Page 4 of Kidnapped Wife

With her back to him, she couldn’t help but smile as she recalled the first time he tried cheap granulated coffee. He had told her it was like someone had taken a shit in his mouth. Elsie had been shocked, but she had then splurged on better coffee just for him. She couldn’t afford a fancy machine, and she refused to accept one bought by him. Coffee was coffee.

They had so many memories together, and right now shewished she had never created any with him.

****

Elsie never failed to surprise him.

Massimo expected her to freeze him out, but instead she continued to act as if they were friends. He watched as she finished their drinks and then placed his on the counter before him, before blowing across the surface of her own mug and walking to the sitting room.

He knew exactly where she was going—to the window seat overlooking the garden. A fresh layer of snow had fallen, and he knew how much she loved the snow. Winter was her favorite time of year, as she loved wearing sweaters and thick clothing. She hated summer more than anything.

He’d gotten to know her over the months. He listened to her, because what she said mattered to him.

Picking up his coffee, he took a sip, not caring that it was hot. He couldn’t stand iced coffee. To him, there was no point in even having a cup. Coffee was meant to be hot, not freaking iced.

As always, Elsie made him amazing coffee. She didn’t even need fancy equipment. She always liked to show him she could do anything a pricey bit of equipment could do.

He had no doubt about her skills. She’d always been adept at surviving. He hated that she had grown up in a life where she had no choice but to survive, which was strange. He’d grown up willing to fight for his survival.

“Do you think it will snow again?” Elsie asked.

“Yes. It is forecast.”

“Christmas is around the corner,” she said.

“Yeah, I’ve already gotten your present.”

“You don’t need to get me anything.”

Massimo wasn’t offended. Once she learned of his wealth, it made her uncomfortable. She hated having to deal with theterm “gold digger.” She didn’t care about his money. He knew that. His present to her was something he knew she was going to love, something she had always wanted.

They’d been making love underneath the stars at this very cabin on their honeymoon, and she had told him she always wanted to have a home to call her own, something no one could take from her. After talking with his lawyer, this cabin now belonged to Elsie. She had a home that under no circumstances could be taken back.

He knew there was not a lot he could get Elsie. She wanted a family, but only time would grant him the ability to give her that. He’d been trying. He’d never worn condoms with her. Not that he wanted to spoil their fun by adding children to the mix.

He wanted time alone with her, but having children was another way of cementing her life to his. He didn’t want to give her a chance to leave him. This life wasn’t for everyone, and he wanted Elsie, no, he fucking needed her. She made him want to be a better man.

Knowing Elsie was waiting at home for him, he worked fucking hard to get back to her. There was no one else he wanted. He loved Elsie more than anything in the world.

“I know, but you see, I know you, and I know there will be several presents waiting for me under the tree,” Massimo said, making his way over to her and taking a seat opposite.

Elsie continued to stare outside, but he saw the tears glistening in her eyes. She tried to fight them.

“Look at me,” he said.

“We’re fooling ourselves, Massimo. There is no way this can work.”

“I don’t see why not. We’ve been working well.”

“You and Isabella—”

“Is never going to happen,” Massimo said. “I do not loveher. I have never loved her. While her father would enjoy a union between our two families, I don’t. I told him that. I do not want Isabella.”

Elsie snorted. “I find that hard to believe.”

“She is an evil bitch, Elsie.”

“But she’s beautiful.”

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