Page 146 of Unraveled

She had simply found the right man in Gian to use.

It was a particular sport that she had been taught all too well, and had yet to lose.

Gian didn’t realize he had been playing Elena’s game until it was too late. He had fallen for all of her lies, they were only a single week being married, he was stuck in the agreement made, and his life shattered. Just like that, she ruined what should have been his free choice and will.

And she had done it for no other reason than to be free.

She trapped him so that she could fly.

“Well?” Gian asked. “What do you want for your birthday?”

Elena shrugged. “Nothing spectacular.”

“But something amazing.”

“That is what your wife deserves, isn’t it, Gian?”

“She certainly deserves something,” he said as he moved past her.

Elena reached out to pat his cheek. It took every ounce of willpower he had not to flinch away. He did not share a life with this woman beyond the one they were forced into, and they certainly didn’t share affection. He didn’t want her touching him, and he had no interest or desire to touch her.

Once, before they married, all he had wanted to do was touch her, and to save her. And then he figured out her games, but it was already too late.

“Don’t,” Gian murmured, stepping out of Elena’s reach.

“So touchy, Gian.”

“I wonder why, Elena.”

“You’re no fun tonight.”

With her, he was never fun.

“If you want something, then ask for it. Don’t, however, try to manipulate me into giving you something by pretending to be nice or that you give a shit. You don’t. I don’t. It’s that simple.”

Elena shot him a look. “Fine, whatever. Shiny and pretty things, people to sing me happy birthday, the usual.”

Gian nodded. “It’ll be done.”

“Out somewhere, too. Not here.”

“Pick a place.”

Elena was the one to walk past him that time, her smile serene and her sarcasm oozing as she spoke over her dainty shoulder. “You’re too good to me, Gian.”

As he should be.

As he had to be.

Because she was his wife.

Little else had to matter, apparently. Certainly not his feelings. Those disgusting fucking things were meant for weaker men, and Gian had no time for weakness. The only time he did indulge his feelings were when it came to a certain woman that was out of his reach.

“Well, are you coming to eat supper, or are you going to stand there in the entryway all night?” Elena asked.

“Did you cook it?”

“God, no.”