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“Yes. Does it surprise you?” I pick up a piece of gauze and pat it against her left palm. She hisses, and instantly I want to fix my mistake. I don’t apologise for hurting her. That isn’t who I am.
She shifts her shoulders, letting me continue to clean her hand. I like the feel of her in my hold more than I should.
“A little,” she admits. “You’ve been very ‘everything is to be done my way’.” She says the last part in a deeper voice, as if she’s trying to emulate me.
I smile.
Fuck. I smile.
I don’t remember the last time I smiled and wasn’t standing over a fucking corpse.
This woman is a witch, and her words are sorcery. There can be no other explanation for my behaviour.
I bring down my shutters. Then I release her hand. I need some distance from her, from this situation, from my confusing feelings.
“You are the one who has to spend most of the time here,” I say, my voice suddenly cold. “I will be mostly away.”
Hurt ripples across her face before she manages to lock it down. She acts as if she despises me and this arrangement, but on some level, she wants things to work between us. That is curious, and unexpected.
“Away where?”
“I have many dealings that keep me occupied, Elena.”
“So, what am I supposed to do while you’re off doing whatever the fuck?”
“Whatever you like.”
I don’t give a fuck what she does, though at some point, undoubtedly, she will be busy raising our children. Heirs are vital for the ongoing longevity of the Fraser family name. Our first-born son will continue our legacy. Any daughters we have will be used to secure our position further and keep our family safe.
Our family.
Because Elena is about to become just that—my family.
“I won’t just sit on your shelf like a trophy,” she mutters. “I meant it when I said that.”
“Then don’t. As long as you don’t do anything that risks your life or safety, you can do whatever the fuck you want.”
“Really?”
“Really.” I meet her gaze. There is something about the hopeful look in her eyes that gets to me. Usually, I would take pleasure in crushing that, but not with her. Never with her.
But I do need to lay down some ground rules. She needs to be the perfect queen at my side, not a childish brat.
“There are stipulations with that, Elena. You are free to do as you want, but I do want you obedient. I meant it when I said that.” I repeat the words she just used with me. She opens her mouth to argue, but I hold up a hand, silencing her. “I can’t have you undermining me. Ever. I won’t look weak in front of outsiders. It would be detrimental to our family.”
She nods. “Okay, I understand that, but you need to show me that same respect, Kane. I won’t stand there and take abuse while you demand differently of me.”
I consider telling her no. This is my domain, not hers, but in business, compromise can help smooth the way. Our marriage will be no different, and if compromising keeps her from shanking me in my sleep, all the better. “Understood.”
She huffs a breath. “I should get home.”
“I’ll have Weston take you.”
She slips off the stool and I do the same, meaning she has to tip her head back to meet my gaze. “I guess I’ll see you at the wedding.”
“Don’t sound thrilled by the prospect.”
“Let’s be honest, Kane, neither of us would have chosen this.”
I can’t deny that, so I say nothing. She gathers her things up and I watch, unable to say anything, even though I want to. When she climbs into the back of the car, I watch her with something akin to unease as she is driven away from me. I don’t want her out of my sight.
