Page 115 of Adoration: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 2)

She was the most beautiful woman I had ever laid my eyes on. I had many women in my lifetime, but from the moment I met her, I couldn’t stand any of them. I tried to wipe Liberty out of my brain, but even five minutes with the others were painful.

My mind, my heart, my body just wanted her. For me, everything started and ended with my wife. She was my past, present, and future.

“Thank you.”

Her eyes traveled over me and for a fraction of a second, desire flared in those expressive eyes, but it was gone the next instant. She was determined to keep her guard up; hold on to her anger because of my deceit. I couldn’t blame her but I hated it nonetheless.

“You need one more thing.” I reached into my pocket and pulled a diamond necklace with a single teardrop emerald gem in the middle. “Brandon helped me pick this out. Can I put it on you?”

She never even glanced at the necklace, her eyes watching me with wariness as she nodded.

She turned around facing the mirror, exposing her neck and her bare back to me. I buckled the half a million dollar necklace around her beautiful neck and knew all the diamonds in the world would not keep her with me unless I could get her to love me.

Our eyes met in the reflection, and without thinking, I bent my head and placed a soft kiss on her neck, my eyes watching her in the mirror the entire time. She didn’t even realize her eyes fluttered shut and her head instinctively tilted over to allow me better access. It was a small victory.

You just wait and see, wife. I will make you love me the way I love you.

Chapter Forty-Nine

Liberty

Brandon rushed into our bedroom, breaking the moment.

“Do you like it?” he asked excitedly. “Do you like the necklace I picked out with Alexander?”

“Yes, I love it.” I smiled. If only I could have his enthusiasm right now.

“You are so pretty, Livy.” Brandon gushed.

“Thank you, baby.” I wanted to stay home with him. I wanted to figure out how to fix this mess I had going. I didn’t want to go to a ball, be among strangers or be alone with Alexander.

“Are you ready?” Alexander spoke up, stopping my fumbling mind.

“Yes,” I sighed reluctantly.

“You have shoes on?” Brandon asked, giggling, and I couldn’t help but stick my tongue at him playfully.

“Yes, I have shoes on,” I lifted my long gown to show them both I was wearing fancy shoes. “I would rather wear my chucks, but I think these are fancier.”

“I like you in both,” Alexander said with a small smile on his lips and my cursed heart fluttered.

He turned to Brandon and ruffled his hair affectionately.

“Maxim and you are in charge until we get back.” Brandon smiled wide. “And Brandon?”

“Yes, Alexander?”

“Thank you for the hint and help on picking out Livy’s necklace.”

I wanted to tell them both to stop, on the verge of tears. Why was I so emotional? I was still mad at Alexander. I wanted a family so desperately but it didn’t seem to be working out. Brandon was as much under Alexander’s spell as I was. We were both bound to hurt. Hell, I was already hurting. I wanted to pull my hair, scream, and tell them both to stop. Instead, I stood there watching them.

Alexander took my hand and we headed for his car. It was amazing I was able to walk, to function even though I felt torn up on the inside.

Within twenty minutes, we’d arrived at Buckingham Palace.

“The charity reception event is here?” I asked incredulously.

“Yes.” He didn’t seem overly impressed. Of course, maybe he was used to these kinds of parties. Our worlds were so different,wewere so different. How did we end up getting tangled up so deep?

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