Page 31 of Falling for the Wife

Working up a sweat?While seconds away from getting killed?What is wrong with him?

“Are you serious?” Highly embarrassed, I couldn’t even come up with an apology. I glared at Jared and his idiotic smile. I began to redden, immediately feeling like a complete moron. “Why can’t you be normal for once!” I muttered before I harrumphed out of the garden and retreated back indoors.

Who in their right mind would whack swords around without some sort of armor? Did he have a fucking death wish? It sure looked like it. The man didn’t give a damn if he died. I really should stop caring. When would I learn?

Feeling like an absolute fool, I trudged towards the hallway, too heated to realize that Jared had somehow caught up to me before I took the stairs.

“Gisele!”

I stopped, and ever so slowly, I turned to face him.

His hand held both swords, and he was still chuckling at my mad behavior. His impressive chiseled abs glistened with sweat, and those gorgeous cerulean blues danced with glee.

My breasts ached, my body acutely responding to him.Not now, damn it!I scolded my treacherous body, but to no avail.

I stood there, quite speechless as I simply gawked at him, weakened by his presence and the potent virility he effortlessly exuded by simply existing. Even knee-deep in embarrassment, I couldn’t help but admire his sheer masculinity. He simply was…beautifully crafted in every way. Even his magnificent mind was mind-blowing through and through. Yes, it was an undeniable fact that Jared was the sexiest thing since whipped butter. Deny as I might, but I longed to savor him, lick every inch of his skin, purely curious to find out if he tasted just as I imagined he would—sweet ambrosia with a hint of salt.

“Aww, you were concerned someone was out to kill me,” he cooed, touched at my show of concern.

Yeah, not going to make that same mistake again.

Holding back a sigh, I sheepishly eyed him. “I didn’t realize you enjoyed the sport. Where is he—your friend, I mean? I could have Reina fix him something to eat,” I kindly offered, not sure if the guy was as amused as Jared was. I did, after all, intrude and break up their arduous session.

“He already left.” He closed the gap between us before his eyes dropped. His fingers took hold of the thin delicate straps of my slip, slightly tugging them, as if testing their resistance. “Do try not to run outside the bedroom wearing anything X-rated. Your tits are lovely, but this poor excuse of a dress could barely contain them. It’s bad enough security can see you walking around at night, but for my sparring partner to lust after you, too, is unacceptable. Do we understand each other, Gisele?”

My heart thumped loudly against my chest. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking…I thought he was going to hurt you.”

His face softened. “I understand, but please don’t do it again, okay?”

“Yeah, okay.” I nodded before I began to climb the stairs, a little troubled about our odd interaction.

He seemed to have a problem with clothes, particularly revealing clothes. If I aimed to please him, I should cater to his desires. But I wasn’t a submissive woman. My mother brought me up to love and own my true self. If I hid the real me, I’d lose my identity. Besides, our relationship wasn’t real, so what I should or shouldn’t wear didn’t matter.

That might be true and all, but it didn’t seem to stop him from preaching his preference to me, anyway. If he had any sense, he’d best direct that towards his lover because clearly I wasn’t his to command. Last night’s declaration enlightened me on how much he was willing to fight the attraction we had to each other. Then so be it. I was more than delighted to accommodate that request. Who’d want to be saddled with a guy who had serious commitment issues?

At eighteen, I was supposed to explore men and sexuality. It was the age of discovery. And before I’d even begun jumping into the dating pool, I wasn’t going to let Jared ruin me for the real man who would cherish and treasure me. Therefore, until then, I’d happily wait for the right person to come along.

Since it was ten on a Sunday morning, I had no other plans but to hop back in bed, hoping I could steal a few more hours until lunch was to be served.

Situated in bed, I decided to use the phone to connect me to the kitchen. It was Thomas who answered.

“Would you want breakfast in bed, Madam? After the late night partying, it’s quite understandable if you’re too shattered to properly eat in the breakfast room.”

Nothing escaped him; Thomas thrived on busting me whenever he could. Some, he’d relay to my parents before, but most of the time, he kept them to himself. He was a meticulous man. He knew everyone’s secrets. Thomas’s innuendoes, I was accustomed to. And I supposed, he couldn’t hide his disappointment when he found out I left Jared all by himself. His toned proved just how displeased he was.

“Good morning, my love.” I grinned, knowing how much of a softy he was. He might be displeased, but it wouldn’t be for long. Thomas adored me; he could never hold it for more than twenty-four hours. “Breakfast in bed sounds perfect. Also, I wanted to ask what’s for lunch? Does Papa have any appetite for anything in particular?” Thomas had mentioned before that my father seemed to prefer soups since he couldn’t hold much down anymore.

He cleared his throat, a gesture he made when he aimed to be intimidating. But I knew him well enough to know calling him ‘my love’ always softened his standoffishness. “He requested potato and leek soup. But the chef also has a full menu for the newlyweds. I believe he’s even made strawberry Pavlova as a special treat for you.”

Newlyweds. Oh, Thomas. The old man simply couldn’t help with the barbs. It was in his nature, and in some ways, I found it endearing. Thomas wouldn’t be Thomas if he turned his sarcasm down a notch. Trying to stifle my giggles, I repeatedly thanked him before placing the phone back in its cradle.

A massive smile pasted on my lips when my phone beeped. It was from Wyatt.

Morning, beautiful. Last night was surprisingly fun. Can we do a repeat? I promise I’ll try not to sweep you off your feet.

Wyatt…should I even?

Last night was fun. I couldn’t recall laughing so much in my life. Since I’d known him all my life, the man seriously had countless stories about me. Most were embarrassing, of course.If he weren’t Blair’s brother…