Page 13 of Cage the Storm
LUNA
I didn’t sleepa wink last night. I’ve been trying to convince myself that it had everything to do with not finishing what we started, rather than being worried about my husband. He’s been gone for over sixteen hours, and that’s not considered late in his world. Yet, I’m anxiously waiting for him to return.
I’ve already been on a walk through the gardens and did my fifty laps in the pool, and now I’m sitting on my bedroom chaise, reading an excellent book. I haven’t eaten since breakfast because I wanted to wait for Nicolai, but I’m famished and can’t wait much longer.
Before I can finish that thought, he comes crashing through the bedroom door. With the sleeves of his dress shirt rolled up at the elbows, revealing his muscular forearms. His jacket is nowhere to be found, and his trousers are filthy dirty. He reeks of urine and something else that makes me want to vomit. And I suck in a breath when I see the back of his shirt covered in blood.
Worried that he’s hurt, I’m on my feet, closing the distance between us. He whips out his hand, stopping me from coming any closer. “I’m in desperate need of a shower and some space, please. But if you could grab me a bottle of water and something for this godforsaken headache, I’d be much appreciative.”
I hurry to grab a bottle of water out of our mini fridge, and then I race into the bathroom to grab the medicine I take for my headaches and cramps. With both items in hand, I walk inside his en suite and freeze. My mouth hangs open, but I quickly recover and set everything down on the vanity.
His broad shoulders are tense, and he’s quiet as he plucks the pills from the counter and guzzles the bottle of water within seconds. He catches me admiring his firm ass when he spins in my direction. Nico’s body is breathtaking and powerful, and I want to stare at him for a bit longer since it was too dark the first time I saw him naked.
But what truly steals my breath is the carved line of muscle at his waist, and the way it moves with him, catching the soft glow from the overhead lights. And when I lower my eyes, his thick cock lies heavy between his thighs.
“Luna, could you get me another bottle of water, please?” Our eyes meet, and for a brief second, I see a glimpse of sadness he’s trying to hide. I brush it off because, as far as I know, the Caputo men don’t have feelings.
“Of course. I’ll leave it on the vanity for you.” And with that, he steps inside the shower, and all I can see are the contours and shadow of his body as he disappears underneath the waterfall.
After grabbing the bottle, I give him the space he needs to wash off whatever happened last night. Knowing no matter how many questions are on the tip of my tongue, he’d never answer a damn one.
Since I’m past the point of starvation, I call Sophie to bring us some food. It’s been days since I’ve seen her, and this gives me the perfect excuse to do just that. I’ve missed her so damn much.
Using the house phone, I dial her number, and she picks up on the first ring. “Luna, I’m going crazy wondering how you’ve been.”
“Hi Sophie, I’m doing well, thanks. Could you bring us a tray of food since Nicolai is exhausted and out of sorts?”
“I’ll knock on the door and leave the cart in the hall, so I don’t disturb him.” That’s perfect because I have no idea if he’ll be angry that I called her.
“You’re so thoughtful, thank you.” I feel I’m doing the right thing, but I never know with Nicolai. He could insist on going into the dining hall since he’s hell bent on traditions.
“Luna, were you on the phone?” I startle when he saunters out of the bathroom with just a towel wrapped around his waist.
“Yes, I hope you don’t mind, but I called Sophie to bring up some food. I didn’t think you’d want to go downstairs.”
“Thank you.” I thought for sure he’d be angry, but the fact that he’s not is proof of how exhausted he must be.
“Should I give Sophie your dirty clothes to take to the laundry?” In truth, I’d throw them out, but that’s just my opinion. He has more than enough shirts and suits hanging in his closet.
“That won’t be necessary since Barrett will be coming to fetch them soon. Come sit and tell me about your day.” Is this the same mercurial man who left me last night?
Sitting on the sofa, I fill him in about my walk and laps in the pool. Once I’ve brought him up to speed, he picks up my book and flips through the pages.
“Tell me how those books make you feel while reading them.” I wasn’t expecting him to be interested in such mundane things, but now that he’s asked, he might not be ready for the truth.
“This one is a romantasy about cadets entering a war college and learning everything they need to do to survive. It resonates with me since I’ve been trying to do the same against a ruthless wingleader who keeps me captive.” His smirk is not lost on me when he sets the book down where it belongs.
“Am I the ruthless wingleader that holds you captive?” Now would be the perfect time for Sophie to knock on that damn door.
“Yes, you are, since you and your family won’t let me leave.” He studies me for a minute before he gives me his truth.
“It’s because we don’t trust you, Luna. If and when I do, then—and only then—will you be able to come and go as you please. Trust is something that’s earned, not just handed out like candy. I’m sure there’s something similar in that book you’re reading, too.” He’s right, but trust is a two-way street, and he’s yet to earn mine.
The longer I sit here, the angrier I become, so I’m grateful when Sophie knocks on the door. And when I stand to answer, his hand shoots out to stop me before he slips on a pair of trousers and walks down the hall. I’m agitated, so I follow close behind.
“I’ll grab the tray. Why don’t you clear off the table?” No, I won’t, because that is Sophie’s job.
When he opens the door, I duck under his arm and give Sophie the biggest hug of my life.
