Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
“The dizziest, as well,” I quipped.
He yanked off his tie, pulling his shirt over his head, then dropped to his knees in front of me.
“Once I’m finished with you, Effie, you won’t know up from down.” He took my hand, placing it on his head. “Hold on to me. Don’t let go.”
He tore away my underwear and lifted my leg over his shoulder. “And I want to hear you, wife.”
I gave him exactly what he wanted.
CHAPTER 24
ROMAN
Effie slept beside me, her dark hair spread across the pillow. Elbow bent, I rested my head on my hand, watching her. I never dreamed the fire that raged behind those lovely eyes of hers and her shy, sweet nature. She was an amazing lover, eager to learn, ready and willing to please. I loved watching her gain confidence, tell me what she liked, what she loved. There was little she disliked, except being held down and being frightened in the dark. It brought back too many memories for her.
I traced my finger along her arm, pleased to see the skin clear of bruises. She had a small scar along her hairline only she could see. I could feel it under my finger when I would stroke her head, and it would forever remind me of how we came to be.
I hated the thought of leaving today, going back to Canada. But I knew it had to be done. I liked having her to myself. Showing her New York. We played tourist briefly, but I was thrilled to discover she would rather be alone with me than out staring at architecture or the Statue of Liberty. She’d mentioned always wanting to skate at Rockefeller Center, and I promised her we would return over the holidays and do that. I would get her a room where she could see all the sights easily, including the tree she found so fascinating.
She sighed, moving a little, her hand reaching out. I grasped it, kissing the delicate fingers, loving how the ring looked on her hand. The diamond band I had added completed the package, marking her as firmly taken. The platinum ring on my finger stated the same thing, and I enjoyed the weight of it. To my surprise, I found I liked being married.
Or perhaps it was because I was married to Effie.
I genuinely liked her. Our conversations were varied. She was witty and clever. At times hilarious. Other times silly. She made me want to be silly with her and make her laugh. We were surprisingly compatible in many ways.
Especially sexually.
I never dreamed I’d find the thought of being monogamous so agreeable. I couldn’t be bothered to look at another woman. Effie was everything I needed. Being faithful suited me.
Effie suited me.
She stirred and woke, her luminous eyes finding mine.
“Good morning, wife.”
She stretched, the action causing the sheet to fall away and her breast to be exposed. The rosy nipple was taut, still chafed from my mouth a few hours ago when I woke Effie and took her in the dim morning light.
She smiled, tugging up the sheet. “Down, boy.”
I laughed and bent, kissing her. “There is no down with you.”
She huffed in fake frustration. “I won’t be able to walk on to the plane later.”
“I’ll carry you.”
“The people in the hotel must think I can’t walk.”
I often swept her into my arms and carried her across the lobby if I was feeling the need to get her alone. Which happened every time we were out of the hotel and she was dressed for any length of time.
Like lunch.
She was smaller, her legs not covering the ground as quickly as mine. It was easier and faster to carry her. That way, I could kiss her in the elevator without much trouble either.
“The people in the hotel, as you refer to them, are paid not to comment.”
She traced her fingers along my jaw, her touch alone making my blood rush faster. “Such power.”
I tilted my head, leaning into her hand. “My power doesn’t impress you. Nor does my wealth. I have to strive to get your attention.”
She shook her head. “You have my attention. All of it, Roman. Because of what beats here.” She rested her hand on my heart. “Not the number in your bank account or who you can control.”
“Why do you insist on seeing me in such a positive light? I am not what you think I am.”
“You’re not what you think you are either.”
I furrowed my brow. “I don’t understand.”
“Do you think Aldo is a bad man?”
“I think he’s one of the best men I know. Despite things he does in the world we live in. He is loyal and true. He loves those he considers family. He would die for them. That means a lot in this life.”
“I know you’re not a saint, Roman. I know your world contains more shades of gray than I can understand. You’ve been honest about that. Vi says the same about Aldo. But if you can think of him as a good man, why can’t you give yourself the same grace? You’re loyal, you love your family, you are good to your employees.” She paused. “You married me to protect me. In my world, that means a lot.”