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I clutch my fork. “Benny.”
“If he puts you in harm’s way, I make no promises, Neomi.”
I look away from him.
“Don’t you dare get angry with me for ensuring you’re protected!” He rests his elbows on the table. “You are my priority. Not your brother.You.”
I swallow. “You could’ve at least lied.”
“I’m not a liar.”
“All men lie.”
He clenches his jaw. “The only time I won’t be one hundred percent honest with you is if the truth will hurt or put you in trouble.”
My stomach tightens, and all my appetite is gone as I bring up another subject that’s consumed my thoughts. “Or if that truth is you sticking your dick inside another woman.”
Why not throw it all on the table?
“No, I’ll be honest about that too.” He wipes his mouth with a napkin.
“Does that mean you’ll cheat on me?”
“What is our relationship, Neomi?” He leans in closer—so close that our mouths are nearly touching. “Do you want to fuck me like you’re my wife … or do you want me to fuck someone else because you only want to be my wife on paper?”
“I don’t know.” Goose bumps travel up my arms, and my sweater slips farther off my shoulder. “I’m still trying to figure that out.”
“Once you have your answer, let me know.” He stands from the table and drops his napkin onto his hardly eaten food. “But we need to work out the dynamics of this relationship because I’m not a man who plays games.”
“What doyouwant our relationship to be, Benny?”
“We’re stuck in this together, Neomi.” He throws his arms out and raises his voice. “You asked what kind of relationship I want. I want a real one. Arealwife who doesn’t question every single one of my intentions. Divorce isn’t an option. We can either make the best of it or we can drive each other fucking insane. You decide and let me know.”
He shakes his head, curses, and leaves the room.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
BENNY
I takea swig of Jack Daniel’s straight from the bottle, and then rest it against my forehead. I found the dusty, nearly empty bottle shoved in the bottom desk drawer.
Thanks, Grandfather.
The whiskey is most likely a few decades old and tastes like it, but I hoped it would take the edge off.
I’ve almost dragged my ass out of this chair six times to say fuck it and talk with Neomi, but I stop myself every time.
It’s an unfortunate situation we’re in.
But we’re in it—locked with the key thrown away.
There are no divorce papers.
Death is the only method of leaving this marriage.
I’ve watched arranged marriages thrive while seeing others turn into nightmares. I dreaded this marriage from the beginning, but my chest tightens at the thought of it being a nightmare. I’d rather give a little than live with a wife who despises me … or who I despise.
I’ll take thriving for three hundred, please.
