Page 34 of Claimed By the Enemy

“Wonderful.” Dom’s smile is warm and genuine, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think he was actually pleased about having dinner guests. “I’ll let Patrice know to expect company.”

“Well then,” Amara says, standing up. “See you at seven!”

She gives Dom a polite handshake and me a quick hug before breezing out of the office like a hurricane of enthusiasm and good intentions.

Leaving me alone with my husband for the first time in four days.

“Sit down, Sophie.”

“I’d rather stand.”

“Sit. Down.”

There’s steel in his voice now, the pleasant facade already dropping away. I sink into the chair Amara just vacated, keeping my back straight and my chin up.

“A boat trip,” Dom says conversationally. “How interesting.”

“It’s just a girls’ weekend.”

“Is it? Because from what your friend described, it sounds like quite an extensive itinerary. Multiple stops along the coast. Very… comprehensive.”

“Amara likes to be thorough.”

“I’m sure she does.” Dom leans forward, his elbows on the desk. “Tell me, Sophie, were you planning to mention this trip to me? Or were you just going to disappear one weekend and hope I didn’t notice?”

“Why would I need to mention a weekend trip to you?”

“Because you’re my wife. Because there are people who want to hurt you. Because the last time you went somewhere without telling me, you ended up in the hospital.”

“That was different.”

“It’s not because it seems to me like you have a pattern of making impulsive decisions without considering the consequences.”

My temper flares. “The only impulsive decision I’ve made lately was letting you kiss me in that wine cellar.”

“Is that what you think it was?” he asks quietly. “Impulsive?”

“What else would you call it?”

“Inevitable.”

The single word hits me like a physical blow. Because he’s right, and we both know it.

“You can’t run away from this,” Dom says.

“I’m not running away. I’m taking a vacation.”

“You’re running. Because what happened between us scared you. Because for the first time since you walked into my office, you’re not in control.”

“I’m in perfect control,” I lie.

“Are you? Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like you’re terrified of admitting that you want me. That this marriage might be more than just a business arrangement.”

“Then why haven’t you tried to escape before now?”

The question catches me off guard. Why haven’t I tried to run before? I’ve had opportunities, resources, and motivation.

“Because you’re not a coward, Sophie. And running away would be the coward’s choice.”