Page 11 of Caged in Desire
“I would be honored for you to take my last name, but if you don’t want to go through with this, I’ll respect that as well. I don’t know what expectations have been set on you by your family, but I assure you I will take care of you either way.”
“That’s…that’s very kind of you. But I’m not going to run.”
“Happy to hear it. And just so we’re clear, I have no expectations of you…romantically. I understand this isn’t a traditional marriage, so I wouldn’t begrudge you for finding companionship elsewhere.”
“Oh? Oh. I see…” I say, realization hitting me like a brick wall. “And is that your plan?”
Henry gently caresses my cheek, his hand enveloping my face completely as he stares into my eyes. “No. There will be no other women.”
I’m not sure if it’s his hand pulling me to him or my own will, but I feel myself helplessly drawn toward him, my eyes fluttering closed as he fixates on my lips.
“Katarina?”
At the call of my name, Henry pulls back and stands gracefully, enjoying one last long inhale of his pipe before putting it out and pocketing it in his jacket.
“Shall we, Katarina?” he says, pulling me up with him before offering his arm.
I smile, linking my arm through his. “Please, just call me Kat. And you know you really shouldn’t smoke. It’s horrible for you. I made my cousin quit years ago.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,Katarina,” he says, the low timbre of his voice sending shivers down my spine.How is it that this man can take something as simple as my name and make it sexual?As we walk arm in arm back to the party, I’m fully looking forward to my wedding for the first time.
Chapter seven
The last of Katarina’s things are set in the foyer as the moving team diligently places boxes in the appropriate rooms. It’s been just over a week since our wedding. I felt terrible about leaving my new bride immediately after our nuptials, but she understood that I could only move so many meetings on the short notice I was given. She opted to stay at her family’s compound until I was able to join her at our estate, so this will be her first night in her new home. I want to make sure she’s comfortable before leaving yet again.
I’m about to go in search of my new wife when I notice a half-open box with items from our wedding spilling out. Lying on top of the pile of assorted s is a photo album, surprisingly already filled with photographs from the day.
I flip through the book, each picture a memory frozen in time, bringing me back to the day of our union.
Katarina walks down the aisle gracefully in a pure white dress that probably weighs as much as she does. With every step toward me, her beauty becomes more evident. I’mcompletely under her spell when she puts her tiny hand in mine and lets me lead her to the altar.
“I do,” she says, and I slide the platinum band on her trembling finger. The minister continues to talk, but all I hear is the voice in my head that keeps repeatingmine.
“You may kiss the bride.” I haven’t kissed a woman in over a decade. I hate it.My wifelooks up at me, and for a moment, I think she’s afraid to kiss me, too. Until she bites her lower lip. I cup her chin in my hand and use my thumb to pull it from her teeth. I use my other arm to reach around her slim waist and pull her to me as I bend down to meet her. Our lips touch tenderly, and she tastes fucking incredible. I want more. Her mouth opens to let my tongue in when cheers erupt, reminding me of our audience. I break our kiss and step back, putting some space between us as my heart races.
“You look stunning, Mrs. Sinclair,” I say, as we begin our first dance, reveling in the blush that reddens her cheeks. There hasn't been time for many words between the two of us with all the fuss of the ceremony. I thought I would dread this as much as I hate being the center of attention, but I’ve found myself looking forward to this dance for the chance to touch her again. As I hold her close, an instinct takes over me. To protect, to provide, to…love?
All in all, the day went much better than I ever expected. It was a huge to-do, but something about Katarina's presence grounded me. We seem compatible enough, and there’s no denying my attraction to her. It gives me a spark of hope that our marriage could one day grow into one of happiness.
Closing the album, I decide to bring the box into my own room before leaving for the day. I’ve just stored the box deep in the back of my closet when I hear Katarina’s call from her suite on the opposite side of the second floor. Following her voice, I find her in her bedroom.
“Did you need something?” I ask, leaning against the doorway, taking in the sight of the chaos.
Her once spotless room is in disarray, with stacks of boxes scattered across the floor. Some are still closed, while others have clearly been rummaged through. My wife stands among them, looking confused. I can’t help but notice she’s wearing a verythin, very revealing cotton lounge set.
“None of your clothes are in the closet,” she says, gesturing toward the spacious walk-in.
“Of course not. Why would my clothes be in your closet?” I ask, my brows creased in confusion.
“Mycloset?” I follow her gaze around the room, the gears in her brain clicking as she notes the feminine decor. “Oh. I assumed we would be sharing a room. Especially since this appears to be the primary suite of the estate.”
If I had thought for a minute she would be evenslightlycomfortable sharing a room with me, I’m not sure I would’ve had the restraint to give her one of her own. Particularly knowing she would be traipsing around here wearing next to nothing.
“I’m practically a stranger to you, so of course, I wouldn't expect you to share a bed. I learned long ago that I sleep better alone anyway. My room is down the hall, on the opposite end of the second floor. But you assumed correctly. This is technically the owner's suite. I hope you like it. I thought about waiting for you to make the design decisions yourself, but I wanted you to be somewhat comfortable upon arriving. I was able to speak with your cousin for inspiration, but please feel free to change anything you want.”
I think I see a moment of sadness flit across her face, and the idea to welcome her into my bed strikes me like lightning, but she’s back to herself before I can act on my intrusive thoughts. “No, it's perfect, thank you. I’ll be taking a break soon, from this,” she says, motioning to the mounds of clothes piled on the bed. The way her breasts bounce as she moves makes it almost impossible to think straight. “I was wondering if you would like to take a walk or give me a tour of the estate?” I would love to show her around. If I’m being honest, I would prefer to lock us both in this room, consummating our marriage for the foreseeable future. A glance down at my watch confirms I won't be doing either. Instead, I’ll be leaving shortly to hop on the jet for a quick afternoon in New York to meet with an investment board. “I’m afraid I have to leave soon, but I’m sure Mrs. Potts would be thrilled to show you around.”
“Excuse me?” The unexpected sass in her voice grabs my attention from the rundown of my day going through my mind.
