Page 66 of Outcast’s Vow

“I like it,” I remark. “Although I could definitely add a few things. Liven it up. Make it less like a bachelor pad.”

“I’ve already thought of that,” Baptiste says, guiding me to a room next to our bedroom, his thumb rubbing along my finger as he does so. “I’ve had this completely cleared for you. It’s a room for your studies. You can fit a desk and computer in there. Free rein to do whatever you want.”

I gasp at the sight of it.

“This room’s big enough to fit a library inside. It’s bigger than my former apartment.”

“And you can easily travel to your campus every day from here,” Baptiste says. “I can have a driver take you. Just snap your fingers and it will be so.”

“I’m sure I can manage my own way.”

“See, I told you I wouldn’t dare infringe on your independence,” Baptiste proudly declares.

I roll my eyes at him.

“Count me as the luckiest wife in the world.”

“Don’t you tease.”

“How could I not when you’ve got an entire room just for me? Wow. How generous, husband. I guess you’re even going to let me drink water and inhale air as well, right?”

“You should be grateful.”

Baptiste is playful. Mocking.

And I can be the same.

“Grateful to be a pampered poodle? Sure.”

“Admit it, girl. You’re impressed.”

“I’m honestly still reconsidering...”

Without warning, Baptiste takes my hand and twirls me around, pulling me against his wide, muscular, and very impressive chest. I giggle, breathless.

He says he doesn’t believe in love, but this feels dangerously close to it.

“So, you’re finally reconsidering how bad it was that I caught you in the Chase?”

I take a moment to wrap my arms around his neck and to reassert my control.

“I’m reconsidering that as well,” I say to him, my lips brushing his. “Slowly.”

“You want to see the rest of the place?”

“I’m sure I’ve got plenty of time to do that later,” I reply as I nod toward the bedroom. “Only one bed, then? In this big old place?”

“You’re my wife,” Baptiste says low. “You’ll be sharing my bed.”

I bring him in for a long kiss. His hands grip my waist, already desperate.

“Our bed now.”

And then I’m leading him by the hand to our bedroom. For once, I want to be the one in command. I want him naked. I want him to ravage me here. In our new home. I want to prove how lucky I feel.

And Baptiste allows it. He follows me.

Inside the bedroom, I’m the one who shuts the door with a bang.