Page 117 of The Reluctant Wife

I slow the kiss, nibble on her lower lip, and she shudders. I lick into her mouth, and a tiny moan escapes her.

I hold her gaze. "You’re mine, Empress. My wife. My soulmate.” I manage a smile, drawing on the diminishing patience inside of me, knowing I’m going to need that, and more, until she resolves the dilemma in her mind. "I’d slay your demons for you, if you give me a chance?—"

She begins to speak, but I place a finger on her lips.

"—but I know this is something you have to work through on your own."

She looks at me with a grateful light in her eyes. "How can you be so perfect? How can you be so…so hot, and also so… So… Understanding? Even when you’re an asshole, I like you." She rolls her eyes. "You’re making it very hard for me to put this distance between us, you know?"

"Then don’t."

"But I have to." Her expression turns beseeching. "I need to figure out a few things for myself, and the only way to do that is if I put a little distance between us. I need to process my feelings for you. How my entire life feels different. How my goals are no longer what I thought they were. I need...to figure out where I’m headed. I owe us that.”

I’d go down on my knees and beg if I thought that’d make a difference, but the set of her features, and the glimmer in her eyes, tells me I need to allow her to be. If I respect her, I’ll give her the space she’s asking for.

I look deeply into her eyes. “I’ll never hold you back. You’d better believe that I’ll also give you space when you need it.”

She stares, surprise evident on her face. “You—” She begins to speak but I shake my head.

“You don’t have to say anything. Those are some big emotions you’re dealing with. Trust me, I know."

She begins to tear up.

“Don’t cry, sweetheart.” My heart feels like it’s going to burst with love for her.

“Thank you—” She clears her throat. “Thank you for understanding.”

I search her features and understand how difficult this is for her. I’m not going to make it more challenging.

I’m going to stand by her. Whatever she needs I’ll give it to her.

“You should know one thing though”—my voice turns determined—“I’m not going toeverbe very far from you everagain. But I’m also not going to crowd you.” I lean in and kiss her hard. "Go get some rest. And if you need to talk things out with me, I'll be here."

57

Aurelia

“Are you sure about this?” Viktor leans back in his chair.

I prop a hip against his massive desk. “Positive.”

It’s been a week since that discussion at Ryot’s hospital bed. I’ve been in daily to see him since.

He’s been getting stronger every minute, and it’s taken a lot of cajoling to get him to stay until he’s given the all-clear by the doctor.

I’ve used the time to think through next steps for myself, and having come to a conclusion, asked for this meeting with my brother.

We’re in his study in the office wing of the Palace, which doubles as the administrative center for the Royal Family.

It’s decorated in masculine colors to reflect Viktor’s personality. With his dark brooding looks, and a gravitas he’s only recently begun to wear like a Royal cloak, it’s easy to see why the women love him and why the media adores him. If there’s anyone born to be King, it’s my older brother.

“You were born to be a princess. You were brought up to be the face of the Royal Family, and?—”

“And I’ve done my duty. I helped save the economy of Verenza from possible collapse.”

“You should have never had to use your marriage as a transaction to bring in money.” Viktor sets his jaw.

I half smile, more than a little touched by my brother taking my side in this. “But I wanted to. The thought of marrying Ryot was never objectionable. I was secretly happy. I was attracted to Ryot as soon as I saw him at the bar.”

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