasure and punishment. He pulls back once I start moaning, and my stomach growls. I can’t conclude if my stomach’s cries are for food or desire for him. One thing is certain: I’m starving for both.

“Go and have your breakfast. I need to have a word with my brother.” He turns to leave, and I quickly grab his arm.

“Please, it wasn’t Osei’s fault. He was just trying to help me,” I plead. His palms caress my cheek.

“Go and eat. I’m just having a word —” He shrugs. “—or two with my brother.” I let go of his arm, but I feel the pressure of being the cause of their fight. I race to my phone as he walks out. Before I can dial Osei, he grabs the phone out of my hands.

“Fine, I won’t call him. Give me my phone back.” I move to take it back, but he blocks it.

“Go and eat, Dele.” His command is unwavering. He leaves with my phone in his hand. My stomach growls right on cue. I leave my room and head to the kitchen. I’ll get my phone back once I’ve eaten. Not sure I’m a fan of this new side of him that I can’t decipher. One that blows hot and cold within seconds. I need a game plan to neutralize his steam.

Chapter 38

LUKE

I take her phone and head to my office. Closing the door, I lean against it, trying to control the mixed emotions my wife stirs in me. She may not know it, but she's very good at shifting my feelings from desire to anger in an instant. First, I need to take care of Osei and Lily, then I’ll get back to dealing with my wife. I’ve missed her so much, and we’re staying in today. She’s not going anywhere. Not today.

Her phone pings with a text from Osei.

Osei: Be ready by 3pm.

When I say my brother is a pain in the ass, I’m understating it. He’s a fucking pain in my entire being. I inhale deeply, exhale, then dial Osei.

“Hi,” he says cheerily.

No need to respond to his greetings. He’s already ruined part of my day, so I might as well return the favor. “Dele tells me you’re planning on introducing her to some guy. On what insaneplanet did you think it was okay for you to set my wife up on a date with one of your friends?” I state in a controlled voice.

“Dele and her big mouth,” he mutters, his voice low.

“Tell me, why do you think it’s appropriate to introduce her to some guy?” My voice rises. Anger is no longer controlled.

“Listen, she was asking all about you and Lily. I just thought you would be cool with her dating since it sounded like you were back with Lily,” he explains. I feel my temper flaring. “I didn’t think you’d mind. Trey’s a cool guy, and he’s always asking about Dele—”

“Let me stop you right there. I broke up with Lily months ago. We aren’t back together. We work together, so stop telling Dele things you don’t know anything about,” I yell at him.

“Fine, I’m sorry.” If I didn’t know him better, I’d think he was sincere, but his apology is just to appease me. He’s not sorry.

“And don’t you ever play matchmaker for my wife with other men. That’s a line even Mom can’t help you cross.”

“Like I said, I didn’t think you’d mind since you guys have an agreement.”

“I fucking mind! And unless you want me to mess up your friends, you’ll keep them away from my wife. Is that clear?” I shout.

“Crystal,” he says and hangs up on me. I toss my phone on the table, trying to picture this friend of his, Trey.

Dele’s phone rings, and the display shows Osei. I answer the call.

“Dele, what the fuck?! You told Luke about Trey, and now he’s yelling at me.”

“I have her phone, and she’s not going out with you today,” I state.

“She’s not a child. Why do you have her phone?” He sounds upset, which makes me smile.

“I took it from her, so she won’t call you. And now that you’re yelling at her, I think it was a wise decision.”

“Fuck you, Luke. Have Dele call me when she gets her phone back.” He hangs up again.

If I was angry before, I’m laughing now because I’ve managed to upset my brother. I get up, smiling, and head to the kitchen. I hand Dele her phone. She takes it from me without speaking and continues to eat her food.

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