Her Men

This wasn’t what he was expecting. “What for?”

“I … I wasn’t part of whatever my family did to you. I mean that. I know they blackmailed you into marrying me. I don’t know what they’ve got on you, but I’m really sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I know, but you’re married to me. A woman you don’t want. Like you said at our wedding. I’m not supposed to be here. I don’t belong here, and you’re right. I didn’t want to be involved in this marriage. I don’t want to make you miserable either.”

He’d treated her like shit, and now she was the one apologizing.

“I was wondering if in time you’d come to see me as a friend.”

“A friend?”

“Yes. I know we’ve only just met, but I’m a nice person. At least I think I am. Dogs like me.”

He couldn’t help but smile at that. “They do?”

“Yes. I used to volunteer at the local rescue center before all of this. I was a natural, or at least they told me I was. They probably just wanted me to come back again, but I loved being there. It was a lot of fun.”

“You love dogs?”

“And cats, bunnies as well.” She held the book in her hands, looking really sweet, cute, and nervous. “So, can we call a truce? I’ll do whatever you say to make your life easier. I’ll make amends any way you think I should. I can try and help you if you’d like.”

“You’d go against your parents?” he asked.

“I’m not here because I want to be either.”

He couldn’t help but wince at that.

“But yes, I’d help you,” she said, finishing off her statement.

“You know how to kick a guy in the gut.”

“I’m sorry. I’m only being honest.” She held the book tight to her chest with one hand. She stepped closer to him, holding her hand out. “Truce?”

He stared at the hand, not wanting to shake it.

James was overcome with an overwhelming sense of desire to pull her into his arms and kiss her.

Instead, he took the handshake.

It was a start.

Chapter Six

One week later

After shaking hands, something changed in the air. Abby didn’t know what it was or even why, only there was a difference between her and James. They’d sat down together on the sofa. He’d poured them both a glass of wine and as she read the book she’d been reading, he’d stroked her feet.

It had felt … nice.

For the past week, she’d been spending time with him. They spent a lot of time in the gardens. He explained what features he enjoyed and why he decided on certain flowers. He took great pride in his garden.

He’d also taken her on a personal tour of the house, and he’d given her dates of items of furniture he’d purchased, also on some of the artwork. It was all fascinating, and she was really happy that she’d decided to go with a truce.

Marriage was hard no matter what.

At least she could try to make it easier for the both of them.

Running the brush through her hair, she smiled at her reflection. James was nice. When he wasn’t being so mean and trying to hurt her, she loved the way he put her at ease and the touches he made to her. Every now and then he’d hold her hips, or stroke her side. Her favorite time was in the entertainment room or the library. He’d sit with her feet across his lap, stroking her legs. The touch always felt intimate, sexual, needy.

She felt that desire curling in her stomach.

A need filling her up, flooding her body.

He’d not touched her pussy or her breasts since that day at the pool. They’d spent time at the pool as well.

They were friends.

Not lovers.

Running fingers through her hair, she stared down at the bathing suit she wore. It was a one-piece. She’d tried the bikini she caught sight of, but that wouldn’t do.

She had to feel confident, and showing that much flesh scared her.

Satisfied with how she looked, she left her room. She didn’t share a room with James. He’d not pushed the issue since she apologized about her parents.

Speaking of her parents, she’d not heard from them, and James had told her he’d taken care of it. The instant he said that, she’d felt relief. Her mother would consider her a failure if she knew they’d not consummated their marriage.

Her precious virginity was still intact.

Not for the first time she wished she’d slept with anyone prior to James, but then, she’d be near him and all it would take was a brush of his arm for her to know she didn’t want anyone else.

Smiling to herself, she left the house, and went straight to the pool. The doors were already open and James was in the pool.

She caught sight of Drake sitting at the edge of the pool as well.