Page 40 of The Reluctant Wife

"Yes."

She seems taken aback by my response.

"Fact is, you’re submissive?—"

She begins to protest, but I cut her off.

"Your body recognizes my authority over it. And after the way you followed my lead and orgasmed, I’d fathom a guess that your logical mind also understands it. The dominant in me acted on instinct. I needed to help you unwind. I had to help you let go. And you did, beautifully."

"And you’re going to walk away from me like it never happened?" She grimaces. "Did that mean nothing to you?

"It means a lot. It means too much. And that’s the problem." I cup her cheek. "Trust me on this, please. I need to step back now.”

It’s too late to step back, you’re already involved.I shove that thought out of my head and focus on her.

“I know it’s going to hurt you. But I can…Wecan salvage the situation. We can find a way to keep our relationship professional… Or as professional as it can be. This way, I can continue to be your bodyguard. This way I can protect you." I take both her hands in mine. "Please, help me take care of you. Help me keep you safe. Can you do that?"

20

Aurelia

The expression on his face signaled there was no changing his mind about the matter. Besides, there was a tone of anguish running through his words. And he said please. Which surprised me, enough that I found myself holding back further arguments on the issue.

He peered into my eyes, and even though I didn’t nod my agreement, he took my silence as acquiescence. He released my hand, rose to his feet and stalked off toward the doorway of the bedroom. I held my breath and urged him in my mind to turn and look at me. But he didn’t. He walked off, leaving me alone. I was sure I'd toss and turn, but to my surprise, I fell asleep.

When I wake up, the sunlight slants through the crack in the curtains. I reach over and grab the phone from my bedside table. Ryot must have plugged it in; it’s charged. Notifications fill the screen. There are missed calls from Gavin,ugh!; from my brother, Viktor; from my assistant Veronica; from Zoey; as wellas a ton of voice messages and text messages. I swipe and read the first.

Fred: Your father sends his apologies for not being able to message you directly, but he’s held up in meetings. He’s glad you’re safe and is being briefed by Ryot on the situation.

I know my father loves me, but the fact that he didn’t think it was important enough to call me or message me directly after the incident yesterday is not surprising. Disappointing, but not surprising. I read the next message.

Viktor: Are you okay Aura? I spoke to father, and he gave me the news. He assured me you were fine. But an attempt to assassinate you? Jesus. I’m taking the first flight to London.

I sigh in frustration even as a fond smile tries to curve my lips. Of course, my older brother wants to swoop in and save the day. But the last thing I want is him landing here and making a big fuss.

When my mother passed, I coped with her loss by becoming independent and trying not to rely on anyone else, while also trying to take care of my father and brothers. I’ve tried to become the woman in the family and fill in her role.

My father dealt with her absence by throwing himself into building the future of Verenza. Viktor compensated by becoming protective of me. Once he grew to adulthood, though, he started spending time away from home. He also decided to work his way through a revolving door of women.

As for my middle brother Brandon? He doesn’t get along with my father and has distanced himself from the family.

It’s been years since I've seen him, even though he’s kept in touch with me on occasion. No doubt, the news hasn’t yet reached him in whatever corner of the world he's in.

I know better than to think he'd reach out, but a part of me still hurts that he hasn't. I shake off the sadness and message Viktor."

Me: I am fine. My security intervened and saved my life. It could have been much worse, right? Seriously though, you don’t need to come. Your diplomatic mission is more important.

I open the next message.

Zoey: Hey bish, I thought we were supposed to go out to dinner, but you disappeared on me. Are you okay?

Good question. Between the shooting yesterday and the note left on my pillow at the other hotel, I feel unbalanced.

Why are these people after me? Are they anti-monarchists? Or is it something more personal that prompted the attack? Why do they want me dead? What harm have I done to them?

A queasy sensation clenches my stomach.

I grip the phone tightly and take a few deep breaths.I’m fine. I’m here. Nothing happened to me, thanks to Ryot.

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