Page 16 of Magic and Matrimony

“This isn’t meant to be a slight on you, or a commentary on your life choices, Ambrose. It’s about what I know I can and can’t handle. I’m trying to be truthful.”

I get up, rounding the bed until she’s right in front of me. I slide a hand around her neck, gripping her nape and pulling our faces together. Our mouths are only a few dangerous inches apart, and Piper’s pulse hammers in her throat. I never forget about my curse. That I can’t kiss another person without consequences, but Piper makes me want to throw away all my rules. I would never do that to her, though.

“We’re good together, Piper.” That’s an understatement. I’ve never experienced anything like last night. Piper might be shy in her daily life, but she was wild beneath me, unrestrained and unabashedly sexy.

“I don’t have a lot to compare it to, but…” She swallows, panting slightly.

An unwarranted jealousy rages through me. “Who? Who have you been with?”

She gapes at me like I’ve lost my mind. Maybe I have.

“It doesn't matter. Trust me, it wasn’t anything worth remembering.”

“Who? Tell me,” I demand, trying to keep my tone light and joking, but failing miserably.

“Harley Dustin,” Piper spits out.

A few things become clear in that moment. I’m jealous, and I’m a fucking asshole. I back away, until my legs hit a chair and I fall into it.

“Fuck. Piper. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to command you.” My heart is in my stomach. What have I just done?

Piper’s cheeks are pink. She’s embarrassed and angry. She clutches the lapels of her robe and tugs them together. “I know there’s a learning curve with this, but if you command me to do something, I will be forced to obey.”

I shake my head and drag my hand through my hair. “I didn’t think.”

“You’re going to need to start,” Piper whispers. Her shoulders sag and she closes her eyes. “That’s not fair of me. I’m sorry. I know this is all new to you. And it’s nothing you asked for.”

“I’ll do better. I won’t forget again,” I promise, hoping with every fiber that I can keep it.

Piper opens her eyes, staring me down with those perfect blues. “You will, but I know it won’t be on purpose.”

I take a moment to consider and then nod. After a minute of silence, I cock my head. “Harley Dustin, really? That punk?”

“I’m not talking about this. Especially with you. I don’t even want to know how many situationships you’ve had, or how many women you’ve slept with and then ghosted.”

“Is that what he did to you?” That irrational anger is back.

Piper’s mouth twists stubbornly. “I’m not talking about it.”

There’s a croissant from yesterday on the table. It’s a little stale, but I take a bite, brushing the crumbs off my chest as they scatter everywhere. “Back to us.”

“What about us?” Piper asks suspiciously.

“We’re good together. We’re married now.” I waggle my eyebrows at her. “Why deny ourselves repeat experiences like last night?”

“I already told you why.” She tightens the belt on her robe with a snap and ties it in a bow.

“I can be a one-woman guy,” I say without thinking. Can I? I’ve never actually tried.

Piper’s eyes search my face, and then travel down my chest, where my robe has gaped open. She licks her lips, and the crests of her cheeks grow pinker. Her hands fiddle with the belt of her robe, rolling one side in a tight spiral before letting it unravel.

“I’m not a fool. You’re no monk. I won’t hold you to our marriage vows.” Her eyes are focused on her belt, rolling it again.

I’m slightly shocked and a little offended. I drop the stale croissant and pick up an apple. “I can keep it in my pants, Piper.”

“I'm not asking you to.” She’s talking to the floor now.

“Very practical of you, but I can.” I take a bite of the apple.

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