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Grim.
Twisting around takes some effort, but once I’m situated, I take a moment to study my husband.
Husband… That’s going to take some getting used to.
Grim’s forehead isn’t marred with worry lines when he’s sleeping. He has a subtle snore, but it doesn’t bother me. Instead, it’s comforting.
I used to think I wanted a strait-laced man, but now I know better. Something deep within my soul resonates when Grim is near. I lift my hand to caress his face when two piercing ice-blue eyes pop open and stare into mine.
Dropping my hand, I mutter, “Good morning.”
He pulls his arm off me and signs, “Morning. Sorry… You were shaking last night, and I didn’t want to leave you.”
“I don’t mind. Thanks for being so considerate.”
I’m hurt that my parents seem to have taken Brad’s side when it comes to finding me. Above anyone else, they’re supposed to protect me. I’m thankful Grim offered me comfort last night. Subconsciously, I must’ve known he stayed because I slept peacefully. No nightmares or anything.
The whole situation between Grim and me is awkward. We’re married, but it seems neither of us have any idea how to act or what to say.
Grim jumps out of bed and pulls a t-shirt over his head. Before he tugs it down over his taut stomach, my eyes wander down to his gray sweatpants where a huge bulge has caught my attention. My mouth drops open, and my heart rate spikes.
Grim clears his throat and breaks the spell I’m currently under.
“My eyes are up here.” He smirks and then turns on his heel to head into the bathroom.
I bury my head in the blanket and groan, thankful he’s giving me a moment to collect myself.
I was ogling Grim.
Yes, he’s my husband but in name only. It’s a marriage of convenience, although I’m not sure what he’s getting out of the deal. I’m getting protected from a psycho by a gorgeous lumberjack of a man with a heart as big as the moon, and he’s stuck with the pint-size daughter of a pastor. We haven’t kissed since we said ‘I do’ at the wedding chapel, and there’s been no pressure from him to have sex. Not at all what I was expecting… He’s been the perfect gentleman.
That’s because I want more, and he’s not interested in that with me.
The sound of running water shakes me out of my melancholy mood. After climbing out of bed, I hurry to grab some clothes. When I open the bag and take in the contents, I frown. I desperately need to buy more clothes, but my purse is still at my apartment… along with my computer and everything else I own.
A tap on my shoulder causes a shriek to escape my mouth, and my body jerks as if I’m being electrocuted. For such a big guy, he moves like a ninja.
“Didn’t mean to scare you.” His brows knit in concern. “Wanna get outta here for a while?”
“You scared the crap out of me!” I smack his chest playfully but whip my arm back when I realize what I’ve done.
Shrinking back instinctively, I squeeze my eyes closed and wait for the onslaught. But when nothing happens, I slowly open one eye and then the other. Grim’s mouth hangs open as he stares at me. Then he snaps out of it and lifts his arms slowly.
“We need to get something straight right now,” he begins. I don’t dare interrupt because that’s never ended well for me. “I will never hurt you.”
“I’m sorry, it’s an ingrained reaction. I don’t mean to do it.”
He shakes his head. “I scared you, you reacted. End of story.”
Embarrassed and wanting to change the subject I ask, “Where’re we going?”
He gives me a lopsided grin. “I know what you’re doing, but to answer your question, it’s a surprise.”
“Give me thirty minutes?”
“I’ll meet you in the common room.”
After Grim leaves, I rush to get ready, thankful that Cece got me a cover for my cast so I can shower. With my arm in the cast, I can’t do much with my hair, so I leave it down. I put on the last of the clean clothes I have, making a mental note to ask Grim where the washer and dryer are so I can wash them. I slip on my sneakers and make it to Grim with five minutes to spare.
