Page 26 of Darkest Desire

“But that’s not fair. You know it. They don’t. You have an advantage.”

His hands grip my arms. “Do you think it’s fair for someone to cheat me out of the money owed to me? Do you think it’s fair if someone tries to kill me when I’m just enjoying my breakfast? Of course it’s not fair. This world isn’t fair. You should know that better than anyone else.”

I think of Denis and my family. What is he doing to my sisters right now? Is there any way I can save them?

My eyes land on Nico’s hands on my arms. An idea hits me. “Nico, if I agreed to play along, as in not fight you on everything, will you help me save my sisters from Denis?”

“Denis is my business partner.”

“Yes but you could get my sisters out of that house. You could keep them safe. If you did that, then I…” I swallow hard. “I’ll promise not to hate you as much as I do.”

“What an interesting offer.” He lets my arms go. I feel instantly colder without him touching me. “But one I’m going to have to decline. I like the fight in you, Sasha. I’m not ready to see that go just yet. I haven’t even shown you our bedroom. Come on.”

I follow him up the stairs, embarrassment coursing through me for the offer I just made him. My eyes remain on the hedge maze until I reach the upstairs and then it’s gone.

Chapter Five

Sasha

The master bedroom is large and luxurious. Decorated in creams and light reds, it feels too romantic for my liking. Too romantic because I don’t want Nico getting any ideas he can touch me.

“Do you like it?” he asks, swaggering into the room.

“No.” It’s not a complete lie.

Nico gives me a wink before he sits down on the bed. “It’s very comfortable. Come sit down beside me.”

“No. You’re going to try something. I don’t trust you.”

“I’m not going to rape you, Sasha. I want you screaming my name when I touch you; not recoiling in fear. And we’ll besleeping next to each other at night. Might as well come sit down beside me.”

“No. There are a ton of rooms in this place. I can sleep in any of those.”

His gaze darkens as he approaches me. “You are my wife. We will share a bed. I’ll promise not to touch you without your permission. But we will share a bed.”

The power that exudes from him is incredibly intimidating. I want to snap back but I find that I can’t. “Fine. Just don’t touch me.”

“Fair enough. Let’s get to sleep. I’m sure you’re tired. I know I am.”

“Tired of dealing with you,” I mutter.

Nico’s laugh lights up the room. It’s actually kind of nice. “You’re funny. I like that.” He starts unbuttoning his shirt.

“What are you doing?”

“Getting ready for bed. I sleep naked, by the way.”

“Well, I don’t. And I’m not comfortable with you doing that. That goes against my consent.”

“I won’t touch you.”

“But you are forcing your body onto me.”

Nico sighs dramatically. “Fine. I’ll sleep with pants on tonight. Just until you’re comfortable. Then I’ll return to sleeping naked. I can show compromise too.”

He heads into the large walk-in closet. Knowing he’s undressing in there – naked in there – does strange things to me. A heat settles itself around my body.

Nico comes out a moment later with pajama bottoms on. Soft grey sweats that hang around his waist, showing off his defined stomach.