Page 143 of Shâhzâdeh

“And zhey never gave you any clue about your birz family or where you came from?”

“No. They always made Jonathan feel like shit because they called him a crack baby. I don’t know how true it was but they never said anything about me. They would just talk about my looks and how it was sign of sin from God.”

“If you feel zhe need to talk to someone, my cousin has an on staff zherapist who will more zhan happily help you work zhrough zhings I can’t. Zhey would never break confidentiality.”

“That… that might not be a bad idea.” I was happy that even though she was hesitant, she seemed open to the idea.

“Yet you hesitate.”

“I feel bad because there’s so much that even Frankie doesn’t know but I’m willing to tell you or some man I don’t know.”

“She’s a she and again, she’s a professional. You’ve told Frankie enough for her to be proud of you. Enough for her to have your back no matter what happens. Details may not be necessary for any of us. Well not for me or for her. Zhey won’t change how much we love you. It won’t lessen zhe value that you bring to our lives by simply allowing us to be a part of yours. When Frankie needed a friend, you were zhere for her no questions asked. After one meeting in zhe grocery store. You have more zhan cemented your spot in her life by just being zhe person you are. We never need more zhan zhat, Vanya.”

“I know you would never hurt me, Xerxes. Not because of your mother’s threats, but because of the man you are. Despite the darkness that your work causes you to operate in, I can see the good in you whenever you look at me. I don’t fear you and I never will.” She turned around and kissed the base of my neck which made some of my annoyance ebb.

“Zhose words are zhe greatest gift to me and provide me wiz much relief.”

“You make me feel…” she looked around the beach like she was too afraid to speak the words aloud.

“Not you being shy.”

“You make me feel sexy. I like when I see and feel that you desire me. It’s a weird kind of flattery and a power trip if that makes sense.” Vanya wasn’t nervous, but her voice shook slightly speaking things out loud she’d been told were bad.

“Never be shy about how I make you feel. A man wants feedback when he’s right and wrong. My correction is as important as zhe praise you might give. No fear, Vanya. And no shame. We are married and your pleasure is also my responsibility. When you’re ready for me to handle it, we will. Until zhen, we will wait. I am not a man who rushes any good zhing no matter how much I desire it. But please tell me if zhe proof of my desire offends you and I will do what I can to remedy it.”

“Not offensive, I just don’t know how to take it.”

“Take it as a sign zhat zhe sight of your face is enough to make me want you but I won’t act on it vizout your permission. You are an extraordinarily beautiful woman, Vanya, and anyone who made you believe ozerwise was a fool and a liar. My body reacts naturally, but I am still in control of myself not to act.”

She bit her lip which caused my dick to jump involuntarily. “But what if I want you to?”

“To act?”

“Yes. I, shit I’m not saying this right.” She went to move away again and I caught her in the crook of my arm which made her smile.

“Speak freely. I have enough trust in you that I selected the house that made you smile the most not just because it was perfect for me, but because I could see how much you loved it.”

“I still can’t believe you let me pick your house.” She looked so smug and instead of denying her hold over me, I acknowledged it.

“Our house. I am a man wiz a vision and I move accordingly. But back to zhis acting you want me to do.”

“I see how Liam is with Frankie. Not to compare but they are the only people I’ve ever seen up close who love each other so effortlessly. And she used to hate that man something deep.”

“Love and hate are fueled by zhe same passion.”

“True. But that is the type of life I want. What I’ve envisioned when I think about love. How I feel about you… warrants that type of affection.”

By the grace of Allah she feels something for me.

I took a step forward and when she didn’t flinch, it bolstered my confidence. It was easy to see her breathing faster through the thin fabric of her gown and I reached forward to caress her cheek slowly. Instead of shying away, she leaned into the feeling before opening up her neck to allow me to explore further.

My free hand grazed the side of her hip to pull her body closer to mine and she came willingly. The lack of hesitation caused the proof of my desire to lessen the distance between us. I went to move back but this time she was the one making the move. Her hands shot out to grip my sides ensuring I didn’t move.

“Vanya?”

“I like how it feels against me. Maybe it’s stupid but the desire you have for me fuels mine. It’s a heady feeling for someone like you to want me.”

She was blushing as she spoke but she didn’t look away and she sounded even more sure than before. The breeze off the ocean kept her gossamer thin gown pressed against her while we were talking, but now I didn’t shy away from looking.

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