Page 76 of The Sound in Silence

“Vanessa wouldn’t have approached you if I was there, so it was. In the back room, her father tried to convince me to divorce you and wed her. After denying both him and my father a few times, I was determined to return to your side, but the moment I entered, the loudest sound echoed through the room, silencing everyone else.” Despite everything, I chuckle, recalling the confusion, and the utter pride when I realized it was her, hand red from standing up for herself. “Everything that bitch told you was a lie to tear you down. I’m not marrying her.”

Ariella

You’re not mad I hit someone?

My laugh isn’t contained. I abandon my phone and walk around the bed, taking her face between my palms. My obsession with touching her has grown to unhealthy lengths, but the more we’re around one another, the less I care about the distance I once craved.

“Mad?Sirena,I’m far from fucking mad. I’m proud you defended yourself. If I’m mad at anyone, it’s myself, my parents, and the Volkovs. Not you.” The one positive in this: theFamigliawives now know not to fuck with her. “You slapped the Bratva’s daughter without hesitation. You’re a hundred times the woman she is. With every fibre of my being, I pledge there isnothingthe Volkovs will offer me that’ll have me choosing her over you. I’m too addicted to you to release you.”

I release her face because even with all that said, an energy thrums through me and I know the precise way to release it. The look in her eyes offers one way, but I won’t be gentle tonight, or even submissive. I need to hurt someone and it certainly won’t be in this bed.

Before doubt creeps into her gaze again, I kiss her forehead, gently stroking her wet hair away from her face. “I need to deal with a few things. Make sure my father’s not planning an uprising as we speak, and to ensure the Volkovs left the city. I’ll be back way later, okay? Get some sleep.”

Whatever’s in her head gets masked and she covers my hand with her own, nodding once. But before I pull away entirely, her hand snakes behind my neck and she pulls me in for a kiss.

The moment her tongue strokes over mine, I feel myself losing it. Restraint. Rationality. The need to climb over her, pin her down, and fuck her into the mattress grows stronger, and mysirenaof a wife knows it too. She reclines onto the pillows, taking me with her, tempting my control. Before it’s gone entirely, I manage to pin her wrists to her side, preventing her from further touching me as I break our kiss and glance meaningfully at my hold, so she comprehends my next statement better.

“I hate denying you but I’m not what you need. I’ll demand control and that’s not something I want for you right now.”

She bites her bottom lip but nods, agreeing. Not arguing the fact that what I givecouldbe what she needs—because we both know it’d be a repeat of previous experiences for her. That alone, her recognition, brings a smile to my face.

I release her wrists and straighten, turning away from the lure of her siren call.

* * *

Me

Gym. Join if you want, or don’t. I need to release my energy somehow and right now, a fight is really fucking appealing.

Caladin

But I have a sure thing in my bed.

Me

Then don’t come.

Caladin

But the practice will be good for me. It’s been weeks since I’ve had a fight scheduled. Can’t let my body slip.

Me

So come. You’re pissing me off. Also, I have another job for you.

Caladin

You don’t stop, do you?

Me

Not when it comes to my wife. Where the fuck were you at the party?

Caladin

Hiding. Looking for ways to sneak out. Wish I stayed closer. Could have kept the snakes away from her. Sorry.

Me

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