Page 91 of Imprisoned with the Vampire King

"I'm getting really tired of that word."

"Is there a word you would prefer?"

I swiped mascara on. "I don't know. What are my options?"

"Significant other?"

"I'll pass."

"Spouse."

"God, no." I screwed the lid on my mascara and set it down.

"Partner?"

"We're not in business together."

"Lovers is applicable."

"We haven't had sex in weeks," I pointed out.

"You haven't seemed interested. And actually, I've been wondering why you haven't." He adjusted the way he was standing, so he faced me a little more.

"Because of reasons." I put my makeup away, just so I wouldn't have to look at him.

"What reasons?"

"Reasons that are my own business, Dante." I closed the drawer. My wings were stiff, but I hoped he didn't recognize that particular clue into my emotions. "You're the one who said you don't like to open up. You know plenty about me, and I barely know anything about you."

"You haven't asked me anything," he said.

"Of course I haven't. I'm trying not to develop feelings here." I gestured between us just a little violently.

His eyes narrowed, and I realized what I'd just said.

Shit.

"Why are you trying not to develop feelings?"

"Reasons." Turning away from him, I took a step toward the bedroom.

He caught my wrist before I could escape. "What reasons, Ophelia?"

I tried to pull my wrist away. His grip was gentle, but he didn't let go.

"I'm not doing this right now," I said.

"Why not?"

"Because."

"Because why?"

I spun to face him again, tense, and pissed, and... stressed.

"Fine. You want the truth? I don't want to fuck you because it's going to make me feel things for you. And I don't want to feel things for you, because I'm not a priority for you. Whether or not you have any feelings about me or our situation, your work and your family are always going to come first."

He looked like he was going to disagree.