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Neither do I.

28

JAMES

Afew minutes, that’s it. I let Ophelia burrow into my body for another few minutes.

I need those minutes to take care of her. So that’s what I do, carry her to our room and into our shower.

In our home.

While she was in the cell, I enjoyed her company. The mind games. How she depended on me. Her face lit up as soon as I slipped the gold key into the lock, and that was beautiful.

Convincing myself this was about sex and breeding her only lasted for so long.

This—she—is the real thing.

My arm is draped around her middle in the shower, pulling her to me. Close, where I can feel her. Where I can look at her gorgeous face up close.

Hot water cascades down our naked bodies. Ophelia’s body is hotter. Far more addictive.

The trust and longing in her eyes are my drug.

I’m careful as I lather shampoo into her hair. As I run the washcloth over her body.

Gently, I spin her, removing her bandage. I press my lips to the scar on her shoulder blades, staring at my initials, and kiss her again.

I spoil her.

For a few more minutes.

A womb. A pretty face. My salvation.

She’s not one thing or the other.

She’s all of it and more.

Ophelia is a diamond gleaming in the sunlight. A million facets, all of them reflecting the light. A stone formed out of hardship. Out of immense pressure.

Look at her now. Look at what she’s become.

My entire universe.

I’m never letting go. No matter what.

I’m the right man for her.

For better or worse.

For the time being, she gets to see my good side. She’s earned it, to have me drying her with a plush towel and bandaging her up.

I dress her in a pair of leggings and a long black T-shirt. A smile tugs at my lips from having her watch me put on gray sweatpants and a black T-shirt.

I’m being considerate, as comforting as possible when I carry her to the dining area and set the massive table for two. One seat next to the other so that I can have her within reach.

I never dreamed I could be addicted to another person’s pleasure. Their soft smiles. Their hand on mine.

I never imagined I’d be this consumed with protecting them.