Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 90114 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90114 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
No strings, no point to prove, no prenup.
A normal, healthy marriage.
Or as normal as either of us can get.
For a few weeks, I refused to even look at the cash. It was too much. It didn't feel earned. But when Dad got word of the deposit, he talked me into using the money for good.
It took a while to figure out what that meant. Longer to put the paperwork together. But now…
I can't imagine a better use. I give people the opportunity to fully express themselves. I give them a safe space to find their emotions, wants, desires.
To heal.
And Dad…
He still lays on the guilt trips when he deems me ungrateful for Shep's wealth.
It's ridiculous. I'm the only first-generation woman whose parents guilt her for not spending enough money.
Think of what your mother would do? Would she really want you to waste this opportunity?
I'm glad he's still here. Because if Mai and Queyen could use him and Mom to guilt me into doing things their way—
I'm so glad he's here. And okay. Yes, he's not in fighting shape. He'll never be at one hundred percent again. But he's healthy and happy and alive.
And married to his freaking nurse. I guess she's not his nurse anymore. He doesn't need a nurse anymore. I guess it's a good thing he has a medical professional nearby.
"Princess…" He shakes his head with mock distaste. "Picturing me naked?"
"No." I press my lips together. "Not exactly."
He stares back at me with all this trust. All this love.
It warms me everywhere. It makes my limbs light. If he wasn't holding me, I'd float to the ceiling.
I still might.
I love him so much. More every day. Getting to be this close to him, sharing his space, his time, his life—
Maybe we aren't a normal couple. Maybe we haven't worked out every single one of our issues. But I don't care.
We're happy.
And he's safe. He doesn't tell me everything about his past. Only bits and pieces. He's still working through it. He'll always be working through it.
He's trying to let go. Forgive. For himself.
It's the opposite of the Shepard Marlowe I know.
And it's… well, I'm happy for him. That he's releasing this burden. But I couldn't let go or forgive.
I asked Ian's help. The tech genius found information on Lucien. Nothing about Shep. Or Nick. Or anything salacious.
No, we found ordinary, run-of-the-mill evidence of insider trading.
I took it to Lucien. Told him I'd release it if he ever came near Shep again. He pretended like he had no idea what I was talking about. But he did back off.
I asked Shep's staff to keep an eye on him. To tell me if they ever get news of any contact from Lucien. Even a fucking Christmas card.
I know, I shouldn't spy on my husband. But it's what he would do. If he knew, he'd be proud.
As it is…
For once, I got to save him. That feels better than anything.
"I'm glad your mind is in the gutter." He pulls me a little closer. So my thoughts return to the room. So I sink into his lap.
"Aren't we going to dinner?" I run my fingers along his collar. Down his tie. I want to fuck him. Okay, to have him fuck me. But I want a quiet dinner too. I want all of it. Everything. "We can't be late."
"We can't?"
I shake my head with absolutely no conviction.
He smiles. "I better make this fast."
I shake my head.
He slips his hand under my robe. "I've been thinking."
"Yeah?"
"About us. Our future. Our life."
I stare into his deep blue eyes. "Something specific?"
His gaze flits to the floor. His cheeks flush. His chest caves.
Is he actually… shy?
Shepard Marlowe, a man with the power to destroy anyone in his way, a man who makes me come so hard I see stars, is shy.
This has never happened.
Ever.
Warmth spreads through my torso. And something else. A fierce need to protect him. From anyone and everything. "You've been thinking."
He nods.
I run my fingers along his jawline. To his chin. Gently, I tilt his head so we're eye to eye. "Whatever it is, you can tell me."
He nods. "I'm ready."
"You're ready?"
"Yeah." His blush deepens. "To start trying."
"Trying… Oh." Oh. My head fills. My heart swells. My body screams yes, let's start right now.
"I know your charity is taking up a lot of time. If you want to wait—"
"No."
"No?"
"Yes. Now. Let's start. Let's try." My fingers curl in his hair.
"Right now?"
I nod.
"Your IUD?"
"Don't ruin the moment with practicalities."
He mimes zipping his lips.
"We can… practice. Then, when we get home, I'll make an appointment. And we can really start…"
"You think I need practice?"
"Well…" This time my cheeks flush. "You don't always come inside me."
He smiles. "You don't like that, princess?"
"You know I…" My blush deepens. "It's just… the biology."
He reaches out. Cups my cheek with his palm. His voice gets softer. All that gentleness. All him. "Are you sure?"