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He offers a small smile. I smile back, though there is still a big lump of emotion clogging my throat.
“I don’t hate that either.” The worry on his face melts away. “But—” I continue. “There is something we need to talk about.”
“Talk to your husband about anything you need.” He fills his glass of wine.
My stomach flutters. Why does my stomach flutter over that? Over calling himself my husband? Or the fact he’s so open to me saying what I need to say?
“What is the deal with Rafael?” I hate how weak the words come out. Hate how the jealousy is loud and clear.
“Rafael and I have a contract,” he answers simply.
“What does that mean?”
“It means he’s around because of a contractual obligation.”
“So you have no feelings for him?” I question carefully. Not because I’m worried about his reaction, but because that’s crazy. A contract?
He takes a deep breath. “I have an affection for him. Attraction certainly. Friendship, too, I suppose. But I am not in love with him, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“So if there was no contract…”
“There would be no relationship,” he adds firmly.
“Why is it like that with him?”
The easy way in which he answers me only makes me think he’s once again being truthful. I can believe Enzo.
“It was easy for both of us. I trust him enough to not have it. I’ve offered to get rid of it and keep our arrangement, but he refuses.”
“So have you two still…”
“Twice since you’ve been at the house,” he admits openly. I hold his gaze, waiting for the need to throw up to hit me. For the rage to roll over me and make me want to punch him. But it doesn’t quite hit me like that. My throat tightens a little, and I feel—I don’t know. I’m not exactly angry, and I don’t think I like it, but I don’t want to kill the man. I don’t feel like I was betrayed or cheated on. I guess I wish I hadn’t been left in the dark about it.
“And moving forward?” I manage. If I thought my first words were weak, these are pitiful.
“Rafael is pro-wife.” Hm, surprising. “He wants us to be together, regardless of what it means for him and me. I’m fine with that on a few conditions, but also have a request.”
Rafael wants Enzo and me to be together. I’m not sure how to take that.
“What conditions? What request?” I ask, wanting to hear more about this.
“I’d prefer to tell you the request first.” I gesture for him to continue. “I think he should stay, and the contract be adjusted to include the both of us.”
More of what happened at the club? I don’t hate the idea.
“Why?”
“Because it was fun. Is that not enough?”
“It’s not traditional.”
“And anything else about our marriage is?” he responds.
I smirk. “Yeah, I guess that’s a good point. And the conditions?”
“If Rafael and I were to cancel our arrangement, he would still have a place to live in the house. I won’t kick him out.”
“But no more sex?”
