Page 26 of Impending Consent

I was well aware but also determined to change Sailor's outlook on what a relationship should be. At least a relationship with me. She and I were alike in that manner, the competitive nature which drove us to do anything necessary to win, only my desire to win wasn’t selfish. If she truly gave us a chance, we would both benefit.

“Are you that jaded to believe that a marriage to me won’t be a good thing?”

“Not specifically you. I’m opposed to the idea that marrying anyone is a good thing.”

“Why?”

Her expression hardened. “It just is.”

“Not a good enough answer, try again.”

“It’s the best you’re going to get, and for the record, I’m not here for you to turn me into a believer. Changing my mind is your goal but it’s a lost cause. I’m here because the decision I made affects Sky and Teej. I own a third of our firm, and if I don’t see this through, part of that belongs to you. I admit I can be selfish at times but I love my siblings and refuse to let them suffer because of my poor judgment.”

The truth of her confession stung a bit but I refused to stay rooted there. I grinned and arched my brow. “Sex with me was poor judgement?”

“Sex with you was the best part. The poor judgement was marrying you to get it.”

My smile expanded. “You don’t believe marrying me was worth the sex?”

“Consider how stressed I’ve been this week, because of this fictitious wedding, absolutely not.”

“I would say I’m offended but I’m not because you’re lying. Sex with me was worth it, you’re simply in your feelings at the moment.”

“Are you that arrogant to believe sex with you is that good?”

“Yeah, I am, because it is, and you know it too. Don’t worry, you’ll be reminded soon enough. Just not tonight.”

She frowned hard. “Why not tonight?”

“I’m working on a custom piece I need to get done before the weekend, which means I’ll be up late working.”

“You’re choosing work over sex with me.”

She was offended. My sweet Sailor. Rejection wasn’t something she was accustomed to and although I wasn’t rejecting her and simply being a responsible adult, my refusal to drop my responsibilities felt like rejection to my lovely wife.

“Don’t let it hurt your feelings. I have a wife now. I have to be fiscally smart.” I winked and pushed away from the dresser.

“I thought keeping your wife happy was a priority. Making me happy is the way to keep a smile on my face.”

I chuckled and nodded. “I’m well aware, and trust, I have maintaining your happiness covered. However, work is also a priority. You of all people should understand.”

“I do.”

“Good, I’ll be up late in my shop out back if you need anything. Make yourself at home.”

“I will. In my new dungeon.”

“Are you working the rest of the week?” It was Wednesday. If she could give me until Friday, I would be able to focus all my attention on making Sailor happy by way of multiple orgasms.

Before she responded, something flashed in her eyes. She shook her head gently. “Nope, I’ve been instructed by my sister to spend a few days getting settled in with my new husband.”

“And you agreed?”

Strange but I would take what I could get.

“I did but I suppose that time will be spent getting settled into my room and not my husband getting settled into me.”

I chuckled but didn’t comment when I headed out the room. As soon as I was in the hallway, her voice paused my steps. “And for the record. You didn’t hurt my feelings. I was just utilizing my options here. Might as well get something out of all of this.”

---