Page 41 of Caged in Desire
The thought of Sasha reminds me that he’ll be arriving later tonight for a short visit. His absence is one of the other thingsthat’s thrown me off lately. I was prepared for his physical absence after my wedding, but he’s hardly even replied to my texts since I moved.
The sound of a knock against my doorframe reminds me it’s been open this whole time. I wasn’t exactlyexpectingmy father to call and give me theIt's almost been two months since you’ve been married, and you better be making your husband happyspeech.
“Are you alright?”
I don’t have to look to know who’s at the door. My husband’s voice is etched into my soul at this point, considering how often it runs through my imagination.
“Yes,” I respond, my voice muffled by the comforter.
“Who was that on the phone?”
“My father.”
The edge of the bed dips, his scent somehow surrounding me regardless of the fact that my nose is buried in the covers.
“What did he want?”
I flip over onto my back as dramatically as I can, spreading out like a starfish, “He wanted to make sure I wasmaking Mr. Sinclair happy,”I say, staring up at the ceiling. I know if I were to look at Henry, I would tear up. A weakness I really don’t want to show right now.
“Iamhappy, Kitten. Happier than I can recall ever being…Katarina?”
When I dare to glance at him, he’s propped against my headboard, looking down at me with that intensity I’ve seen time and time again. That intensity that leads tonothing.
Sighing, I pull myself up and join him, leaning against the frame. “Yes?”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry for my part in this.” He reaches out, taking my hand in his. “I liked where our relationship was going, and I would like to continue down that path.”
“Yeah, me too,” I whisper.
He lets go of my hand and wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me slightly toward him. I don’t even realize I’ve laid my head on his chest until I recognize the heartbeat I’m listening to isn't mine. Sitting together like this is just so natural. Like a couple of lovers in a routine embrace.
His ringing phone breaks the silence, drawing us out of our moment of bliss. “Ugh, I have to leave soon,” he grumbles, declining the call.
When I try to shimmy away, he tightens his grip on me. “I’ll be home for dinner, and then crosswords? I’ve missed my partner.”
Smiling, I nod. “I’ll be here.”
Me:
Urgent!! Help!!
Sloane:
Is it happening???
Margot:
Please tell me you’re about to get laid.
Margot:
Actually, spare me the details…Of my brother’s pipe laying.
Me:
Well, not exactly… But he did apologize. He said he “liked where we were going and wanted to continue down that path.” And then we cuddled for a minute. Before he had to leave :( But he said he would be home for dinner and crosswords.
Me:
