“Please come in,” Asivva said sarcastically as Theo stormed through her door without an invitation.
“What did you tell Jade?” he demanded.
She walked over to an overstuffed chair and sat instead of answering him.
Stalking over to her, he repeated, “What did you tell her?”
“It’s very nice to see you too, brother. Thank you for visiting.”
He threw his head back and let out a bark of frustration then slowly exhaled a breath. “Hello, dear beautiful sister. It’s so lovely to see you. Is your husband home? How is month four of your marriage? Also…What. The. Fuck. Did. You. Tell. Jade?”
Her mouth spread into a grin. “Tell her about what? We talked about many things.”
“About marriage and what you’re required to do in a marriage.”
“Oh, do you mean did I reveal the lie you told her that could get you into serious trouble?” she said, arching an elegant brow at him.
Through gritted teeth, he said, “I was thinking more about something she has called ‘female’ choice.’”
“Oh, that.” Asivva smiled sweetly. “I thought it only fair that she has her own night where she does what she wants, since you apparently forced her naked into a bathtub.”
Theo opened and closed his mouth, not sure how to argue with that. “Well, what did you tell her it was? I want to know what I’m in for.”
Leaning back, she said, “Nothing big. I just told her that on that one night, she could tell you to do whatever she wants and you have to do it.”
“What?” Theo clutched at his hair, imagining what she might ask of him.
“Judging from the last time I saw you two together, she may request that you stay in your room and leave her alone. I wouldn’t blame her.”
He sank into the chair adjacent to Asivva.
“You look weary, brother,” she said, concern showing on her face.
“You don’t understand, Asivva. I can’t control my reactions around her.” He hung his head. “I almost attacked Xoris when he stopped by today because he looked at her lustfully.”
“Truly?” Asivva said with interest in her eyes. “I’ve never seen you lose control over a female before. Your temper, yes, but not control.”
“Exactly. She does something to me I can’t explain. I don’t know how I’m going to get through the rest of the marriage.”
Asivva rested her hand on his shoulder. “Maybe you should let go, Theo. Allow yourself to be happy for a few months.”
He snorted. “And how will that end?”
“Well, right now your plan is to ignore her and get through these few months without much interaction, correct?”
“If I could discover any ulterior motives, that’d be better but, yes, that’s the plan,” Theo muttered.
“The way I see it, that offers you a very painful and frustrating three months, at the end of which she leaves.” Asivva paused. “If you truly believe there’s no way for her to breach your security and get information on your clients, then it’ll end the same either way, I think.
“If she’s a spy, you’ll enjoy her for a few months, she’ll get nowhere in gaining information, and then she’ll leave.” Asivva continued, “If she isn’t a spy, you’ll enjoy her for a few months and then she’ll leave. In my mind, both of those options give you some peace. Even if it’s temporary.” She lifted his face to meet hers. “It’s better than the misery you’re in now. You may know happiness for a time.”
What Asivva said made sense. Any way he looked at it, she’d be leaving him in three months. He could spend that time being miserable or spend it near her. Every day that passed made him want her more and more.
He had been mesmerized by the sight of her laying by the fire. Her red hair had curled into shining waves, and the firelight had danced across her pale soft skin. She’d told him she was happy and content just then. If he’d lain down with her, would she have stroked his hair the way she did Cebo’s?
He shook Asivva’s hand away and rose to leave, suddenly itching to see her again. “I’ll think about it.”
Asivva frowned at him but said nothing as he left.
***
Longing. Theo couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt longing as strongly as now. When he’d returned home, he found Jade in one of his shirts, sleeping curled up on the couch. She was so peaceful. Even Cebo didn’t give Theo his normal greeting. It seemed like the beast was keeping quiet for her. The whole scene looked…right. He liked his home to be full of soft, comfortable, beautiful things. She fit here.
“Alright, little wife. Let’s put you in bed.” Gently he lifted her from the couch, but she didn’t rouse.
His heart clenched when she snuggled into the crook of his neck.
When he reached her bed, he hesitated. He was enjoying holding her and wished he didn’t have to let go. When goosebumps spread over her bare legs, he finally tucked her under the covers.
Before leaving, he brushed the back of his knuckles down her cheek and whispered, “My life before, as I knew it, ended when I met you. Have a care for my life now.”
