Page 218 of Intense

The fight in her voice and the heat in her eyes punch through me harder than any blow she’s landed.

My resolve cracks.

She’s not just my wife. Not just my temptress. She’s my equal.

And God help anyone who thinks they can take her from me.

“I’ll think about it,” I tell her and pull away.

Could I really take her with me? Let her see this other side to me and my family? She was never meant to just be a wife.

But I think she’s right. We might be better together in all aspects.

“For now, let's get your closet done, shall we?”

She turns and scowls at me, like she might pounce on me for another attack.

“When do you leave?” she asks.

“Tomorrow night.”

I still need to speak to Theo and see what this plan is. Them saying they have Arthur and actually having him are two different things. I expect there will be more to this than just simply killing the cunt.

Chapter 76

STEPHANIE

Song- Him & I, Halsey, G-Eazy

Finn is still sleeping, his face almost peaceful, as I admire my new walk-in closet. Not only did he have everything important moved over from my house, but he filled it with new additions. Expensive ones.

And that makes me feel bad. I’ve spent years teasing him about being the rich boy, but I never wanted him to spend it on me. That isn’t who I am. Yet here I am, staring at clothes and shoes that are to die for.

One red dress in particular catches my eye. It's fit for a gala, with a low-cut back and sapphires stitched into the bust. It’s breathtaking.

Except, I have no idea when I’d ever wear it.

My trophies, the souvenirs of my kills, Finn has locked away, protecting me even from myself. Keeping me safe.

I glance back at him as he shifts in his sleep, broad shoulders stretching against the sheets.

My heart is set. I want to go with him today. I don’t want to be left here, wandering this mansion alone. I know this place willfeel empty without him. That isn’t the wife I want to be. Waiting on the sidelines for him to come home.

I’ve never been that girl, and I never will be. And I don’t think that’s what he wants either.

And I want to see it end. For him. He deserves that after everything.

More than that, I want to prove myself. Prove that I’m worthy of knowing his deepest truths. Prove I can carry them, keep them safe, and never betray them.

I’m not just his wife. I’m his partner. At work, at home, and in every shadow his world demands.

I can be useful. I know I can. And I can look after him, because deep down, he needs it.

My hand brushes over his silk ties, and an idea sparks. A way to make my case.

Grabbing two black ties, I tiptoe back to bed. The second the mattress dips, his eyes open and lock on me.

Caught.