Wife (Betrothed 1)

“I should have asked this sooner, but when we were apart…were you with anyone else?”

I wanted to blurt out the truth, but that would be stupid. It would make me seem weak, like I was sitting home alone wondering what to do about her. “That’s none of your business. The second you left this relationship—”

“It’s not a relationship.”

I set down my glass and leaned forward. “It is a relationship. When you get on your knees and apologize, that’s a fucking relationship. It’s you and me…figuring this shit out.” I sat back again after my tone sank into her flesh. “I’m clean. That’s all you need to know.”

“By your logic, you should tell me if you did or didn’t. Because that’s a relationship.”

“Good. So you finally agree that’s what this is.”

“Never said those words. But according to what you just said, telling me the truth would be the right thing to do.”

I hated that she was smart. But if she weren’t, I probably wouldn’t be so infatuated with her. “Why do you want to know so badly?”

“For my own health. Isn’t that reason enough?”

“Or you’re jealous.” My eyes burned into hers, wanting her to admit that fact. It would be a pleasure to think about, to know she was home alone missing me, worried I was fucking some other enthused woman.

“I’m not jealous. I just know you like prostitutes, so…” She rested her fingertips on her glass, displaying the best poker face I’d ever seen. It was possible she was telling the truth, that her curiosity didn’t stem from possessiveness.

“I told you I’m clean. What does it matter? The only reason it would is because you’re jealous.”

She dragged her fingertip across the surface of her glass.

“If you really want to know, admit the truth. But if you aren’t…then my results should be good enough.”

Her finger kept dragging in circles, and she watched her movements. She was quiet a long time, bringing the conversation to an end.

I hid my disappointment. When we were together, it seemed like there was something more there on her part, that she needed me more than she realized. I swore I could see it, swore I could feel it. But maybe I was wrong. Maybe this woman really didn’t give a damn about me…and never would.

“Fine…” She pulled her fingertips from her glass and looked at me, her green eyes gorgeous when they reflected the candlelight. “I want to know…so I guess that means I’m jealous.”

I stopped my smile from showing and felt a rush of hope in my chest. That fortune really was bullshit. It was just a stupid story the gypsy made up for a couple of coins. I was seeing something that wasn’t there, losing sight of reality and focusing on stupidity. Sofia was mine. It would just take her some time to get there. “I’ve only been with you.”

16

Sofia

Esme sat across from me in the booth, looking like she’d just taken a shower and done her makeup even though she’d put in a full shift before meeting me for a drink. She was living her best life, enjoying being single until she finally felt like settling down. She made enough money to have her own apartment, so she didn’t need to find a husband until she actually fell in love.

I’d thought growing up in a wealthy family would ensure I never had to marry unless I absolutely wanted to, but that wasn’t the case.

“So, you’re still seeing that hot guy?” Esme stirred her martini as she waited for an answer.

“I’m not really seeing him…”

“But you’re sleeping with him, right?”

“Technically.”

“And only sleeping with him?”

“Uh…technically.”

She chuckled. “You’re sticking to your guns, huh?”

“I’m not sticking to anything. That’s just the honest truth.”

“For years, you’ve been saying you never want to get married. I guess you really meant that, because you’re screwing the perfect man, but you still haven’t changed your mind.”

“Yes, he’s beautiful, but he’s not perfect.”

“What’s wrong with him?”

I told her about all the stuff going on with the hotel, and of course, she was shocked. She didn’t expect it; no one did. “And he owns a bank that launders a lot of cash. I guess he’s also a drug dealer too.”

“No way. He doesn’t look like he would be one.”

I shrugged. “I’m starting to realize the world isn’t a warm and bubbly place.”

“Guess not. So, if he weren’t a drug dealer, you’d be interested?”

“Not necessarily. After watching my mother’s first and second marriages, I’m just not interested. Breakups are always really nasty affairs. And relationships that last are usually worse in the long run. I understand a couple staying together to have children, but other than that, they just don’t make sense.”

“Yeah, I guess I see what you mean.” She kept stirring her drink.

“I just want to run our hotel and live my life. I don’t want to be pressured into getting married. Not all men get married, so why do women have to get married?”