I cut her off. “I know. The rational side of me understands that, but this new emotional side you have opened up is still growing, Evie. You have to understand. I am always in control. Always calm and rational. I have to be. I have to think on my feet, respond to any given situation with confidence. The second I heard you were out of the house and alone, I was frozen—ineffectual. And I responded to that by becoming angry.”

“What changed?”

“Marcus reminded me I promised not to put you in a prison. Yet by denying you something as simple as a trip to the mall to pick out a new dress, I was doing just that. When you were out of the house, you did what you had been wanting to do and went shopping. Lila scolded me about my continued anger. I told her what you said about forgetting and she told me to think those words over, and I realized what she meant. You were having fun, and you forgot. You forgot about your past, about who you married. You were just a woman in a mall, without a man telling her what to do for a change. By denying you that, again, I was no better than him.” I lifted her hand and kissed it.

“I did have fun,” she confessed.

“I know. I saw you. You were so into the moment, looking at things, lost to everything else around you.”

“You watched me?”

“I had to make sure you were okay. I only stayed a minute. You actually made me smile in spite of my anger,” I admitted, recalling the moment.

“What was I doing?”

“Picking me new underwear, I think. Unless they were for Marcus. I haven’t seen them yet, but you were certainly thorough in your inspection.”

She slapped my chest. “Of course they are for you. Everything I bought is still in the bags.”

I pressed her hand to my chest. “You were so beautiful at dinner. I loved your dress, the way you wore your hair. I was so proud to have you on my arm. You were elegant and graceful. Charming. A hundred times, I wanted to break down and ask for your forgiveness. But my pride stopped me.” I met her gaze. “I’m asking now, Evie. Forgive me. Unpack your purchases and show me everything. Let me—let us—move forward.”

“You are forgiven. I won’t do it again.”

“I think we both learned a lesson.”

“Something else happened today,” she said. “What was it?”

I told her about Damien. Not the exact words he said, just that he had been disrespectful and I had overreacted. She listened, not judging me.

“Because you were already angry at me,” she said knowingly.

“I think so.” I huffed a breath. “I find it hard to separate my feelings when it comes to you, Evie.”

“Have you fixed things with Damien?”

“Yes. I spoke to Julian as well. Geo too. I’m ashamed of my behavior.”

“You are only human. It happens to everyone.”

“So people keep reminding me. I will do better.”

“And I understand more now—about Gianna and your anxiety. I won’t do it again,” she promised. “When I thought I was being followed, all I could think about was getting back to you. You represent safety and home, Matteo. I was so scared that I wouldn’t get back to you. I don’t want to be a burden—”

Again, I cut her off. “I said that in anger. I didn’t mean it. I’m sorry you were scared. I think we both need more time to adjust to our new life, yes?”

“Yes.”

“The next time you want to shop, I’ll send Neil with you. Marcus hates shopping unless it’s for food. He trusts Neil, so therefore, I will as well. He has the patience of a saint and has no problem sitting in the mall while you wander to your heart’s content. He has two teenage daughters, so he’s used to it. You’ll feel safe, and I’ll know you’re protected. Will that be acceptable to you?”

“You would be okay with that?”

“Not completely, but I’ll learn. I don’t want this place to be your prison, Evie, or you’ll come to resent me. I love you too much for that to happen. I just need to know you’re safe.” I drew in a long breath. “To the world, you’re simply my wife, Evie. To me, you are my world.”

She gasped softly at my words. “I love you,” she whispered.

“Am I really forgiven?”

“Yes, you are. Am I?”

“Yes.” I kissed her. “Tomorrow, we start fresh, yes?”

“Yes.”

Evie

The next morning, Matteo had breakfast with me, smiling at me over his cup of coffee.

“What are your plans today?”

“I want to go visit Mrs. Armstrong in her new place.”

“Fine. I’ll send Marcus with you.” He looked at me over his coffee cup. “Are you certain you don’t want me to hire someone to oversee the place?”

Tags: Melanie Moreland Men of Hidden Justice Romance
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