Page 62 of Fair Trade

“And I never break my promises.” He squeezes my hand. “Look, I know this is a lot. It is for me too, believe it or not. I know our relationship has been anything but conventional, but I need you to know that no matter what, you can count on me. I may be your husband in name only, but I vow right here and now to be your person.

“You have a shitty day at work? You come to me. See a funny meme that is meant to be insulting toward the entire male population, you send it my way.” His thumb brushes over my ring. “If you feel like you need a minute to catch your breath because life can get overwhelming, turn around and you’ll find me standing there, ready to hold you up until you feel steady on your own two feet again.”

My eyes instantly start to water, and I have to swallow roughly and pray my voice doesn’t betray me. “You promise?” I ask shakily.

He lifts my hand and presses a soft kiss over my ring. “I vow.”

I let out a ragged breath, not used to seeing this side of Nick. If I thought withholding sex from our arrangement was going to help salvage the future tattered pieces of my heart, I may have gravely underestimated his capabilities.

“Okay, I guess now is a good time for me to hear your rules.” I softly remove my hand from his gentle hold.

I’m certain he’s not going to answer when he simply smiles and turns to leave.

But when he eyes me over his shoulder and opens his mouth to speak, I have to strain my ears to make sure I heard him right.

Yet there was no mistaking what he said.

“Wife, when it comes to you, I have none.”

twenty-nine

I’ve been hiding inmy office for the last hour.

Luisa is showering in our bathroom, and the thought of her naked and wet was enough to send me running to another floor. I quickly stepped into a guest room and took the coldest and quickest shower known to man. After I changed into gray sweatpants—yes, I wore them on purpose—I banished myself to my office.

But now I’m walking back upstairs, ready to sleep in the same bed as Luisa.

My Angel.

My wife.

The thrill that hits me every time I remind myself that we’re now married hasn’t dissipated. If anything, it cements the feeling that Luisa is exactly where she’s supposed to be.

By my side and in my bed.

I know she has a no-sex rule, and I will respect her wishes.

But I’m no fool. I know the need runs both ways. I may have promised not to lay a finger on her, but that doesn’t mean I won’t make her want me to.

So sue me for throwing on a pair of gray sweatpants and hoping that all those magazine articles that Luisa graces the covers of were right about the mighty powers of this comfortable garment.

Anticipation builds in my chest as I reach our room. I can see that Luisa is already in bed, between tousled sheets.

I catch the moment she spots me, and I swear she glares at my outfit of choice.

Good. I can work with that.

I’m itching to get closer to her when movement in the center of my bed catches me off guard.

Luisa smirks triumphantly, and I worry what the hell my wife has gotten up to. “No need for a pillow barrier. Especially since we have this—” She flips down the covers to reveal Delilah’s goofy smile. “She can be our mediator, and I’m sure she’ll keep you at bay if you get any naughty ideas.” She smiles fully now, and all thoughts of lust are replaced by a warm feeling in my chest.

This woman… she’s more.

She’s everything.

And that smile. God, it makes me feel like a better man. Makes me want to act like one too.

I decide to play into her silly game. “Ah, I see how this is going to go. My girls have teamed up to plot against me, is that right?” I scratch under Delilah’s jaw, and she leans into my hand.