Page 72 of The Reluctant Wife

I tried to fit myself into a box for her and look how that had turned out. It’s one more reason I need to be upfront with Aura about it. Best to not go into this relationship—even if I am presenting it as one of convenience—without being open about my expectations.

"Right," she says in a low voice.

I return to stand in front of her. "I take it you don’t feel that way?" Now seems the right time to ask about it, given we opened the doors to this conversation.

She shakes her head.

A tendril of hair is stuck to her cheek, and I reach down and tuck it behind her ear. An electric current runs up my arm at the contact. A corresponding shiver grips her.

"It’s been more than two years since her platoon was taken out. And when I received her personal effects, there was a picture of a sonogram, and correspondence with her gynecologist that showed that she was pregnant."

"I’m so sorry." This time, when she reaches for my hand, I don’t shake it off. She twines her fingers with mine.

"The worst thing is, I didn’t feel anything when I got the news. No grief. No regret. Just relief that we wouldn’t have to pretend to be married when I returned from my mission." Icrack my neck, knowing I’ve never made myself this vulnerable before to anyone else.

"Before she left on that last mission, we had a big fight. One which ended with her signing up for that tour, despite the fact that she’d just gotten home. It was one of the few times we happened to be home at the same time. And what a disaster that was."

I squeeze the bridge of my nose.

"You can argue, she might have signed up for that operation anyway, but the fact is, our argument tipped her over. It also caused me to pull out of my next mission 'cause I didn’t want to risk running into her while on duty."

I half laugh.

"So, I lived, and she didn’t. And logically, it doesn’t mean I'm responsible for what happened, but tell that to my sense of fair play."

"It’s understandable." She leans toward me. Her scent intensifies—richer, sweeter, deeper—and it goes to my head.

"You can see why I wasn’t rushing to get married again.” I roll my shoulders. “That is, until I met you and wanted to make you mine.”

She bites the inside of her cheek, as if my being open with her about my feelings makes her uncomfortable. Her next words confirm it to me, “But this would be a marriage of convenience. It means you don’t need to have feelings involved.” She peers at me from under her eyelashes.

“Maybe I don'tneedto, but Idohave feelings for you,” I point out.

She releases my hand. Her brow furrows, a crease forming at the bridge of her nose.

Apparently, she doesn’t believe me. I firm my lips.

Seems my insistence on not crossing the professional line between us has left her unable to understand how much I want her.

There have been too many instances these past few weeks when I thought I’d lost her. I can’t let that happen again. Once we’re married, I’ll win her over. I’ll use my charisma—and sexual prowess—to ensure she’s addicted to me. I’ll ensure she’ll never want to leave.

All I have to do is get her to say yes.

“It’s a good deal, Princess.” I infuse confidence into my voice. “You get to bail your country out of the problems it’s mired in. I satisfy my grandfather’s wish to see me married off and have the satisfaction of bringing the despots who’re after you to heel. Not to mention”—I allow myself a small smile—“the sex would be a bonus for both of us. It’s a win-win situation, all around. So, what do you say?”

36

Aurelia

The breath whooshes out of me. I can hear the blood banging against my temples. Nervousness grips me.Am I really going to do this? Agree to marry him?

This way, I get to be with him. That’s better than nothing, isn’t it? And perhaps, he might even come to realize that hedoeslove me? He may have not said it aloud, but the way he looked into my eyes when we made love—and it was making love—tells me he does.

He confided in me about his past, which is huge. He’s also been open enough about his expectations when it comes to sex. That he’s dominant is not a surprise. If anything, it increases my anticipation about that part of our relationship. This is the most optimal outcome possible. Now, all I have to do is make him realize that he does love me.My throat burns as I fight back my feelings.

"Hey, you okay?" He sits down next to me on the couch.

"It’s okay if you need to cry." He folds his arm about my shoulders. "Not that I can stand to see your tears. But if it helps relieve some of the pressure you’ve been under, then by all means, let 'em flow. Lean on me.”

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