Page 30 of This Is Love (The Light to My Darkness 3)

"He didn't take your money."

"But he wanted you the whole fucking time we were together. And I trusted him. I let you hang out with him every Friday night for the past year because I trusted him."

"He was trustworthy. And he still is. He only ever said anything to me when he realized you broke up with me. Which he found out about because you showed up at his place and punched him in the face. I didn't tell him."

James raised his eyebrow at me.

"Please don't punch anyone else. And don't yell at cops. And don't buy cocaine."

He sighed.

"I feel like those are things most people don't need to be reminded of," I said.

"I'm not most people."

"I know." I touched the side of his face. "You're so much better. Thank you for telling me. Geez, that cop made it seem like you had a rap sheet of beating up women."

"I would never hurt you."

"It hurts me when you try to push me away."

He pulled me back against his chest. "Then I'm done pushing you away." He kissed the top of my head. "I'm sorry that I ruined tonight."

"Tonight was perfect. It finally feels like there's nothing left unspoken between us. Do you have any idea how relieved I feel?"

"I feel it too."

"There is one more thing, though," I said.

I felt his body tense.

"Does a small part of you just want to hop on the next flight out of here and ge

t married somewhere obscure?"

He laughed. "Maybe a small part. If it means I could have you all to myself."

"You already have me all to yourself."

There was so much steam in the shower that I could barely see James a few feet in front of me. His question swirled around in my head. Do you remember what it’s like when I’m mad at you?

“I remember. But I’m not your fiancée anymore. I’m your wife, James. I’m the mother of your children. And despite what you might think, you don’t want to punish me right now. I made you a promise all those years ago that I’d always show up. And here I am. I’m showing up."

He stepped forward so that I could see him clearer. “So what you’re saying is that I should be taking care of you?” He put his hand on the center of my chest and pushed me backward until my back hit the cold tiled wall.

My whole body shivered.

“Worshipping your body?”

I swallowed hard.

“You tried to break my heart, Penny.”

“You said you forgave me.” Right this second, I didn’t care if he had or not. He was looking at me in that way. The way that had always made my knees weak. The way that gave a girl like me the courage to kiss him during his office hours all those years ago. I never was able to resist him when he looked at me like that.

His hand slid between my breasts, down my stomach, and stopped right where my body needed him the most. “You’ve forgotten that you spread your legs for me in my office after just one kiss? Don’t forget what we once were, Penny. You fucking love being punished. I’m just giving you what you want. What is it that you said?” He ran his thumb against my clit.

“James,” I moaned.

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